Advice needed (first time heading to campus)

[NewHampshireIrish]

Just got amazing news from my wife......my father in law was able to score tickets to the ND/USC game in October. We're be leaving from New Hampshire. We might drive, might fly. There will be 4 of us in total.

Suggestions on where to stay? What to do in and around campus? Any helpful hints or suggestions?

Thanks!

 

[1Redrum]

Plan to be there for Friday as well as Saturday if possible. There are some obvious suggestions from the Bookstore, tour campus, Basilica, Grotto, Trumpets under the dome etc. as well as maybe a meal in the south dining hall. Assuming with the construction they still have stadium tunnel tours this year I would take the opportunity on Friday to walk through the tunnel and onto the edge of the field.

Depending on your age and inclinations I always like to pop into the local off campus dive bar called "The Linebacker" on Friday night for cheap beer and the ND fight song being played every few minutes. If you want something Irish but a little calmer I also like Fiddler's Hearth in South Bend for a drink and some Irish music...food is pretty good as well. Another restaurant I like which is directly across the street from Campus at Eddy Street Commons is "The Mark Dine and Tap" and there is also a pub "O'Rourke's Public House" and a sports bar called "Brothers" always packed on game days.

The Notre Dame hockey team will usually have a game on Friday night which is worth going to and there will likely be a volleyball game that weekend as well. The attached link is to the ND game day site which has many on campus events listed.

Depending on where you stay you can either drive and park (good to get a Joyce parking Pass but you will need to buy off of Craigslist, Stubhub, on the Friday from a scalper or Ebay" or I think it can be fun to tailgate across the street from Campus on Twyckenham / Ivy Court area. You can also just stroll around Campus listening to the band, take in the game day atmosphere and enjoy a steak sandwich from the Knights of Columbus.

As far as where to stay closer to Campus is better but more expensive. I love staying close and being able to walk around and back and forth to hotel, house, RV I am staying at but prices are usually very high so it depends on your budget. If not you can stay within a 20 minute drive and save some money or stay 45-50 minutes away and prices will be much cheaper.

Have fun!

http://gameday.nd.edu/events/calendar/2015-usc/

 

[NewHampshireIrish]

Thanks for the feedback!

We're going to drive out from New Hampshire Thursday night and get to campus Saturday late morning/early afternoon.

Trying to lock down a hotel now. Does anyone have experience with booking a refundable room early and then trying to get a better rate/hotel closer to campus later? Just wondering if people book rooms early without tickets, and then cancel if they don't land tickets, opening up some for me later?

 

[twalsh]

Just got amazing news from my wife......my father in law was able to score tickets to the ND/USC game in October. We're be leaving from New Hampshire. We might drive, might fly. There will be 4 of us in total.

Suggestions on where to stay? What to do in and around campus? Any helpful hints or suggestions?

Thanks!

Go on Travelocity to find out which hotel has rooms, but then go to the hotel's web site to make your reservations. You will get better cancellation terms and usually will not have to prepay if you deal directly with the hotel company. There will be slim pickings on hotels this late, but you may find one in South Bend or Mishawaka.

From someone who drove back and forth from the Boston area for four years as a student, it's a long freakin' drive. If you are doing two days, Youngstown is a good stopping spot on the I-80 route, Cleveland if you are taking the I-90 route. If you fly, Chicago-Midway is the best choice that has reasonable fares.

 

[NewHampshireIrish]

Go on Travelocity to find out which hotel has rooms, but then go to the hotel's web site to make your reservations. You will get better cancellation terms and usually will not have to prepay if you deal directly with the hotel company. There will be slim pickings on hotels this late, but you may find one in South Bend or Mishawaka.

From someone who drove back and forth from the Boston area for four years as a student, it's a long freakin' drive. If you are doing two days, Youngstown is a good stopping spot on the I-80 route, Cleveland if you are taking the I-90 route. If you fly, Chicago-Midway is the best choice that has reasonable fares.

Thanks. There will be 4 of us in the car, so we can take it in about 3 hour shifts. I found a couple in Mishawaka that clearly have some inflated rates, but that's to be expected.

 

[twalsh]

Thanks. There will be 4 of us in the car, so we can take it in about 3 hour shifts. I found a couple in Mishawaka that clearly have some inflated rates, but that's to be expected.

Yeah, anything under $250 to $300 per night is suspect.

 

[1Redrum]

I have had success finding rooms on Friday or Saturday. I had a room for the last USC game in Goshen that I could cancel up to 5:00 PM Friday (it was for two nights) and found a hotel in Niles Michigan for basically the same price that just showed up as available at 4:00 PM.

