Oct. 1, 2007
NOTRE DAME, Ind. – Fighting Irish fanatics again have the opportunity to live out all their football dreams at the sixth annual Notre Dame Football Fantasy Camp, which will be held from June 25-29, 2008. The popular camps, which have been run successfully since 2003 by former Notre Dame quarterback Patrick Steenberge (’70-’71), offer Irish fans a chance to play football where legends have gone before them – at Notre Dame Stadium.
“I am so thankful for the five years that I was able to be a part of Fantasy Camp,” said Robert Haberkorn, who has returned every summer to live out his fantasy of pulling on an Irish jersey and be coached by former Notre Dame players and coaches. “Pat has built a wonderful experience, and the memories have been great.”
Haberkorn was one of 35 camp alumni who participated in the inaugural Fantasy Bowl, a game played between veterans of the Notre Dame and Penn State fantasy camps before the Irish and Nittany Lions met at Beaver Stadium in September. Notre Dame ran out 16-15 winners and there are plans for a rematch in 2008, with roster spaces available only to Fantasy Camp participants.
Those who attend the 2008 Notre Dame Football Fantasy Camp will dress in official practice apparel for four practices with instruction from the current staff as well as former star players, have daily use of the varsity locker room in Notre Dame Stadium, and will dine in the Monogram Room, South Dining Hall, College Football Hall of Fame and Stadium Press Box.
The campers will be split into two teams and will play a 60-minute flag game in the Stadium with authentic game jerseys and pants, listening as their names are called out by an announcer. The 60-minute game day experience includes game officials, the stadium scoreboard, crowd noise music, a message from Sgt. Tim McCarthy, the football team photographer, and video footage of the whole unique experience.
Campers will meet and interact with some of the legends of Notre Dame Football, take home gifts such as an authentic home and away game jersey (with your choice of number) and pants, practice jersey, adidas cleats, cap, t-shirt, polo shirt, shorts, apparel bag, game video, team photo, and official Riddell ND Gold Helmet. When bodies are weary after a day of practice, a single room is available in the historic Morris Inn on campus, with nightly hospitality.
The unique Fantasy Camp experience costs $5490 and is the ideal gift for that father or husband who has everything else! For information call Patrick Steenberge, 817-219-7274, email him at Patrick@GlobalFootball.com or go online to www.NDFootballFantasyCamp.com.
“I had a blast hanging with the group, watching them live their lifelong dream” said former Notre Dame linebacker Scott Kowalkowski (`86-’90). “They really are awesome people.”
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Testimonials from the 2007 Notre Dame Football Fantasy Camp:
“I wanted to tell you how wonderful a job you do on these camps. From the notes under the room doors right after arrival to the breakfast on the last morning, you go first class. After we returned home, Dan was going through his bag like a kid at Christmas. The gifts and pictures he received are priceless. The room we were in was the nicest I had ever stayed in. I want to finish by saying that my Dan is the greatest husband any woman could ever wish for. It thrills me to no end to see him happy beyond words during the camps. And YOU make this happen for him as well as these other huge fans of ND. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for making his dreams come true and for allowing the families to be right in there with them. May you be blessed as you have been a blessing to so many. We’ll see you at the 2008 camp. GO IRISH!” — Debbi Rodden
“I wanted to thank all of you for a wonderful time last week. Words just can’t describe it. I look A special thanks to you Juniors, Seniors and fifth year guys. Your kindness and hospitality was unbelievable. It was a real pleasure getting to know all of you.” — Christopher P. Cromer, Vice President Investments, A.G. Edwards.
“I wanted to send you a quick note to thank you again for putting together such an incredible experience. My husband and I will never forget it! My mother-in-law phoned Sunday after their return and asked my husband, ‘how do you get your dad to stop crying?’ Thanks again to you and your staff – Go Irish!” — Tobi Faut
“Thank you again for all the effort. The camp was great, really a special time.” — Eric Turzak
“Hey, Patrick, I just wanted to let you all know what a great time I had at my first, but not last, fantasy camp. Everyone involved with the camp was very professional and very knowledgeable with everything that went on. Everyone deserves a big pat on the back. Again, you deserve a great big pat on the back. GREAT JOB! Go Irish! Again GREAT JOB” — Dave Libs
“Thank you very much for the time of my life! From Canada – thanks again for everything.” — John O’Neil
“What a week of Irish Football and also expanding our family for all who are a part of the Notre Dame Fantasy Football Camp. I have to tell you one of the greatest joys I have experienced over the past five years is getting the chance to see and feel the joy of the new guys who join our team. This year was no different. I could feel the excitement by everyone who attended from first year guys even to us old fifth years guys. Every year I tell my wife this can’t get any better and somehow it does thanks to the great job of Patrick and his team, but most importantly the new freshman coming in. As I have said from my first year “we are a family” and I am proud to be apart of it. Thank you everyone for making my week so special. GO IRISH!” — Bob Johnson
“Just a line to let you know the Fantasy Football Camp was awesome!! Everything was top notch. Well worth the price for the experience and the speakers. I had a great time! My wife taped the game for my stepson who is in the Marine Corps. I can’t wait to get his take on it.” — Roger Elliott #22
“I had the fortunate opportunity, this past week, to attend the 2007 ND Football Fantasy Camp. It was given to me as a graduation gift by my brother. You may or may not know about the camp. For those of you who have never heard of it, or for those who have in passing, this is truly something you need to put on your list of things to do in your lifetime, or think about it as a gift for a loved one. I do not believe I can give the experience true justice via an email but it was an experience I will never forget for the rest of my life. It was priceless.” — Dean Mandis