In the early days of Notre Dame football becoming a national powerhouse , the Subway Alumni received its name .
So many of Notre Dame were from New York City and traveled by subway to and from Army - Notre Dame games throughout the New York City area .
In the early days of Notre Dame football becoming a national powerhouse , the Subway Alumni received its name because so many of them were from New York City and traveled by subway to and from Army - Notre Dame games throughout the New York City area .