It's one of those questions that sounds simple until you actually try to answer it. You’re sitting there, maybe with a drink in hand, wondering where is Notre Dame game today, and suddenly you realize "the game" could mean four different things depending on the season. Today is Friday, January 16, 2026, and if you're looking for the Fighting Irish, you aren't looking at a football field. You're looking at the ice.
The big one tonight is on the road. The Notre Dame men's hockey team is currently in University Park, Pennsylvania. They are facing off against Penn State at the Pegula Ice Arena. Puck drop is set for 7:00 PM ET. It's a massive Big Ten clash, and honestly, playing at Pegula is always a nightmare for visiting teams because that student section is basically right on top of the glass.
But wait. There’s more than just hockey.
If you were looking for the men's basketball team, they've got the night off to travel. They are heading to Blacksburg to play Virginia Tech tomorrow. The women’s basketball team? They just played a tough one against Louisville last night at home and are catching their breath before heading to Storrs to face UConn on Monday. So, for the immediate "right now," the answer is Pennsylvania.
Where Is Notre Dame Game This Weekend?
If you missed the Friday night puck drop, don't worry. The Irish are staying put in State College for a double-header. Saturday, January 17, they play Penn State again at 8:00 PM ET. It’s a back-to-back series, which is pretty standard for college hockey but brutal on the players' bodies.
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Meanwhile, the men's basketball squad is finally getting back into the action. On Saturday, January 17, they play Virginia Tech at the Cassell Coliseum in Blacksburg, Virginia. That game starts at noon sharp. You can catch that one on the ACC Network if you aren’t making the drive.
Kinda confusing, right?
Here is the quick breakdown of the geographical footprint for the Irish this weekend:
The hockey team is in University Park, PA. The men's basketball team is in Blacksburg, VA. The women's basketball team is prepping in South Bend before they head to Connecticut. Even the fencing team is busy; they are competing in the St. John’s Super Cup in Queens, New York, all day Saturday. It’s basically a logistics manager's worst nightmare.
Why Finding the Game Is Getting Harder
There is a weird misconception that Notre Dame is "always on NBC." That was true for football for decades, but the landscape has shifted wildly. Now that we’re in 2026, the streaming wars have fully invaded South Bend.
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Sometimes the game is on Peacock. Sometimes it’s the ACC Network. Occasionally, for hockey, you’re hunting through B1G+ or some obscure regional sports network. Honestly, it’s frustrating. You’ve probably spent twenty minutes just trying to find the right app before.
The Basketball Situation
Coach Micah Shrewsberry has the men's team playing a very specific style that travels well, but the ACC road schedule is a gauntlet. Tomorrow's game in Blacksburg is a perfect example. Cassell Coliseum is tiny compared to some of the NBA-style arenas, but it gets loud. If you're asking where is Notre Dame game because you want to attend in person, always check the secondary markets early. Tickets for these 12,000-seat ACC gyms evaporate fast.
The Hockey Factor
Under Jeff Jackson, the hockey program has become a consistent threat, but the Big Ten is a shark tank. Playing Penn State at Pegula is one of the hardest road trips in the country. The "Roar Zone" (their student section) is legendary for being relentless. If you're watching on TV, expect a lot of noise and a very fast-playing surface.
Looking Ahead: The Football Question
I know, I know. Even in January, people ask about football. It’s the lifeblood of the school. While there isn't a game today, the 2026 schedule has been the talk of the town because of some massive changes.
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The Irish are actually scheduled to play BYU in 2026. What's wild is that the game is in Provo. It’s part of a two-game series that actually shifted some of the traditional rivalries around. There’s been a lot of chatter about the USC series potentially being interrupted or moved because the schedule is getting so cramped with ACC requirements and marquee non-conference games like Wisconsin and Michigan State.
Basically, the 2026 football season is going to look a lot different than the 1996 or 2006 versions you might remember.
How to Never Miss a Game Again
If you're tired of Googling "where is the game" every five minutes, there are a few pro moves.
First, the Fighting Irish app is surprisingly decent. It syncs the calendar directly to your phone. Second, follow the specific team accounts on X (formerly Twitter). They usually post the "where to watch" graphics about three hours before tip-off or puck drop.
Third, keep an eye on the time zones. Notre Dame is in the Eastern Time Zone (usually), but when they travel to places like South Bend (which is on the edge) or out to the West Coast for those new ACC matchups against Stanford or Cal, the start times get weird.
Actionable Steps for the Weekend:
- Tonight (Jan 16): Tune into the hockey game at 7:00 PM ET. It’s likely on a Big Ten streaming affiliate or Peacock.
- Tomorrow (Jan 17): Set your alarm for the 12:00 PM ET tip-off for men's basketball at Virginia Tech.
- Check the Weather: If you are actually driving to University Park or Blacksburg, the January mountain weather is no joke. Check the passes before you go.
- Download the Apps: Make sure you have the ESPN app (for ACC games) and the Big Ten Plus app ready to go. Nothing kills the vibe like waiting for a 2GB update while the game is starting.
The Irish are spread thin across the Northeast this weekend. Whether you're looking for the ice in PA or the hardwood in Virginia, now you know exactly where they are. Stay warm out there.