Getting to SB on Game Days?

[marc2slick]

Heading out to Notre Dame for the Purdue game, but usually I stay in South Bend but this time its way too expensive! Wife and I are staying in Chicago so what's the best way to get down there for the game? Decicing on renting a car just for the day.


Thanks!

 

[BleedBlueGold]

Toll Road

 

[Emcee77]

Will you be with anyone with wheels in South Bend? You can take the South Shore Line, a regional train, from downtown Chicago to the South Bend airport. That would probably be the way to go if the train schedule fits your plans, and if you had someone to drive you from the airport to campus and back. Otherwise, you'd have to rely on cabs, which might be dicey, so a one-day car rental is probably a better bet.

 

[PraetorianND]

Heading out to Notre Dame for the Purdue game, but usually I stay in South Bend but this time its way too expensive! Wife and I are staying in Chicago so what's the best way to get down there for the game? Decicing on renting a car just for the day.


Thanks!

Did you look for hotels outside of South Bend? Try Mishawaka or Granger. You would likely still have to rent a car but at least you wouldn't have to deal with driving back to Chicago after the game.

 

[CHIDomer9]

On paper, the electric train from Chicago will will lure you in. Resist. It is a long, slow ride, and especially after the game, the last place you want to be is on an uncomfortable train. Plus, I waited for HOURS at the South Bend Airport waiting for the return train to leave for Chicago. I made that mistake once, but never again.

Like BleedBlueGold said, take the toll road. And be sure and stop at the Knute Rockne Plaza. You'll know which one it is by the sea of Irish fans stopped there.

 

[IrishinTN]

I've stayed at Elkhart several times and there are plenty of reasonably priced hotels right by the toll road. Easy shot into SB and park at the $20 parking on the edge of campus and you're all set.

 

[dshans]

On paper, the electric train from Chicago will will lure you in. Resist. It is a long, slow ride ...

I took the South Shore from SB to Chi a few times in my years at ND. It was affectionately (?) known as the Vomit Comet in my day. Always an adventure. My first time on the SS was my freshman year for Christmas break. It was the only time in four years that I flew from O'Hare to Orlando (and vice-versa) for a break, be it Christmas, Spring or Summer.

On my return flight from Orlando I was flying with a high school classmate, his older brother and a cousin – all Domers. The flight went fine. Getting to the SS station went fine. Getting from Chi Town to SB ... not so good. The engine on our train broke down. They announced (no lie/true story) that there would be an hour delay while waiting for the next train to come and push us.

Well, I had a grocery bag of oranges and a grocery bag of grapefruit I'd had as carry-on. I also had bottles of Scotch, Rum, Gin and Vodka I'd "procured" from a political gathering I'd helped with (parking cars and cleaning up afterwards) in my suitcase. It didn't take long for me to declare that it was Happy Hour. "Screwdrivers for the car!"

One woman who was bringing groceries back to SB after her day at work volunteered salami as an appetizer. Another offered a cake for dessert. We thought we were busted when a porter entered the car. He didn't ask for ID or order us to cease and desist, he simply asked "when am I going to get a drink?"

It was a long trip, but I was a pretty happy traveler when we hit the station in South Bend.

 

[gkautz10]

La Porte, my home town, has very reasonable hotel rates and is often a hot spot for out of towners who are staying. Only a 25 minute drive to campus any way you take.

 

[CarrollVermin]

Microtel in Elkhart is brand new and has reasonable advanced purchase rates. Stayed there last year and was very impressed.

 

[Fan of the Irish]

I'm staying in Niles, MI for the Pitt game and rooms were $100-$200 cheaper a night than in South Bend. It's not that far from campus either, you should check there. It has to be better than going all the back to Chicago after the game.

 

[JadeBrecks]

If you do stay in Chicago the toll road is the way to go. Get off at the nd exit. Cross right over the first road you get to and that is the"white field"parking. Follow everyone else walking. That will take you right to the grotto. Then on the way to the stadium you can pass the Basilica, golden dome, and the library. If I'm not mistaken parking is $20.

 

[ChiRish]

If you do stay in Chicago the toll road is the way to go. Get off at the nd exit. Cross right over the first road you get to and that is the"white field"parking. Follow everyone else walking. That will take you right to the grotto. Then on the way to the stadium you can pass the Basilica, golden dome, and the library. If I'm not mistaken parking is $20.

I second this. If you don't have the ability to tailgate with an alumnus or season ticket holder in the lots outside the stadium, the white lot is fun for sure. I've done both and had a blast at both. With the white lot there's a shuttle, but like Jade said, walk it. You'll catch everything and the atmosphere is awesome. Of course, the lots by the stadium aren't too shabby either:

 

[UmphreakDomer]

I'm staying in Niles, MI for the Pitt game and rooms were $100-$200 cheaper a night than in South Bend. It's not that far from campus either, you should check there. It has to be better than going all the back to Chicago after the game.

you staying at the niles inn? or holiday inn express?

 

[Fan of the Irish]

you staying at the niles inn? or holiday inn express?

The holiday inn express.

 

[UmphreakDomer]

The holiday inn express.

good call!

 

[OhioIrishFan]

Stayed in Dowagiac last year for $76 per night (after taxes!) during USC weekend and the hotel was solid. Not spectacular, but more than adequate. Will stay there again this year for BYU weekend, got it for $63 per night.