Tailgate Your Way: Plan Your Notre Dame Pre-Game

Securing your tickets to a Notre Dame football game is one of the most important steps in planning your game day experience. Here’s how to make sure you have a seat in the stadium:

Official Notre Dame Athletic Website

The best place to purchase tickets for Notre Dame football games is directly through the official Notre Dame Athletics website. This ensures you purchase authentic tickets at face value and choose from the best available seating options.

Second-Hand Market Options

Notre Dame football home games are incredibly popular, and tickets often sell out quickly—especially for marquee matchups. If tickets are sold out for a particular game, you can explore the secondary market. Trusted platforms like SeatGeek, StubHub, and Gameday Tickets offer a wide selection of tickets from other fans. Keep in mind that prices on these platforms can vary based on demand, so it is wise to shop around and compare options. If you have a larger group and want a white glove-sourcing solution, check out Gameday Your Way.

Choosing a parking lot that best suits your needs is crucial for you to maximize your gameday experience. From spots that are within walking distance from the stadium to spaces in the heart of the tailgating action, South Bend offers plenty of options for fans attending a Notre Dame Football Game.

Pay-to-Park Lots (typically available for purchase on game days)

These lots are further away from the stadium and open at 8:00 a.m. We strongly recommend arriving early to secure a good spot. General lots are priced at $40-50 per vehicle per game and include Blue Lot (White North), Burke North Lot and Burke South Lot. Complimentary shuttles are available to transport visitors from the parking lots to the game. To view details and pricing, visit fightingirish.com.

Reserved Lots (Usually sold out/only available on reseller websites)

These lots are the most popular, and passes are usually not released to the public for purchase. Trusted platforms like SeatGeek, StubHub, and Gameday Tickets offer a wide selection of passes being sold from other fans. The list below is ranked in order of highest demand and cost:

• Stadium Lot is a great choice, as it’s the closest lot to the stadium. This means the party here goes on longer than anywhere else, as it’s such a short walk to your seats.

• Joyce Lot is another great option, one of the most popular for tailgating and always boasting a good atmosphere. It's directly next to the Stadium Lot.

• North Lot is a popular option for longtime fans and university alumni, as campus landmarks surround it. It’s generally a bit more peaceful than other lots, making it a good option for families.

• Bookstore Lot is another family-friendly option near the Eck Visitors Center and Notre Dame Avenue.

• White Field is a budget-friendly pick. It’s a bit further from the stadium but there’s a free shuttle and plenty of space compared to some of the more compact lots closer to the stadium. 

Want Something All Inclusive?

If you don't want the hassle of planning everything yourself, check out parking and tailgating solutions offered by Gameday Your Way.

If it’s your first time tailgating, then you may be unsure about what to bring or how it all works. Your tailgating essentials include a portable grill for cooking and a cooler with ice. You will also want some folding chairs and a fold-down table. A tent or canopy will offer shade and rain protection too. Finally, bring your own trash bags. You want to leave your lot as you found it, to protect the environment and the health and well-being of other fans and stadium crew.

To eat, we recommend simple food that you can chuck on the grill, like burgers and hotdogs. Bring plenty of snacks that can be kept at room temperature like chips, and maybe some fresh fruit. There are water points throughout the campus, but these may be a bit of a walk, so you may want to bring your own. And whatever you do, don’t forget the beer!

If you don’t have all the equipment you need or don’t have the space to store it, you can hire providers including Gameday Your Way, to plan and execute the entire tailgate for you including food and beverage, or just rent the equipment for the weekend.

How do I choose a tailgating spot?

You are required to have a parking pass to tailgate in the lots. All the lots open at 8:00 a.m. and in some games there are cars lined up waiting as early as 6:00 a.m. or earlier. The spaces usually first come first serve in most of the lots.

Tips for first-time tailgaters

• Tent Size. You are allowed one tailgate tent that may be set up behind your vehicle, but the tent must be smaller than a 10x10.

• Weather. Whatever the forecast says, throw a rain jacket in the car and bring a blanket, just in case.

• Socializing. Tailgating is highly sociable and your neighbors will be happy to chat. Get to know them, share a beer and enjoy the pre-game build-up together.

• Don’t overdo it. Game day can be a long day, and it’s important to pace yourself. Drink lots of water, eat some food and save some drinks for later!

• Follow the rules. Prohibited items include charcoal grills, deep fryers, drones, kegs, open flames, fire pits, propane tanks larger than 20 pounds and stakes.

Among the various options, the Gameday Your Way Tailgate Party is a great choice for hosts who want to stand out from the crowd AND have someone else handle the details. It offers a premium experience with gourmet food, entertainment, games, and all the comforts you need for an unforgettable, fuss-free solution.