Notre Dame Head Coach Marcus Freeman Appeals for Reduced Ohio State Fan Attendance
In a move that has sparked debate ahead of their highly anticipated clash, Notre Dame football head coach Marcus Freeman has formally requested that the number of Ohio State fans in attendance for their upcoming game be reduced. The two powerhouse programs are set to face off on January 21, and Freeman’s appeal comes in light of concerns about the overwhelming presence of Buckeyes supporters at Notre Dame Stadium.
The situation arises from the tradition of Ohio State fans traveling in large numbers to away games, and given the proximity of the two schools—Ohio State located just a few hours away in Columbus—the Buckeyes are expected to have a sizable contingent at the game. Freeman, however, expressed concerns that an overabundance of visiting fans could skew the home-field advantage for the Fighting Irish. Notre Dame Stadium, which has a seating capacity of 77,622, is renowned for its electric atmosphere, and Freeman emphasized the importance of maintaining that environment for his team’s performance.
“It’s crucial for us to have a strong, supportive home crowd, and we want our fans to feel like they have a real presence in the stands,” Freeman said in a press conference. “We want to create an atmosphere where our players feel the energy and support of the Notre Dame faithful.”
While Freeman’s appeal has not been universally well-received, with some fans criticizing the notion of limiting fan attendance, others understand the coach’s perspective. The rivalry between Notre Dame and Ohio State has grown intense over the years, and the September matchup is expected to be a marquee game in college football this season.
As of now, it remains unclear whether the university will take any steps to limit ticket sales to Ohio State supporters, but Freeman’s request has certainly added another layer of intrigue to what is already shaping up to be a thrilling encounter.
