While in New York supporting the Notre Dame men's basketball team at the Big East Tournament, several members of the band and cheerleading squad made an unexpected appearance on the television program "Live with Regis and Kelly."

Several band members decided to attend the taping of the program on March 7. After a long wait in line, they received standby tickets.

Inside the studio, one of Regis Philbin's staff members noticed several students in the group were wearing Notre Dame band apparel. During one of the commercial breaks, Philbin talked with the group.

"I didn't expect Regis to be so much like he is when you see him in public," said sophomore Megan Sullivan."He was the same way off-camera with his staff and with the audience."

Philbin told the group, "We're going to do our best to get you guys on TV," said senior Kathleen Eichman.

At the end of the show, the band members were invited on the stage with Philbin and co-host Kelly Ripa. Philbin led the group in a "Go Irish" cheer and wished them good luck at the basketball game.

The next day, several cheerleaders, band members and leprechaun Mike Brown tried to get tickets for the show.

Although they didn't get tickets to the taping, Philbin brought them onto the stage at the end of the program to cheer for Notre Dame.

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