Notre Dame Becomes Full ACC Member In All Sports But Football, Hockey

The ACC announced on Wednesday that Notre Dame will be joining the conference in all sports except football and hockey. The Fighting Irish also agreed to play five football games annually within the ACC. The ACC council of presidents voted unanimously to accept Notre Dame, and commissioner John Swofford praised Notre Dame and its fit with the ACC based on academics and athletics.

Notre Dame president Rev. John I. Jenkins echoes those same sentiments.

"The ACC is composed of some of the most highly respected universities in the country, and we at Notre Dame look forward to joining them," said Notre Dame President, Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C. "With a mix of institutions - many of which are also private, similar to Notre Dame in size, and committed to excellence in research and undergraduate education - the ACC is an exceptionally good fit for us academically, as well as athletically."

Notre Dame now joins the Maryland Terrapins, Virginia Cavaliers, and Virginia Tech Hokies in the ACC. Virginia Tech and Notre Dame were both members of the Big East from 2000-2004, when Virginia Tech left to join the ACC.

Notre Dame's hockey team announced last October its plan to join the Hockey East beginning with the 2013-14 season. It is currently a member of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association.

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