From Steam Engines to Jet Engines—Notre Dame Football’s Journey Through Time

Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C, who was executive vice president of the university, decided to make extensive changes to the Irish travel itinerary – to benefit both the student-athletes’ fitness and perhaps more importantly, their education. In the 1950’s, the Notre Dame football program began traveling by airplane. Here, the Fighting Irish celebrate the new luxury. | University of Notre Dame Archive

From Trains to Planes

Long before the roar of jet engines and the convenience of charter flights, Notre Dame football’s journey to away games was a testament to endurance and camaraderie. In the early 20th century, the Fighting Irish traversed the country by train, embarking on extensive trips that were as much about building team unity as they were about reaching the next opponent. (source: ESPN.com)

Notre Dame’s longest trip of the 1949 season was for a game against the Washington Huskies. According to Google Maps, the trip from South Bend, Ind. to Seattle, Wash., is 2,159 miles, or a 35-hour car ride. Traveling by train, the Irish had a lot of time for reading the newspaper.

One of the most iconic of these journeys was the 1925 trip to the Rose Bowl. After an undefeated season, Coach Knute Rockne led his team on a cross-country train expedition that wasn’t just a means of travel—it was a strategic move to acclimate the players to warmer climates and to captivate fans nationwide. The route included stops in New Orleans, Memphis, Houston, El Paso, and Tucson, turning the journey into a rolling celebration of Notre Dame football. (Source: ESPN.com and 125.nd.edu)

These train trips were more than logistical necessities; they were integral to the team’s identity. Players bonded over shared experiences, and the slow pace allowed for reflection and preparation. The camaraderie built during these journeys often translated into cohesive play on the field.

However, as the mid-20th century approached, the landscape of college football—and transportation—began to change. The advent of commercial air travel offered teams a faster, more efficient means of reaching distant opponents. Notre Dame embraced this new mode of transportation, recognizing the benefits of reduced travel time and increased flexibility in scheduling.

This shift from trains to planes marked a significant evolution in Notre Dame football’s operational approach. While the romanticism of train travel faded, the efficiency of air travel allowed the Fighting Irish to expand their national presence, scheduling games across the country with greater ease.

Today, the team travels via chartered flights, a far cry from the days of steam engines and sleeper cars. Yet, the legacy of those early journeys remains a proud part of Notre Dame’s storied history. They serve as a reminder of the program’s resilience and adaptability, qualities that continue to define the Fighting Irish.

To hear more about this incredible transformation, check out the video below featuring Father Hesburgh—be sure to watch until the end for one of his classic, unforgettable stories.

Cheers & GO IRISH!