As college basketball approaches, Notre Dame’s men’s and women’s teams will kick off the 2025–26 season with a new community celebration called **“Irish Jam.”**
According to a university announcement, *Irish Jam presented by Under Armour* is set for **Friday, October 3**, and will be held outdoors at **Eddy Street Commons**, right across from the Notre Dame campus. This free, public event aims to engage fans and bring the local community together.
A temporary half-court will be installed in the middle of Eddy Street for the festivities. Early programming runs from **12 p.m. to 4 p.m.**, featuring local youth basketball tournaments and interactive fan experiences. The main event begins at **6 p.m.**, with both head coaches — **Micah Shrewsberry** for the men’s team and **Niele Ivey** for the women’s — addressing the crowd before introducing the players.
Coach Shrewsberry called *Irish Jam* “a unique chance to connect with the South Bend community,” and thanked Under Armour for making it happen. Ivey echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the value of community connection and expressing excitement for showcasing their program in such an accessible setting.
Leading up to the event, fans will vote for two team captains who will draft co-ed squads. These teams will compete in three fun, All-Star-style contests:
* 3-point shootout
* Skills challenge
* Shooting stars competition
Event hosts Alexis Ayala (men’s basketball emcee) and Sharla Lewis (women’s basketball emcee) will run the show, joined by a DJ to keep the energy high.
Under Armour’s Todd Locklear, said they were excited to participate, noting that *Irish Jam* aligns with their goal of supporting both student-athletes and the wider campus and local community.
The event also receives support from **Visit South Bend Mishawaka**, which will host a fan fest area with games, prizes, and other activities. Attendees can explore nearby shops, bars, and restaurants throughout the evening. Exclusive Irish basketball merchandise will also debut and be available for purchase.