First visit · Start here and take it one step at a time
Sunlight spreading across a packed Notre Dame football stadium
Your first Notre Dame football weekend

Start here.

Plan your first weekend with a guided walkthrough, or explore in any order. Your selections stay together in the planner, ready to review or print.

Open my gameday guide
Every fan starts somewhere

Mine started in front of a television.

The 1988 Miami game turned Notre Dame from a name into a goal for me. I worked toward campus without yet knowing all the traditions, places, and people that would eventually mean so much.

This walkthrough exists for anyone feeling that same pull today. You do not need an alumni connection or years of experience. You only need a place to begin.

1988A high school student notices Notre Dame
Early 1990sA STEM student arrives on campus
TodayA guide welcomes the next first-timer
Your weekend, your way

One plan. Start wherever you like.

Choose a game and let Matt’s guide walk you through your group, travel, places, experiences, shared costs, and checklist. Skip ahead, close the guide, or continue in the planner at any time. Your choices stay together in this browser.

Matt’s first-timer rule

Do not schedule every minute. Choose a few essential traditions, arrive early, and let campus provide the moments between them. The memories that deepen your connection are often the ones no itinerary could predict.

Want help tailoring the trip? Ask Matt about a personalized tour.