Navy's Ken Niumatalolo optimistic fans will be permitted for Notre Dame game

Navy football coach Ken Niumatalolo remains optimistic that the Midshipmen won't be playing in an empty stadium in the season opener at home against Notre Dame.

The longest continuous intersectional rivalry in the country was moved from Ireland to Annapolis because of the coronavirus and is tentatively scheduled for Sept. 5.

"At this point I feel good about all the plans we have in place," Niumatalolo said Wednesday. "Obviously it won't be a full stadium and it will be a lot different from other games that we've ever played at the Naval Academy, but that's the new norm now."

This would be the first time Notre Dame visits Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in the 94-year history of the rivalry. It will not be sellout because social distancing will be required.

"I would love to have the stadium packed with all of our fans," Niumatalolo said. "I'm grateful that there will be some fans there if we do play, and it looks like everything is pressing forward that way."