Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger, inspiration for the film “Rudy,” is coming to Soboba Casino for the Soboba Super Party on Feb. 7.
Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger, inspiration for the film “Rudy,” is coming to Soboba Casino for the Soboba Super Party on Feb. 7.

Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger will be visiting San Jacinto for a motivational speech, and meet-and-greet Sunday and Monday, Feb. 7 and 8.

Ruettiger was the inspiration for 1993’s classic blockbuster film “Rudy,” which depicts the true story of the tenacious Notre Dame graduate who in less than 30 seconds wrote his name in the history books. Against all odds, and by overcoming incredible life challenges, Rudy sacked the opposing quarterback in the last seconds of the only play, in the final game of his college football career.

As fans cheered, “RU-DY, RU-DY,” the one-time member of the practice squad became the only player in Notre Dame’s history to be carried off the field on his teammates’ shoulders.

Ruettiger will be at Soboba Casino on Feb. 7 for the Soboba Super Party, where he will be taking photographs with fans, signing autographs and catching all the Super Bowl action on the biggest screen in the Inland Empire, the Sobobatron.

According to Michael J. Broderick, director of marketing at Soboba Casino, “We are humbled to have an inspirational figure such as Rudy Ruettiger join us for the Super Bowl.” He continued, “We will definitely be cheering for Rudy.”

Guests will enjoy fresh food provided by Original Tommy’s World Famous Hamburgers, drink specials and a drawing for Free Slot Play and authentic NFL and Notre Dame merchandise.

Tickets are on sale at the Soboba Box Office for $20. General admission is free. Doors open at 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 7.

Ruettiger, a renowned motivational speaker, also will spend Feb. 8 at the Soboba Noli Indian School, speaking to the students and faculty about overcoming adversity and displaying the raw human spirit that comes from his personal experiences of triumph.

His powerful message of “yes I can” resonates with the young and old from every walk of life, and ignites a passion to succeed that will be remembered for a lifetime. Rudy will be bringing the emotion of facing the gridiron straight into the classroom, and into the hearts of the Noli Indian School students.