I was at the game in 2000. I got my tickets through the Nebraska ticket office during the summer. I honestly did not see many tickets for sale prior to the game. At least not anything different than you would see in front of Memorial Stadium any given game day.
The atmosphere outside the stadium, and around campus was electric. I was standing by the ESPN Gameday telecast when the Husker equipment truck backed up to the stadium. They blew the horn and the Husker faithful went nuts!! You probably had to be there to appreciate the moment. The Husker fans were incredible that day. I have been to maybe 150 Nebraska home games, I would say the Notre Dame atmosphere was comprable to NU v. CU in 1994.
The one surprising thing about the trip is this. I had hated Notre Dame my entire life. After visiting the campus, spending a couple days in South Bend, and seeing the history of the program first hand, I must admit that I did a 180. The people were incredible. From fans tailgating, to the ushers at the stadium, they put the welcome mat out in a one of a kind manner. The stadium and campus were so clean!!! It was a great experience!
I remember hearing Paul Horning on the Nortre Dame radio broadcast prior to the game saying he was embarrased to see all the red in the stands. That was another highlight.