Gameday/Notre Dame for Visitors, and First Timers

[ab2cmiller]

Thanks for the link. Based on that, you don't have much time to finish up the players walk and get to the Trumpets. Are they pretty close?

A little less than 10 minute walk.

 

[Luckylucci]

Thank you. Getting pretty excited myself. Me and the wife can't stop talking about it.

 

[koonja]

Thanks for the link. Based on that, you don't have much time to finish up the players walk and get to the Trumpets. Are they pretty close?

IDK. Ask someone on campus the day of to he safe.

Also, Legends bar is awesome and conveniently located next to tailgate. Reasonably priced, never crowded, and has day games on the big screen.

 

[SouthSideChiDomer]

Love it! Done and done. We're positively giddy about the trip and the game. Great info about the beer situation too.

You guys should be happy to know there will be six less Stanford people there. We bought our tickets through their AD from a family connection.

That is awesome!

As for things to do, Trumpets under the Dome is pretty awesome. This event list (which has everything going on during the weekend, so take a look) has it at 5:30pm on Saturday for Stanford.

As for other things, I would recommend checking out the Grotto and the Basilica which are both close to the Dome so its easy to do all three quickly. You will probably want to get a picture at Touchdown Jesus, but you could also try to get ones with First Down Moses and Fair Catch Corby.

When you get hungry you can stop at any of the student run tables selling food (where proceeds go to any number of different causes), but if you really want to experience a ND gameday you will go to the Knights of Columbus building where they sell steak sandwiches which have basically become a tradition on their own.

If the weather isn't great or you just want to sit down for a while you should head to the fan fest in the Joyce Center. They have food (and I think alcohol) plus games, activities, and TVs. If you do stop there, you should check out heritage hall which is just upstairs where they have all sorts of trophies and historical displays from all the different Irish sports teams including football. Depending on what time it is you may also be able to check out the basketball team scrimmaging on the main court which is in the same building.

As for crashing a tailgate, you will probably be able to find someone willing to let you crash if you are nice enough and dressed in Irish gear. I would recommend bring a case or two for yourselves just to show you aren't trying to mooch off others, but whoever you end up crashing with will probably force their drinks on to you anyway.

Final pieces of advice are to make sure you prep for the weather because it can be anything from really hot to really cold, rainy to dry, and different combinations of that throughout the day. Also, the stadium has instituted a new clear bag policy this year, so make sure your bag is allowed before trying to go into the stadium because it is a pretty strict guideline, so much so that even the bookstore shopping bags aren't allowed in.

I hope you have fun and let me know if you have any other questions!

 

[loomis41973]

Gonna be turnt on Saturday.

 

[AU2xguy]

That is awesome!

As for things to do, Trumpets under the Dome is pretty awesome. This event list (which has everything going on during the weekend, so take a look) has it at 5:30pm on Saturday for Stanford.

As for other things, I would recommend checking out the Grotto and the Basilica which are both close to the Dome so its easy to do all three quickly. You will probably want to get a picture at Touchdown Jesus, but you could also try to get ones with First Down Moses and Fair Catch Corby.

When you get hungry you can stop at any of the student run tables selling food (where proceeds go to any number of different causes), but if you really want to experience a ND gameday you will go to the Knights of Columbus building where they sell steak sandwiches which have basically become a tradition on their own.

If the weather isn't great or you just want to sit down for a while you should head to the fan fest in the Joyce Center. They have food (and I think alcohol) plus games, activities, and TVs. If you do stop there, you should check out heritage hall which is just upstairs where they have all sorts of trophies and historical displays from all the different Irish sports teams including football. Depending on what time it is you may also be able to check out the basketball team scrimmaging on the main court which is in the same building.

As for crashing a tailgate, you will probably be able to find someone willing to let you crash if you are nice enough and dressed in Irish gear. I would recommend bring a case or two for yourselves just to show you aren't trying to mooch off others, but whoever you end up crashing with will probably force their drinks on to you anyway.