 

[IrishBlooded]

Best bet is if you are coming from the East to find something in the Elkhart, Mishawaka area. With access to the toll road. ND sits just off of the toll and has an exit right at it. If you do choose to stay closer. Keep in mind most of South Bend / Mishawaka can be navigated in about 10 to 15 minutes. Its not a very big place.

 

[NewHampshireIrish]

Thanks for all the feedback, guys. We booked a room in Elkhart now that we can cancel right up until the Thursday before if we're able to find something cheaper/closer.
I know there are lots for parking on Game Day that are easy enough.

Any advice on parking at/near campus on Friday? I'd love to do the tunnel tour/pep rally/etc. What's the best way to go about that?

 

[end_23]

The Linebacker is a dump. I hope it gets torn down. If you like your shoes sticking to the floor then head there.

 

[perseverare]

Plan to be there for Friday as well as Saturday if possible. There are some obvious suggestions from the Bookstore, tour campus, Basilica, Grotto, Trumpets under the dome etc. as well as maybe a meal in the south dining hall. Assuming with the construction they still have stadium tunnel tours this year I would take the opportunity on Friday to walk through the tunnel and onto the edge of the field.

Depending on your age and inclinations I always like to pop into the local off campus dive bar called "The Linebacker" on Friday night for cheap beer and the ND fight song being played every few minutes. If you want something Irish but a little calmer I also like Fiddler's Hearth in South Bend for a drink and some Irish music...food is pretty good as well. Another restaurant I like which is directly across the street from Campus at Eddy Street Commons is "The Mark Dine and Tap" and there is also a pub "O'Rourke's Public House" and a sports bar called "Brothers" always packed on game days.

The Notre Dame hockey team will usually have a game on Friday night which is worth going to and there will likely be a volleyball game that weekend as well. The attached link is to the ND game day site which has many on campus events listed.

Depending on where you stay you can either drive and park (good to get a Joyce parking Pass but you will need to buy off of Craigslist, Stubhub, on the Friday from a scalper or Ebay" or I think it can be fun to tailgate across the street from Campus on Twyckenham / Ivy Court area. You can also just stroll around Campus listening to the band, take in the game day atmosphere and enjoy a steak sandwich from the Knights of Columbus.

As far as where to stay closer to Campus is better but more expensive. I love staying close and being able to walk around and back and forth to hotel, house, RV I am staying at but prices are usually very high so it depends on your budget. If not you can stay within a 20 minute drive and save some money or stay 45-50 minutes away and prices will be much cheaper.

Have fun!

http://gameday.nd.edu/events/calendar/2015-usc/

Kudos to Red!

very informative / helpful reply!

 

[end_23]

Go on Travelocity to find out which hotel has rooms, but then go to the hotel's web site to make your reservations. You will get better cancellation terms and usually will not have to prepay if you deal directly with the hotel company. There will be slim pickings on hotels this late, but you may find one in South Bend or Mishawaka.

From someone who drove back and forth from the Boston area for four years as a student, it's a long freakin' drive. If you are doing two days, Youngstown is a good stopping spot on the I-80 route, Cleveland if you are taking the I-90 route. If you fly, Chicago-Midway is the best choice that has reasonable fares.

Youngstown has a lot of crime. Bad place to stop.

 

[NewHampshireIrish]

Kudos to Red!

very informative / helpful reply!

AMEN! A very helpful and classy reply.

 

[NewHampshireIrish]

Youngstown has a lot of crime. Bad place to stop.

Given that there are 4 of us driving, hopefully the only stops we'll have to make are for gas and the bathroom. We're planning to leave NH around 8 or 9, make it to the hotel, nap a bit, then head to campus to do the tunnel tour, see the Pep Rally, grab a quick dinner in town, then head back to the hotel for a good night's sleep.

Any advice on parking on/near campus on Friday?

 

[IrishBlooded]

Thanks for all the feedback, guys. We booked a room in Elkhart now that we can cancel right up until the Thursday before if we're able to find something cheaper/closer.
I know there are lots for parking on Game Day that are easy enough.

Any advice on parking at/near campus on Friday? I'd love to do the tunnel tour/pep rally/etc. What's the best way to go about that?

White Field is usually one of the best and safest bets, as long as you are not in a hurry. Keep this in mind. The place is going to have 80,000+ in the stadium and another 10 to 15k tail gating and hanging out in the parking lot. There is no getting out there quick. However the locals do a decent job at it.

