First trip with family of 6 (Miami game). Guidance please!

Free Manera · Sunday at 3:54 PM

Hey guys - I need some help with figuring out where to stay, please. There will be 9 of us total and I have no idea how to approach it.

We will not have a car since we’re getting car service from O’Hare on Friday. So we want to stay walkable to stadium if possible. On a related note, does anyone know if there are tailgate party companies that could set us up? Lots to figure out but so pumped. My boys are going to lose their minds

greyhammer90 · Sunday at 3:57 PM

The Rakes Of Mallow podcast did a good episode just before the season this year called The Ultimate Notre Dame Home Game Guide or something similar. Worth a listen. Not sure it will help on getting walkable lodgings for that weekend this late in the game but is full of good information on where you want to be on what days/places to eat/etc.

For walkable lodgings at this point my only real statement is that you should expect to shell out big money. That weekend has been circled for awhile.

greyhammer90 · Sunday at 4:03 PM

For tailgating companies I did the Tailgate Your Way bus thing last year for the USC game and it was good if a little expensive. It's a bus that drives you to South Bend from Chicago and has a premier tailgate not far from the stadium. I think if you're staying nearby they might have a tailgate only package but honestly the primary value for me was the bus ride knowing I could get rowdy/drink and sleep on the way home. If you're staying nearby I'd spend more time walking around looking at stuff and bum food off tailgates or go to food carts.

IrishinSyria · Sunday at 4:05 PM

There’s not going to be availability in any decent hotel so your best bet is to get on Airbnb and find whatever works, but yeah be prepared to not like your choices. I know this isn’t helpful now, but the time to book lodgings for a game like that was about a year ago.

Free Manera · Sunday at 4:25 PM

Yeah we had to wait on my boys’ football schedule/playoff info before we could plan this so that’s why I’m stuck with sub optimal timing.

It’s kind of a once in a lifetime event for us because my kids are the perfect age, and my parents are young and able enough to come too. So I’m resigned to the cost being whatever it is. I’ll check out air bnbs. Thanks boys!

402puck · Sunday at 4:40 PM

You are way behind the 8 ball on lodging.

Your best bet is staying in Michigan City and taking the South Shore in and out of South Bend on gameday if you aren’t going to get a vehicle.

You’re going to to pay $$$$$$$ to stay within 20 minutes of campus

NorthDakota · Sunday at 4:48 PM

greyhammer90 said:
For tailgating companies I did the Tailgate Your Way bus thing last year for the USC game and it was good if a little expensive. It's a bus that drives you to South Bend from Chicago and has a premier tailgate not far from the stadium. I think if you're staying nearby they might have a tailgate only package but honestly the primary value for me was the bus ride knowing I could get rowdy/drink and sleep on the way home. If you're staying nearby I'd spend more time walking around looking at stuff and bum food off tailgates or go to food carts.

Wish we had connected for the game last year. My friend and I also came from Chicago day of game and played everything a bit close to the vest since we had to drive back after and I go to a game every 4-5 years...had no idea what i was doing lol

NDRock · Sunday at 4:52 PM

Honestly, too big a group for a game like that. I’d hate for you to be too stressed to enjoy yourself. Send four of those tickets my way (payment of your choice). No need to publicly thank me, it’s the least a fellow fan could do. You’re welcome.

greyhammer90 · Sunday at 9:01 PM

NorthDakota said:
Wish we had connected for the game last year. My friend and I also came from Chicago day of game and played everything a bit close to the vest since we had to drive back after and I go to a game every 4-5 years...had no idea what i was doing lol

Yeah unfortunately it was sort of a crappy day all around. Lightning broke up nearly all the pre-game events and the tailgating was rough. At least it was nice enough during the game.

NorthDakota · Sunday at 10:43 PM

greyhammer90 said:
Yeah unfortunately it was sort of a crappy day all around. Lightning broke up nearly all the pre-game events and the tailgating was rough. At least it was nice enough during the game.

Thank you jeremiyah and jadarian

Free Manera · Monday at 2:58 PM

We ended up booking the Irish Express deal from Chicago. Seems pretty legit. Brunch at the Guiness Brewery at noon then jump on the bus. Food and open bar all day on the bus and at the tailgate, and on the way home.

jerseyborn1971 · Monday at 4:35 PM

Free Manera said:
We ended up booking the Irish Express deal from Chicago. Seems pretty legit. Brunch at the Guiness Brewery at noon then jump on the bus. Food and open bar all day on the bus and at the tailgate, and on the way home.

That was the way to go. You're going to have a lifetime epic memory type of day.

First trip with family of 6 (Miami game). Guidance please!

Free Manera

Well-known member

greyhammer90

the drunk piano player

greyhammer90

the drunk piano player

IrishinSyria

In truth lies victory

Free Manera

Well-known member

402puck

Dee Snutzs

NorthDakota

Grandson of Loomis

NDRock

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greyhammer90

the drunk piano player

NorthDakota

Grandson of Loomis

Free Manera

Well-known member

jerseyborn1971

Well-known member