Final pieces of advice are to make sure you prep for the weather because it can be anything from really hot to really cold, rainy to dry, and different combinations of that throughout the day. Also, the stadium has instituted a new clear bag policy this year, so make sure your bag is allowed before trying to go into the stadium because it is a pretty strict guideline, so much so that even the bookstore shopping bags aren't allowed in.

I hope you have fun and let me know if you have any other questions!

This is really great information and very appreciated! Since we're staying in Chicago, our plan is to arrive at ND around noon (we're renting a car). Should give us plenty of time to see everything and enjoy the day.

I saw where some mentioned Legends. Seems like a good place to grab lunch upon arrival and start the day before meandering our way through campus. I'll definitely keep an eye out for everyone selling food too. Might be tough for us to carry around a case since we don't have anywhere to officially tailgate, but I'm always more than willing to pay someone for a beer if they'll let me mooch one. I usually carry around smaller bills on game days just for that reason when I go to road games for Auburn. Planning to wear just a solid navy blue shirt Saturday since that's the color of AU's and ND's primary home jersey.

We're definitely hitting up the dome for the bagpipe playing and trumpets show before the game. Not too worried about the weather. Honestly, you've got some Southerners who are excited to get away from the heat for a few days. I also used to live in Michigan, so I'm pretty used to it. Actually traveled to South Bend quite often for my old job, but never got a chance to see a game on campus. Only time I've seen ND play was the 2006 comeback at Michigan State in the rain. That game was unreal.

A couple of questions that I would like to ask. Where is the best place to park? I saw that the golf course didn't look too far away, but unsure how bad it will be getting out of there. Also, First Down Moses? Never heard of that, but I want to see it. Where would that be?

Thanks again!

 

[koonja]

To Lucci and the Auburn fan - the ISD tailgate is at lamppost 16. They always welcome any and all. Lucci I know you're a member but I bet Mike (owner) would love to entertain a SEC fan for a tailgate. I've been to the ISD tailgate. Always a good time and friendly people

 

[NorthDakota]

Thanks for the link. Based on that, you don't have much time to finish up the players walk and get to the Trumpets. Are they pretty close?

If you are a practicing Catholic, going to Mass in the Basilica before the game is great. Christmas/Easter type attendance, half the people have a strong buzz so it's a great atmosphere in there. *Cue Whiskey coming in to scorn for going to Mass after 10-12 Miller Lites*.

My dad, my brother in law, and myself are going to the FSU game. I'm hoping to hit the trumpets this time. We'll see if we can squeeze it in

 

[Some Irish Bloke]

Hi everyone! Auburn fan here. Myself and two buddies are bringing our dads for a bucket list trip to see a game in South Bend this weekend against Stanford! Would love some suggestions on gameday must-dos that maybe others haven't mentioned.

Would also love to know how easy it is to crash a tailgate. I've found that chatting people up in the SEC usually leads to fun and would love that experience Saturday. We're just six guys who LOVE college football and have been planning this trip for a year now. Going to Wrigley Thursday and Friday before heading to SB on Saturday.

Looking forward to it and thanks in advance for any tips!

Depending on how close you are to the campus and how late you're willing to stay on Friday night, the midnight drummer's circle would be a pretty cool thing for visitors. It's right in front of the Golden Dome (obviously starts at midnight).

Similar to what Koon laid out, I've brought a small cooler with cold ones and have never ran into an issue. It lasts about 45 mins IIRC.

You guys will have a great time, ND fans are typically very hospitable hosts and you'll love the campus. Definitely a big bucket list item. Cheers and enjoy on Saturday!

 

[AU2xguy]

Thanks for all of the info here! Where would y'all suggest parking? We're driving over from Chicago on Saturday morning (we have Cubs tickets Thursday/Friday) and planning to arrive around noon. Is the golf course a good spot for that or would you suggest somewhere else?

 

[Irish#1]

Thanks for all of the info here! Where would y'all suggest parking? We're driving over from Chicago on Saturday morning (we have Cubs tickets Thursday/Friday) and planning to arrive around noon. Is the golf course a good spot for that or would you suggest somewhere else?

