Oct. 8, 2010
NOTRE DAME, Ind. –
Notre Dame Collectibles By Steiner
By Jason Klein
Chances are, you won’t ever have the opportunity to sprint out of the tunnel, sporting the famous Notre Dame gold helmet, before a raucous crowd at Notre Dame Stadium.
However, what if you could get your hands on an actual game-used Fighting Irish helmet worn by an Irish student-athlete? You wouldn’t even need to lift weights, attend long, grueling practices, or take down that 215-pound fullback carrying the ball. Instead, this coveted piece of collegiate history would be hand-delivered to you.
This is one of the many services provided by Notre Dame-Steiner Collectibles, a partnership joining the Fighting Irish and Steiner Sports, the most trusted brand in the sports gifts and collectibles business. Since 1987, Steiner Sports has been a leader in designing and developing unique products that connect to the heart of sports fans.
“Steiner Sports partnered with Notre Dame to create a line of gifts and collectibles that connects with the passion of Irish fans,” said Brandon Steiner, CEO of Steiner Sports. “Our game-used product line, including footballs, jerseys, and helmets from the field, guarantees fans can own an authentic piece of history.”
Authenticity is paramount with Steiner Sports. Every Notre Dame-Steiner Collectible is meticulously removed from Notre Dame Stadium, under the strict guidance of the University, to ensure it is 100 percent certified authentic. In fact, Notre Dame equipment manager Ryan Grooms works directly with Steiner Sports to ensure that all items showcased are genuine Irish memorabilia.
Among the items inspected include game-used footballs, uniforms, pants, helmets and stadium benches to name a few. Upon removal, game-used items are hand-delivered to the Steiner Sports corporate offices. After careful inspection, a Notre Dame-Steiner hologram is added to the item and a certificate of authenticity is issued. This attention to detail and accuracy makes Steiner Sports the most trusted name in the game-used sports collectibles industry.
“Authenticity is our number one objective,” said Brandon Steiner, CEO of Steiner Sports. “We take pride in our product and making sure it’s genuine. Together with the University of Notre Dame, we are able to accomplish this goal for the benefit of our customers and the industry as a whole.”
This upcoming season of Notre Dame athletics will most certainly provide a new wave of coveted collectibles. On the gridiron, first-year head coach Brian Kelly is leading the Irish into a new era of Notre Dame football. In such a historic season, Steiner will be sure to collect some distinctive memorabilia along the way to commemorate the Irish’s usual run through one of the toughest schedules in the nation.
On the hardwood, after a successful 2009-2010 season, men’s basketball head coach Mike Brey will lead the Irish in another exciting year of action. With a challenging non-conference schedule that includes Gonzaga and Kentucky and a slew of games in the always-competitive BIG EAST Conference, there are sure to be a number of thrilling contests and moments, and Steiner will be there to gather unique items for Irish fans during the year.
This upcoming season will be the final one played within the Joyce Center for the Notre Dame hockey program. Starting in 2011, the program will open the new Compton Family Center, a state-of-the-art facility accommodating 5,000 fans. In the meantime, this coming season will be a special one for collectors to grab a final piece of memorabilia to commemorate the old building. Notre Dame-Steiner will be at the heart of the process.
“No question, game used pucks, jerseys, and sticks used during this final season at the Joyce Center will be featured items this season,” said Notre Dame associate athletics director Jim Fraleigh. “A lot of alumni watched some special games in the arena. Here’s their chance to take home a piece of the history.”
It’s an opportunity that brings fans as close to Notre Dame athletics as the players are – without even taking a physical!