Shamrock Series goes in-state

Notre Dame’s series with Purdue will take a six-year break.

Next year the Midwest programs will meet for the 69th straight season when Notre Dame takes its Shamrock Series game to Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis against its in-state rival. The teams won’t meet again until 2020 and then play intermittently moving forward.

Purdue announced that Notre Dame will come to West Lafayette in 2020 with the Boilermakers heading back to South Bend the following season. The teams will do a home-and-home in 2024-25, with a neutral site game scheduled for 2026.

Notre Dame has played Purdue every season since 1946.

Notre Dame’s affiliation with the Atlantic Coast Conference, which will require the Irish to play five games against the league annually starting next season played a part in the series break. So too did the Big 10 moving to a nine-game conference schedule as the league adds Maryland and Rutgers next year.

Purdue athletics director Morgan Burke said he’s working with Notre Dame athletics director Jack Swarbrick to continue the series beyond 2026.

“Jack and I tried everything we could to keep the series going without interruption,” Burke said in a statement. “But, between the Big Ten going to a nine-game schedule and Notre Dame's affiliation with the Atlantic Coast Conference, it just didn't work out. The series is important to both schools, and we are pleased that we are able to extend it through 2026.”

Notre Dame’s schedule for next year has developed into an irritant around the athletic department, with the game against Purdue in Indianapolis one of the few dates set. Brian Kelly has suggested the ACC may provide Notre Dame some relief from the five-game league commitment next season as the Irish appear stuck with 13 contract games.

Notre Dame may only play four ACC teams next season, then take on six conference games in 2015. The Irish are slated to face Florida State, Syracuse, North Carolina, Wake Forest and Louisville next season. The Syracuse game will be a road game for Notre Dame but played at the New Meadowlands.

The Irish also have contracted games with Northwestern, Arizona State and Rice outside of traditional rivals.

Next season also marks the end of the Michigan series with no future dates on the books.