Depends on how quick you want to get out after the game. You’ll wait over and hour at white field. We park south of the stadium and pay $20-$30. It doesn’t take long took get out and worth it in my opinion.

Forecast is a high of 61 with a 10% chance of rain. Perfect weather for football.

For crashing tailgates, stroll through the Joyce lot adjacent to the stadium. Offer to pay for a beer and you'll get whatever you want for free. you'll find Irish faithful are a great bunch to party with regardless of the color of the jersey. Unless you're a scUM fan. F@ck Michigan!

 

[Some Irish Bloke]

https://map.nd.edu/#/placemarks//zoom/16/lat/41.701066942358494/lon/-86.23066526669857

Here's an interactive map of campus. There are plenty of options, but here's my usual go to:

Notice Twyckenham Dr east of the stadium: I usually tailgate in a lot on the NE corner of Twyckenham and Bulla. It's technically just outside of campus, but it is only $20-25 bucks, they will surely be open at noon, and it's only about a 15 minute walk to the stadium. Usually a fun crowd in there too. I put up a canopy tent, corn hole, the whole 9 yards and never have issues.

The money goes 100% to a non-profit organization for special needs individuals as well.

To get there, when you turn right and head north on Twyckenham, hook a right on Vaness, take a left on Willis St, and then left on Bulla Rd. You can turn right to head east on Bulla Rd from Twyckenham.

I usually get out pretty easy too, or have a post-game beer or two and let traffic die-down altogether.

 

[Irish#1]

Thank you. Getting pretty excited myself. Me and the wife can't stop talking about it.

10 min walk if you walk fast. I haven't been to it yet, but my son said it gets packed in there early so you may want to consider one or the other.

If I remember, this is your first time to Mecca, correct? I suspect your eyes may get a little watery the first time they come out of the tunnel. I'll be there, so look me up! lol

 

[Luckylucci]

10 min walk if you walk fast. I haven't been to it yet, but my son said it gets packed in there early so you may want to consider one or the other.

If I remember, this is your first time to Mecca, correct? I suspect your eyes may get a little watery the first time they come out of the tunnel. I'll be there, so look me up! lol

Yes, first time. I'm certainly prepared to be overwhelmed. Definitely a bucket list for me and my father to go together.

 

[ACamp1900]

Yes, first time. I'm certainly prepared to be overwhelmed. Definitely a bucket list for me and my father to go together.

For the record this doesn't get you off the hook if I need CC troops this weekend......

 

[Luckylucci]

For the record this doesn't get you off the hook if I need CC troops this weekend......

It's all good, I'll be ready to multi task

 

[greyhammer90]

Love it!

So this is specific to Stanford game: https://gameday.nd.edu/events/2018/9/29/

I would skip most of this. Check out the Basillica on your own time, check out Grotto, check out bookstore, and tailgate the rest of the time IMO.

Dont miss the trumpets under the dome or players walk. Like I said those are worth being early for IMO.

Ask if they're doing tunnel or locker room tours. Ask anyone, ND ushers and fans are great at 2 things: heartbreak and being exceptionally kind to guests.

At least this is what I'd suggest. I've been to ~8 ND games and this is the "must see", especially If you dont want to cut into your drinking time .

Koon gives good advice, his recommendations mirror my own. Enjoy yourself. The trumpets and player walk before the stadium are my absolute favorite things.

 

[OhioIrish31]

Koon gives good advice, his recommendations mirror my own. Enjoy yourself. The trumpets and player walk before the stadium are my absolute favorite things.

I never get tired of the Trumpets!

 

[Henges24]

Schedule for Saturday vs Stanford:

5:15- 5:30 players walk in
4 pm - 5pm Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting Geddes Hall
5:30 - 5:40 Trumpets in the Dome
6:00 - 6:30 Concert at Bond Hall
6:30 - 6:45 Drum Circle Bond Hall
6:45 Band March to Stadium
7:30 Kick off

 

[Rack Em]

Schedule for Saturday vs Stanford:

5:15- 5:30 players walk in
4 pm - 5pm Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting Geddes Hall
5:30 - 5:40 Trumpets in the Dome
6:00 - 6:30 Concert at Bond Hall
6:30 - 6:45 Drum Circle Bond Hall
6:45 Band March to Stadium
7:30 Kick off

AA meeting got moved to the Stadium Lot. Look for the students shotgunning Bud Lights.

