I normally go to this game because I refuse to go the Coliseum to see the Irish. ND fans usually outnumber Stanford fans by a large margin. Most of the lots are huge Irish tailgates, but you are right about no beer sales inside.
This year my wife and I decided to go have a quiet holiday up at our cabin in Big Bear. Too many negative feelings and emotions right now to drive 10 hours round trip to see the Irish. I feel bad about what is going on right now and I just don't think I would be able to enjoy this game.
One cool thing they used to do before the new stadium was built was both teams used to walk to the stadium from the locker rooms which were a distance from the stadium. Very cool to see both teams walking in full uniform, cleats clacking on the pavement and standing just a few feet from them as they prepare to enter the field of battle. One year I stood there and watched the Lou Holtz led Irish and the Bill Walsh led Cardinal. I don't know if they still do it, but ask around and, if they do, you definitely want to wait outside and see it. Very cool tradition.
