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| University of Notre Dame campus |
In South Bend, college football is religion and its house of worship is the University of Notre Dame.
Fans come from near and far to cheer on a university known as the premier college football program in the country. Notre Dame boasts 11 National Championships, 7 Heisman Trophy winners, and it's very own TV contract. Although, admittedly, the team has struggled in recent years.
You don't need to be Irish and it doesn't matter your college team allegiances. Heck, maybe you're just a fan of Rudy - one of the greatest sports movies of all time. South Bend is a great place to visit, and a Notre Dame football weekend is a once in a lifetime sports experience.
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| Another Notre Dame win! |
The city of South Bend lies on the southernmost turn - in which it derives it name - of the St. Joseph river.
It's served by the South Bend airport and Amtrak and is about 2 hour drive east of Chicago.
Plan ahead: tickets sell out fast and hotels book up quickly.
Your best bet for single game tickets is StubHub or another resale ticket website. (Do be careful and make sure the website is legitimate.) There is a season ticket lottery that starts in January and costs $40 to enter. You can also run the risk of trying to buy tickets the day of at the ticket box office, but good luck!
If you are planning on going to the game, make sure to keep the weather in mind. Winters in South Bend can be downright brutal. In December, the average high is 34 degrees or so. September and October are my favorite times of the year to have perfect, Fall football weather.
Downtown hotels may seem close on a map, but your best bet is to stay in the more desirable area called Mishawaka. It's a short 10-minute drive to campus and has many more options in terms of food and shopping.
If you are able, fly in on Friday morning and take advantage of all the freebies the University has set up for you. Try a campus tour and don't miss a chance to run out of the stadium tunnel. That way, come Saturday when everything is crowded and chaotic you'll know where to head and how to get there.
Parking is typically the biggest headache, but if you get a game plan the day before it shouldn't be a problem. There is an entire website dedicated to directing you where to park, but if you want to save money and the headache get there early, park on a nearby street, and walk to the game. However, make sure to check street signs because the city does tow and ticket cars.
The University does an outstanding job making it easy and fun to spend a weekend cheering on the Irish. Pick up the free fliers and check back on Notre Dame's Game Day website to see game day activities all over campus, including pep rallies, tailgating, and celebrity meet and greets. Don't be surprised to see legendary names like Coach Ara Parseghian signing autographs in the book store or former players being shuffled around campus on golf carts.
The stadium seats are small and very uncomfortable. Envision sitting on a piece of plywood for 3+ hours. Trust me, it's still worth it! But follow the lead of the regulars and pick up a seat pillow, your spine will thank you later.
Most schools call it a "fight song", but Notre Dame's confident fans call it a "victory march". Do yourself a favor and learn the lyrics, you'll be glad you did!
TOP 10 TO SEE & DO:
1. Notre Dame football game
This is after all why you probably came to South Bend.
Start your day early. Head to campus by 8 AM (for an afternoon game) and park on a neighboring street to avoid crazy parking lots and expensive fees.
Grab a hearty breakfast at Legends of Notre Dame (south of the stadium, opens at 8 AM). Fans will already be starting to tailgate.
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| Tailgating outside the stadium |
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| The Fighting Irish leprechaun mascot |
Keep your camera handy as Notre Dame cheerleaders & the Leprechaun mascot will pop up suddenly all over campus to pump up the crowds.
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| "Touchdown Jesus" Library |
2. Campus Tour
I typically would nix a tour and just explore on my own, but with a campus of this size and history we learned a lot from the student guides. Don't miss the Grotto of our Lady of Lourdes, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, the Golden Dome, and Touchdown Jesus on the Hesburgh Library. (Free, Monday - Friday 11AM -3PM during football season, 90 minutes in length. Check in for all tours at the Eck Visitor Center.)
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| Inside The Tunnel |
A tradition since 1931, every Notre Dame football team has marched down the same tunnel and on to the same field for every home football game. On football weekend Fridays, you can too! (Free, Friday only, 10AM - 5PM at the North Tunnel of Notre Dame Stadium - across from Touchdown Jesus)
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| Fans cheering players on their walk to the stadium |
4. Team walk to stadium
Between an hour and half to 2 hours before kickoff, the football team completes the traditional pre-game mass in the Sacred Heart Basilica and walks over together to the stadium.. The route is traditionally lined with Irish fans giving the team some last minute encouragement.
Follow the team and crowds over to the stadium. Before you set foot in the legendary sports venue, mosey outside and pay homage to four legendary Notre Dame football coaches: Knute Rockne (The North Tunnel), Ara Parseghian (Gate B), Frank Leahy (Gate C), & Lou Holtz (Gate D).
Stadium gates open one hour before kickoff.
5. Corby's & The Linebacker Lounge
Alumni and students flock to these bars to cheer on the Fighting Irish! Corby's is downtown and The Linebacker is within walking distance of the stadium.
SAVVY TIP: Corby's is where Rudy drunkenly announced he wasn't really a Notre Dame student and was in turn, no longer allowed to be a booster.
Only two locations remain of the area's original 1950's vintage drive-in soda shops. Try a cheeseburger and one of their famous sodas. (52446 Dixie Way North South Bend, IN or 109 E. 4th Street Mishawaka, IN)
7. College Football Hall of Fame
Over a century of American college football. But hurry, the HOF is expected to relocate to Atlanta in the Spring of 2013. (Football weekends Fri & Sat 8AM - 8PM, Sunday 8AM - 5PM)
8. Studebaker National Museum
This impressive collection of 80 cars gives visitor's a glimpse into the South Bend automaker's 108 year history. (895 Thomas Street, $8/adults, M-F 10 AM - 5 PM, Sun 12 PM - 5PM)
9. East Race Waterway
If you visit in the Summer months, don't miss this 1,900 foot long whitewater rafting course along the St. Joseph river in downtown South Bend. (Typically open mid-June - mid-August, Saturdays & Sundays, $5/per person. See requirements.)
10. Farmer's Market
Don't miss breakfast at the market's cafe which has been serving delicious meals from locally-made produce for 85 years. (1105 Northside Boulevard, Friday 7 AM - 2PM, Saturday 7 AM - 3 PM)
USEFUL LINKS:
Campus Map (Printable PDF)
Campus Map (Interactive)
Residence Inn South Bend Mishawaka