 

[Some Irish Bloke]

AA meeting got moved to the Stadium Lot. Look for the students shotgunning Bud Lights.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Ru8DMW-grY

 

[Luckylucci]

Got down here today and we were looking to take a tour of the stadium. However, UND.com says there are no tours today. Any insight on this. Is that the norm?

 

[ab2cmiller]

Got down here today and we were looking to take a tour of the stadium. However, UND.com says there are no tours today. Any insight on this. Is that the norm?

Notre Dame Stadium Tours

Please note tours are not available on Friday or Saturday of home football game weeks, though fans are encouraged to visit our Friday Tunnel Tours that are free and open to the public!

https://gameday.nd.edu/campus/tours-and-visitors-center/

Football Friday Stadium Tunnel Tours

10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on Football Fridays
Will be closed during visiting team walkthroughs.

On Fridays of football weekends, Game Day Operations and Athletics is proud to give every Irish fan and guests to the University the opportunity to walk the same fabled walk every Irish player has taken for the past 87 years. Come experience the North Tunnel of Notre Dame Stadium, take pictures with the field in the background and feel the echoes waiting to be awoken. Since 1931, every Notre Dame football team has walked down the same tunnel on to the same field before every home football game since its inception during former head coach Knute Rockne's era.

Please note tours are not available during team walkthroughs, but will resume upon completion. Opening times are subject to change.

Tours begin at the Knute Rockne Gate at the north tunnel of Notre Dame Stadium, across from the Word of Life Mural featured at Hesburgh Library, commonly referred to as Touchdown Jesus.

The Football Friday Tours are free and open to the public and fans and guests have an opportunity to walk down the tunnel to the north end zone of the stadium.

https://gameday.nd.edu/traditions/football-friday-traditions/

 

[FightingIrishLover7]

Does the Joyce Center still show games on the big screen?

Is this for all games, or just "big games"?

 

[Some Irish Bloke]

Does the Joyce Center still show games on the big screen?

Is this for all games, or just "big games"?

All games, and they sell beer! Perks.

 

[Luckylucci]

I guess I never shared my experience from my first game last year for Stanford weekend. I won't bore anyone with too many details but what was pretty awesome was our seats were directly behind Big Q's mom and dad. At first I didn't know this and we were just chopping it up to start the game. They love all things ND football so we got along great. Follows recruiting. Knows the roster inside and out. Then his wife (Q's mom) started getting into the conversation when Alex Bars went down and she mentioned how close they are with all the OL because of their son. Their house in South Bend. They basically spend Saturdays in South Bend and then travel to Indy for Q's home games. Obviously at this point I realize who they are. She started showing me pictures of Q's draft party. Him with Andrew Luck. Etc. It was pretty great. Absolutely awesome people.

 

[FightingIrishLover7]

All games, and they sell beer! Perks.

Awesome, thanks.

I have some family going to the Navy game. Some aren't interested in tickets to the game and were looking into alternate ideas.

Thanks!

 

[Dizzyphil]

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[phillyirish]

Going to my first ND game against USC. Going to be driving up from Philly the night prior. Just got my tickets so I’m a little late to the hotel scene, any advice for finding a last minute spot to crash in the area that won’t break the bank?

Also any other advice for things to check out before or after, bars and what not would be cool too. Should be an awesome to experience ND Vs USC night game for my first game.

 

[Irish#1]

Going to my first ND game against USC. Going to be driving up from Philly the night prior. Just got my tickets so I’m a little late to the hotel scene, any advice for finding a last minute spot to crash in the area that won’t break the bank?

Also any other advice for things to check out before or after, bars and what not would be cool too. Should be an awesome to experience ND Vs USC night game for my first game.

Hotel's are going to break the bank if you can find one. Some have a two day minimum. I would look for something about 20-30 miles out. Prices should be lower and it's a relatively short drive.