The 2009 Gator weekend began when students, staff, and recruits gathered in the gym on Friday October 23 at 10:00 PM for Notre Dame's first ever Midnight Madness. The festivities included the singing of the National Anthem by Kristin Catchings, the introduction of the basketball and swim teams, and performances by the dance team and the Spirit Squad. The evening continued with students and staff participating in contests such as shooting, (for the prize of an ipod) and a game of limbo (for a prize of a laptop). The weekend continued on Saturday with field hockey and volleyball games at noon and the annual Bull Roast later that night.
Athletic director Michael Spinner said that "(planning Gator weekend) was a group effort." Despite the inclement weather, Spinner believes that Gator Weekend was a big success. "I was thrilled with Midnight Madness," he said. "There's no doubt that we're doing this next year". About 75% of colleges have Midnight Madness celebrations, according to Spinner. He has brought it to the College of Mount Saint Vincent and Yeshiva University, and it was a hit at both schools. Junior volleyball player Catherine Subrizi agrees that Gator Weekend was a success. "It was really nice to have a weekend set aside for athletics, since we don't have a homecoming," Subrizi said.
About twenty-five prospective student-athletes attended Gator Weekend. They represented all eight sports and six states: Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Virginia, and New York. About ten of them attended classes during the day, while one, a soccer player, became the first official member of the class of 2014. Athletics recruiting coordinator Kirsten Russell said that she thinks that it's important for recruits to have an opportunity to meet each other, and is grateful to have been able to share our first Midnight Madness with them. She wants to thank all of the students who made them feel welcome.
Gator Weekend is part of a larger effort to make the campus more vibrant. Spinner plans to continue to expand the intramural program, and hopes to co-sponsor a football day which will include a flag football game along with a Ravens viewing party. Spinner and Subrizi agree that increasing attendance at sports games is a process that will take time. When asked how they would improve attendance, Subrizi said that we need to motivate students to stay on campus on the weekends, while Spinner said, "We're going to start winning more".
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