Irish Air Force Grows!
Airport expands as Irish fans clog South Bend strip
Associated Press
http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/college/notredame/cs-0607230097jul23,1,1522287.story?coll=cs-college-notredame-print
July 23, 2006<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com
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SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- <!-- START LEAD -->Workers are racing to finish expansion of space for airplane parking at South Bend Regional Airport before the start of Notre Dame's football season.
Work on the large general aviation apron had been set for next summer but was pushed up because of the number of private aircraft that are expected for Irish home games, said John Schalliol, the airport's executive director.<o></o>
Aircraft parking was a problem at last fall's Notre Dame-Southern California game, when about 300 planes arrived. The Irish home opener Sept. 9 against Penn State is expected to bring another large flock of planes, said Sam Heiter, general manager of Corporate Wings, which provides fueling, parking and other services for private flights. "We've already [received] a large number of requests for hotel reservations and rental cars from people who are our regular clients," Heiter said. "We're expecting at least 225 airplanes this year for the opening game, but we're planning for 300."
Airport expands as Irish fans clog South Bend strip
Associated Press
http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/college/notredame/cs-0607230097jul23,1,1522287.story?coll=cs-college-notredame-print
July 23, 2006<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com
fficeffice" /><o></o>SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- <!-- START LEAD -->Workers are racing to finish expansion of space for airplane parking at South Bend Regional Airport before the start of Notre Dame's football season.
Work on the large general aviation apron had been set for next summer but was pushed up because of the number of private aircraft that are expected for Irish home games, said John Schalliol, the airport's executive director.<o
></o>Aircraft parking was a problem at last fall's Notre Dame-Southern California game, when about 300 planes arrived. The Irish home opener Sept. 9 against Penn State is expected to bring another large flock of planes, said Sam Heiter, general manager of Corporate Wings, which provides fueling, parking and other services for private flights. "We've already [received] a large number of requests for hotel reservations and rental cars from people who are our regular clients," Heiter said. "We're expecting at least 225 airplanes this year for the opening game, but we're planning for 300."