With the University of Notre Dame’s Golden Dome visible in the background, construction continues on Duncan Student Center, the western building being constructed as part of the Campus Crossroads project. SBT Photo/ROBERT FRANKLIN
SOUTH BEND — Huge construction cranes mark the University of Notre Dame skyline and tall fences keep the public far away from Notre Dame Stadium.
That’s been the scene for months as the $400 million Campus Crossroads construction project proceeds, adding three major academic and student life buildings on the exterior of the famous football stadium.
All that will change Sept. 3, two days before the home opener of the 2015 Fighting Irish football season.
“On the Thursday afternoon before every home football weekend, the work will stop,” said Doug Marsh, associate vice president and university architect. The barriers will come down and the fences will be moved up against the walls of the stadium.
All the stadium gates will be open as usual to admit football fans for the Sept. 5 night game featuring Notre Dame vs. Texas.
The nearby parking lots that Saturday will be the same as always for tailgating fans arriving to enjoy the first home game. Areas of open dirt around the stadium by early September will be covered with a layer of asphalt to provide smooth walking for those heading to the game, Marsh said.
On Sept. 6, the day just after the Notre Dame-Texas game, the fences will go back up and the massive construction project will proceed.
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