On Friday, people across Michiana had a chance to gather at Notre Dame Stadium to watch Rudy on the new big screen to kick off the school year and football season.

Thousands flocked to the stadium for a free screening of an all-time classic. The event, called 'Flick on the Field.'

"I watch it like five times a year," said St. Mary's College junior Anna Byrnes. "How could you not come watch Rudy when this is where it happened, this is where Rudy became Rudy, so it's amazing to be able to do that."

Students and Notre Dame fans young and old got to be part of history.

"This is a first for everyone here including myself watching Rudy in the Notre Dame stadium, so it's pretty incredible," said Tim O'Connell, the Co-Director of Notre Dame Student Life.

O'Connell said he pitched the idea to the school back in April to show the move on the quad, but it eventually became a community-wide invitation.

"I think there's like five, six-thousand people here so it's obviously more than we could have expected," O'Connell said.

"We were thrilled that they opened it up to everybody," said Notre Dame grad student Thomas Dougherty. "We love it when Notre Dame hosts something like this that includes the kids."

Dougherty said his kids aspire to grow up and be Rudy.

People in attendance also expressed excitement in all the new renovations this season.

"I think it's amazing what they've done, like what they've added and they've kept the traditions, but added so much for so many fans," said Byrnes.

"I haven't really seen Rudy in a long time and the new football stadium sounded exciting, good opportunity to come check it out and kick off football season and the new school year," said Macie Martin, a St. Mary's College junior.

Everyone is anxiously awaiting next week's kickoff to football season.