tampatiger

I found a couple of strings about going to a Notre Dame game, but I'm looking for something a bit more updated. I'm headed to the ND-Michigan game this Saturday, Sept 13, 2008, by the way.

I'm from Baton Rouge and an LSU season ticket holder, so I'm pretty familiar with attending a college football game...still, I'm looking for tips for where to park, what to do on campus in the couple of hours before the game, safety tips (understand that the area around ND is "questionable"), a great sports bar where I can watch the USC-OSU game that night (and maybe the LSU game on Game Plan), and anything else that will make this a great experience for me.

Yes, I have my ticket.

Thanks.

TTess

As a UCLA Bruin, I can tell you that ND fans and the team are the greatest! Prepare to be surrounded by a great group of people and have a good time.

I hope you're NOT rooting for USC during the OSU-USC game.

GO BRUINS!!

cfntmpn

Are you staying at a hotel? Quite a few have shuttles that take you to the game....

Gretchen

Those two teams may be very evenly matched this year--as in awful!! Both had a hard time handling very little opponents last week!!

bmw732002

Say "Hi" to "Rudy" for me!

Rudy!, Rudy!, Rudy!.......

dockruins

The area around the ND campus, especially south of campus would be considered “questionable” but during the day on game day, you don’t need to worry.

How are you getting to the game?

On campus, walk around, see the Grotto, Basilica, Main Building (Golden Dome), the lakes, bookstore, and you can walk through the tailgate area to see the fans getting ready for the game.

Shuttles only run until 1 hr after the game, so get there early so you can see the campus.

If you have a car, then if you go over to Mishawaka (next town over), they have a Buffalo Wild Wings which would be a good spot to watch the game at night.

Go Irish!

J62

If you're driving you will be directed to parking lots - just follow the flow.

Most fans will having tailgaters before the game. Some are large group events, some are 1 car/1 family parties. Besides browsing the campus, you'll know where the tailgate parties are by the bbq smell and banners flying. I've always been at a private function, so I've never tried to find food/drink for purchase.

If you're the outgoing sociable type, you can walk around till you find a Louisiana RV license plate and make some friends, or some other crowd you want to join. Maybe check with the NO or BR ND club to see if they have an event you can join.

ND fans are usually happy to have an other fan join the party - always too much food anyway.

SAnParis2

You get to watch my two least favorite teams square off + it will likely be a horrible game to watch as the teams are...well....down...a lot. Go Bucks !!

sessa

The campus is beautiful, and I second seeing the things that dockruins already mentioned.

You have to have a pass to park in the lots closest to the stadium, but you will see lots of other parking areas (most run around $20). Or if you get there early enough (as in when the sun comes up), you could get lucky and snag a spot on a side street. Keep in mind that traffic after the games is horrendous so it's sometimes good to park far away.

Oh, and don't forget to wear green

tampatiger

Thanks all for the input.

First, I will not be pulling for USC, not to worry. Not that I'm an OSU fan, but since the SEC owns the Bucks I can hope they beat the dreaded Trojans.

To answer a question or two, I'm driving in from the Indy area. After the game, I'll probably head to Buffalo Wild Wings (as suggested) to watch the USC-OSU game before heading back. I'll stay in Kokomo Saturday evening since that's about half way back.

I'll do my best to get there early to check out the sites on campus and am willing to pay to park relatively close. I will look for other Louisiana people beginning with some research on-line.

Thanks, so far, for the suggestions. There is still time for more.

Oh yeah, GEAUX TIGERS!!!

SAnParis2

I would be more than happy to face the Tigers in a rematch of last years game. I, also, have no love for the Left Coast teams.

tampatiger

Thanks to all for the input.

I just want to say that the game experience was absolutely wonderful. Really great people and terrific game. I thought southerners were polite, but these folks at ND were the best.

The rain poured down for at least half the game, but that made it even more enjoyable. Though the tailgating is much, much, much more subdued and there are many, many fewer in number than at my home school LSU, the pre-game was enjoyable. I believe that the Irish fans would be shocked by the gameday experience at LSU.

Still, I enjoyed the entire experience so much, I just bought tickets for the ND-Purdue game in a few days.

If anyone has the chance to catch a game, do so!

TTess

I'm so glad you enjoyed yourself. I agree with your sentiments on the ND fans, they're really great. As a UCLA alumnus (GO BRUINS!), I really enjoy our games against ND. If only USC fans had half their class.

SAnParis2

I would encourage you attend a game @ Ohio State, Michigan or Penn St. The crowds are oftentimes there the entire week before big games & all of those venues seat in excess of 100,000. The bands aren't bad either.

springtime00

finally got a bowl win

SiteC_er

Root for the other team