Storm the Stadium 2021 won’t take place in Notre Dame Stadium, but don’t let that stop you. This time the event is virtual, so you can participate wherever you are, on stairs or a flat surface. But you only have until this Saturday, May 1, to do so.
NDWorks sat down with Megan Leis, assistant director of military and veterans affairs, to ask about the cause behind the event.
Could you describe Storm the Stadium as it had been in its first two years?
Storm the Stadium, hosted by Notre Dame’s Office of Military and Veterans Affairs (OMVA), invites participants into historic Notre Dame Stadium for the ultimate stair-climbing event up, down and around three distinct courses:
- A long course consisting of 3,185 steps around the lower and upper bowls of the stadium.
- A short course consisting of 1,579 steps around the upper bowl of the stadium.
- A flat, accessible walking course around a 0.65-mile loop between the lower and upper bowls of the stadium.
The event also features an on-field Family Fun Zone with inflatables and games for children ages 13 and younger.
Why make the event virtual this year?
Since the pandemic threat is not yet over, to ensure the health and safety of our participants, Storm the Stadium 2021 has gone virtual. We look forward to returning to an in-person event in spring 2022.
Could you remind readers of the purpose of the event?
The Office of Military and Veterans Affairs ensures that the best and brightest military-connected students always find a home at Notre Dame, regardless of their financial situation. Storm the Stadium raises funds in order to support all military-connected students at Notre Dame, and their families.
When is it?
It’s happening now through Saturday, May 1. Register at stormthestadium.nd.edu. Suit up in your Notre Dame apparel and then step up on stairs or a flat surface, at a location that’s convenient for you.
How does it work?
Virtual Storm the Stadium 2021 participants are invited to take a minimum of 3,185 steps anywhere in your local community. If participants would like to complete additional steps, there are options to register to complete 6,130 steps and 9,555 steps. Be sure to share your accomplishment and compete to win prizes by posting your photos and tagging @notredameomva and #StormtheStadium on Instagram or Facebook. The prize categories are: Most Patriotic, Most Notre Dame Spirit and Most Steps Logged. Winners receive an OMVA Shield Collection Performance T-shirt!
Is there a cost to take part?
The registration fee is $10 to climb (or walk) 3,185 steps virtually, $20 to climb (or walk) 6,360 steps virtually and $30 to climb (or walk) 9,555 steps virtually. For each 3,185 steps climbed, participants will receive an official Storm the Stadium face mask in the mail.
Since it’s a virtual event, will people who would not normally be able to come to South Bend be able to take part in the event?
Yes. The virtual nature of the event permits us to include those who may not have been able to. Since it’s virtual, is there a need, at all, for volunteers?
Is there a deadline for registering?
Registration will remain open until this Saturday, May 1, the last day of the event. Learn more and register here!
What haven’t we asked that you would like readers to know?
Here is a link to a virtual tour of Notre Dame Stadium and registration information. OMVA is grateful for the support Storm the Stadium participants provide to Notre Dame’s military-connected students and their families. Thank you, and Go Irish!