Assign the roles
Confirm the parking pass, driver, food, weather plan, meeting point, and who is responsible for cleanup.
The gathering before the game
Tailgate like a champion.
A Notre Dame Saturday
Before kickoff, the story is already underway.
There is nothing quite like tailgating on a fall Saturday with Notre Dame Stadium in the background. The leaves are turning, grills are going, old friends are finding one another, and first-time visitors can feel the day building long before the team takes the field.
Everyone should come to campus at least once to experience a Notre Dame Saturday. It is bigger than a parking space or a pregame meal. It is the welcome, the anticipation, and the realization that thousands of individual traditions are gathering into one shared story.
Blue skies are preferred. But if the legendary gray skies roll in, we’ll Shake Down The Thunder.
Make the people the center of it.
A great tailgate is not measured by how much equipment you bring. It creates a dependable place for friends and family to reconnect, eat, trade stories, and build anticipation before everyone heads toward the stadium.
Set up compactly
Stay within one vehicle space, protect the driving lane, and orient the gathering around conversation.
Set a departure time
Build in walking, stadium screening, and time to find seats. Do not let cleanup make the group late.
Leave it right
Reconnect, pack safely, separate recycling, and remember that most lots close three hours after the game.
Before you reach the lot
Tailgating supplies.
Choose a stop based on what the group still needs, then shop before the roads and checkout lines get crowded. Store hours, inventory, and alcohol-sale rules can vary; confirm directly on game week.
Martin's Super Market
The primary local grocer near campus, with groceries, prepared foods, fuel, and a Starbucks.
2081 South Bend AveSouth Bend, IN 46637
Trader Joe's
A compact grocery stop just south of campus at Eddy Street Commons.
1140 E Howard StSouth Bend, IN 46617
Meijer
A large supercenter for groceries, coolers, serving supplies, and other last-minute needs.
3600 N Portage RdSouth Bend, IN 46628
Belmont Beverage
A major beverage store close to campus. Buy responsibly and remember that excessive alcohol and kegs are prohibited in University lots.
1621 South Bend AveSouth Bend, IN 46617
Eddy Street Commons
A walkable cluster across from campus with multiple quick-service and sit-down choices. The tenant mix can change, so use the current directory.
1234 N Eddy StSouth Bend, IN 46617
Speedway / 7-Eleven
Use the nearby locations along State Road 23 (South Bend Avenue) for fuel, bagged ice, drinks, and forgotten basics. This is a general-area listing rather than one specific store.
Matt's planning note: Put one person in charge of the supply run and share the exact lot and meeting point before that person leaves. Cell service and traffic can make a simple errand surprisingly complicated later.
Current official essentials.
These rules are summarized from Notre Dame’s official tailgating guidance. Check the source again during game week because operations, weather guidance, and lot procedures can change.
Lot operations
- Fan parking lots generally open at 8:00 a.m. for home games.
- Mobile passes are used; pay-to-park lots are cashless.
- Guests may not hold parking spaces for others.
- One parking pass covers one vehicle space.
- Overnight parking is prohibited.
Tents & space
- Canopies may be no larger than 10 × 10 feet.
- Tent stakes are prohibited.
- Tents, tables, and chairs may not extend into driving lanes past the hash marks.
- Large parties and unapproved sponsored activations are prohibited.
Cooking
- Propane grills are permitted with cylinders under 20 pounds.
- Charcoal grills, fire pits, open flames, and propane heaters are prohibited.
- Deep frying is prohibited.
- Keep fire safety and safe food temperatures in the plan.
Sound & activities
- Standalone, amplified, or excessively loud speakers are prohibited.
- Live bands and DJs are prohibited.
- Kegs, excessive alcohol, and drinking games are prohibited.
- Drones and unauthorized motorized vehicles are prohibited.
During and after the game
- Tailgating is prohibited during the game unless the University approves it.
- Most lots close three hours after the game.
- Burke Golf Course generally closes two hours after the game.
- Follow parking and public-safety personnel at all times.
Recycling
- Use clear bags for single-stream recycling.
- Use black bags for landfill waste.
- Before kickoff, leave bags behind the vehicle for collection.
- Around campus, use blue recycling and white landfill barrels.
Weather can change the plan.
Tents and temporary structures become hazards in strong winds and severe weather. Treat official alerts as instructions, not suggestions.
Strong winds
When sustained winds reach 31 mph or gusts exceed 45 mph, pop-up tents, tailgating equipment, and temporary structures must be taken down.
Severe weather watch
Begin taking equipment down and identify shelter in a vehicle or nearby building.
Warning
Take down equipment immediately and seek shelter. Follow official University emergency communications.