TIMELESS: Remembering Lou Holtz, Notre Dame and a “Never Before” Moment in Time

The passing of coaching legend Lou Holtz (March 4 at the age of 89) not only marks the end of one of the storied careers in college football – it marks the loss of a man who played a substantial role in Garth Brooks’ story…and indirectly helped give millions of music fans concert experiences they might never have had.

It’s well known that Garth’s historic concert at Notre Dame Stadium in October 2018 provided the blueprint – and a sold-out “first show” – for what would become his Stadium Tour, a four-year run that found him playing some of North America’s largest and most iconic sporting venues, entertaining millions of people (including tens of thousands on a return visit to the South Bend, Indiana campus in May 2022). And it might not have happened without the one-and-only Lou Holtz.

Garth’s concert at Notre Dame was a true first – and not only for him. Nearly 90 years after The Fighting Irish played their first game there, Garth’s concert became the first concert event ever held on the fabled field. And the moment had Holtz’s endorsement!

The coaching icon – who knew firsthand what an iconic Notre Dame crowd sounded like – was so excited by the idea that he flew to Nashville and stood at Garth’s side when the event was announced. “‘Never Before’ is about to happen,” he reminded those gathered, adding, “To be able to bring all of the enthusiasm and enjoyment to people by having a concert with Garth Brooks, I think, is long overdue. You’ll say, ‘Why didn’t it happen before?’!”

Holtz’s excitement was shared by Garth that day, too. “Every gig you take, you take it as if you never get to play another gig again. This one fits perfect,” he said. “They could’ve chose anyone. And I’m very proud for us, I’m very proud for the people that allow us to be an artist, and most of all I’m proud for country music.”

Louis Leo “Lou” Holtz – a Hall of Famer and one of the most respected figures in athletics – led several college programs over a five-decade career…transforming every team he inherited and capturing the 1988 National Championship with The Fighting Irish during his decade at Notre Dame.