In one of the most anticipated announcements of the offseason, Notre Dame has officially revealed a major update to its 2026 schedule: the iconic Shamrock Series game, presented by Credit Union 1, will be played on Sunday, September 6, 2026, at none other than Lambeau Field—the legendary home of the Green Bay Packers.
This marks the first time in school history that the Fighting Irish will take the field at Lambeau, one of the most storied stadiums in football history. For Notre Dame fans, alumni, and college football diehards, this is more than just a neutral-site game—this is a historic moment that blends two legacies into one unforgettable evening in Green Bay.
Let’s break down everything you need to know about the game, its implications, the significance of Lambeau Field, and why this Sunday kickoff could be a masterstroke in Marcus Freeman’s scheduling strategy.
Since its inception in 2009, the Shamrock Series has allowed Notre Dame to bring its brand of football to unique locations across the country. More than just a game, each Shamrock Series contest is a weekend-long celebration of Notre Dame’s tradition, academics, and athletic excellence.
Past venues have included Soldier Field (Chicago), Yankee Stadium (New York), AT&T Stadium (Dallas), and Allegiant Stadium (Las Vegas). But Lambeau Field represents a new chapter—one drenched in NFL tradition, Wisconsin heritage, and a rabid football culture that aligns perfectly with Notre Dame’s national reach.
The decision to play on Sunday, Sept. 6, instead of the traditional Saturday slot is more than a scheduling quirk—it’s a strategic maneuver designed to maximize national exposure.
That weekend is Labor Day weekend, a prime window on the college football calendar. While most of the marquee matchups will take place on Saturday, Sunday offers a rare moment of clarity—a stage with no college competition and minimal NFL distractions (with the league’s season opener likely not until Thursday, Sept. 10).
This gives the Shamrock Series the full attention of sports fans across the country, from coast to coast. College football on Sunday night, in primetime, at Lambeau Field? ESPN, ABC, or NBC will undoubtedly seize this opportunity for a nationally televised showcase.
While Notre Dame has played all over the country—including games in Ireland, Yankee Stadium, and even Fenway Park—they’ve never taken the field at Lambeau Field, despite its relatively short distance from South Bend (about 300 miles).
Opened in 1957 and named after legendary Packers coach Curly Lambeau, the stadium is hallowed ground in the football world. It’s home to the only publicly owned NFL franchise, one of the most loyal fanbases in sports, and an atmosphere unlike any other.
To see the golden helmets glinting under the Lambeau lights will be a surreal moment for fans on both sides. It represents a blending of NFL grandeur and college football passion, something the Shamrock Series has always aimed to achieve.
As of now, Notre Dame has not revealed its opponent for the 2026 Shamrock Series game. But speculation is already running wild.
Several possibilities are on the table:
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Wisconsin Badgers: A logical and exciting choice given the proximity and shared interest in Lambeau. Notre Dame defeated Wisconsin in the 2021 Shamrock Series at Soldier Field, and a rematch at Lambeau would bring regional fans flocking.
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Michigan or Michigan State: While unlikely due to complex scheduling histories and conference ties, a matchup with an old rival would be explosive.
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USC or Stanford: One of the traditional rivals, brought to Lambeau to balance tradition with spectacle.
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A national brand like Texas, LSU, or Georgia: A true out-of-conference heavyweight bout would electrify the football world.
Regardless of the opponent, fans can expect a top-tier matchup. The Shamrock Series doesn’t do throwaway games—and the venue deserves nothing less than a blockbuster.
Head coach Marcus Freeman has not been shy about embracing challenges. Since taking over the program, he has overseen a revitalization of Notre Dame’s recruiting, culture, and schedule.
This 2026 Sunday game reflects a deeper strategy: taking control of the narrative and the spotlight.
Freeman and athletic director Jack Swarbrick, along with incoming AD Pete Bevacqua, are clearly aiming for:
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Maximum visibility
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NFL-style presentation
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Prime-time recruiting optics
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High-stakes matchups
Hosting the Shamrock Series at Lambeau Field checks all those boxes. It also signals to recruits and fans alike: Notre Dame isn’t hiding. It’s leaning in to the spotlight.
This announcement also brings with it implications for the rest of the 2026 Notre Dame football schedule, which is still being finalized.
Playing on a Sunday will likely affect:
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Bye weeks before or after the game
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Opponent travel schedules
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TV broadcasting deals
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Game prep and recovery timelines
It also raises the question: Will Notre Dame continue to schedule Sunday games on special occasions? If the 2026 Shamrock Series is a ratings success, don’t be surprised to see similar moves in future years—especially with the expanded College Football Playoff looming.
For fans, a Notre Dame game at Lambeau Field is bucket list material. Add in the fact that it’s the Shamrock Series, on a holiday weekend, and under the lights—and this becomes a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Expect:
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Custom uniforms, specially designed for the game, with nods to Notre Dame and Lambeau heritage.
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Fan events, pep rallies, and alumni tailgates across Green Bay.
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Media coverage at Super Bowl-level hype.
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Unprecedented merchandise drops and collectibles.
Green Bay may not be the largest city, but it will undoubtedly feel like the center of the football world on Sept. 6, 2026.
Another important note: this game marks a new chapter in the corporate partnership history of the Shamrock Series. The 2026 event will be presented by Credit Union 1, a growing presence in the financial services industry.
This is more than just branding—it signals Notre Dame’s continued commitment to blending tradition with modern business partnerships, providing additional resources for the program while preserving the integrity of its independent status.
Expect Credit Union 1 to have a significant presence at the event, from halftime activations to media sponsorships and digital integrations.
Lambeau Field has rarely hosted college football, which makes this event even more special.
One of the only other notable college games there was in 2016, when Wisconsin hosted LSU in a massive neutral-site game that ended in a stunning 16-14 Badgers victory. That contest had a playoff-like atmosphere—and Notre Dame’s 2026 game is expected to exceed it in terms of hype, history, and impact.
Depending on how the 2026 season plays out, this game could have major College Football Playoff implications.
With the 12-team playoff format in full swing, strength of schedule, road environments, and big-stage performances will be more important than ever. A win at Lambeau Field could become a marquee bullet point on Notre Dame’s resume.
Conversely, a loss could derail an otherwise promising campaign. That’s the beauty—and the danger—of a spotlight game.
When you combine Notre Dame football, Lambeau Field, and the national spotlight of Labor Day weekend, you get more than just a football game. You get a moment.
This 2026 Shamrock Series promises to be exactly that—a convergence of tradition, ambition, and spectacle. For Marcus Freeman and the Fighting Irish, it’s an opportunity to not only open the season with a statement but also remind the world that Notre Dame doesn’t follow trends—it sets them.
Mark your calendars for Sunday, September 6, 2026. Lambeau Field. Under the lights. College football history awaits.