I will say this. Don't miss Trumpets Under the Dome. By far one of the best game day traditions in College Football. And the sad part is most people don't even know about it.

Game Day Parking

http://gameday.nd.edu/campus/parking/

 

[NewHampshireIrish]

White Field is usually one of the best and safest bets, as long as you are not in a hurry. Keep this in mind. The place is going to have 80,000+ in the stadium and another 10 to 15k tail gating and hanging out in the parking lot. There is no getting out there quick. However the locals do a decent job at it.

I will say this. Don't miss Trumpets Under the Dome. By far one of the best game day traditions in College Football. And the sad part is most people don't even know about it.

Game Day Parking

http://gameday.nd.edu/campus/parking/

Can you park at White Field on Friday as well?

 

[IrishBlooded]

Can you park at White Field on Friday as well?

Not that I remember. I live here in town, so usually I just ride over to a friends house and we walk to campus from there. Or I have someone drop me off.

But I want to say (someone else might know better) that White field opens at like 6 or 8 am on game day. I could very well be wrong though.

 

[twalsh]

Can you park at White Field on Friday as well?

On Friday you can park in the Joyce lot near Purcell and the Hockey arena for no charge. Walk everywhere from there, including Eddy Commons for libations at the end of the long day of walking the campus.

 

[twalsh]

Not that I remember. I live here in town, so usually I just ride over to a friends house and we walk to campus from there. Or I have someone drop me off.

But I want to say (someone else might know better) that White field opens at like 6 or 8 am on game day. I could very well be wrong though.

USC is a night game, so it may be a bit later than typical.

 

[NewHampshireIrish]

On Friday you can park in the Joyce lot near Purcell and the Hockey arena for no charge. Walk everywhere from there, including Eddy Commons for libations at the end of the long day of walking the campus.

Oh great, thanks.

 

[NewHampshireIrish]

Hey everyone, I'm finally making the trek out to South Bend this weekend. We're driving out on Thursday night and getting into South Bend Friday afternoon. Just looking for some clarification regarding parking.

So Friday you can park in the Joyce Lot free of charge?

And for Saturday, I see that you can buy parking passes on Stubhub.....do you need to buy them ahead of time, or can you just show up the morning of the game and pay to park at one of the lots then?

Thanks!

 

[graceh90]

I would assume stubhub parking passes are for near stadium lots.

We have always arrived game day without parking pass and found parking. White field always available, just follow signs.

 

[Toby Smart]

I usually recommend this for any fans who are coming in for the weekend and have time to spare but I'm not sure anyone ever does it. Since you mentioned in or around campus I have a nice little suggestion suggestion that won't cost you dime one and is close to campus. Visit Knute Rockne's grave at Highland Cemetery. It's a cool thing. 2257 Portage Avenue in South Bend. Front office will give you a map and brochure on it's location within the cemetery. I've been parking White Lot for years and find the traffic control post game to be pretty good. Police have it down to a science after all these years, and, what's the hurry? Take a nice walk from the stadium to the White Lot. Take your time, enjoy the walk, and listen to the ND post game show on 101.5FM while in traffic. It really helps with the short time that you are idling. And no, parking is not allowed under any circumstances the day before. The lot will open as usual at 8AM for USC. Let me know if I have finally convinced someone to visit old Knute.

 

[1Redrum]

Hey everyone, I'm finally making the trek out to South Bend this weekend. We're driving out on Thursday night and getting into South Bend Friday afternoon. Just looking for some clarification regarding parking.

So Friday you can park in the Joyce Lot free of charge?

And for Saturday, I see that you can buy parking passes on Stubhub.....do you need to buy them ahead of time, or can you just show up the morning of the game and pay to park at one of the lots then?

Thanks!

Joyce Lot is free on Friday and Sunday if you are still in town.

Friday night there is a Women's Volleyball game in the Joyce which is likely free at 7:00 PM as well as a Women's Soccer game at 7:00 PM which I believe is free with your Football game ticket or a minimal charge.

Parking Passes for the Joyce Lot are on Stubhub...you can buy from there (I bought one off ebay last year) but there are always some for sale on Friday or Saturday morning. You cannot however just show up and pay someone to park in these lots as you need to find someone selling a pass.

If you do not score a pass and are looking for a good tailgate within a short walk I recommend the private lots on Twyckenham between Ivy Court and Vaness. There are some pretty serious tailgating going on and you are directly across the street from the Campus and less than 5 minutes to the stadium. If I do not score a parking pass that is where I will park this weekend as I am coming to the game.

Any other questions let me know as while I am not a local or an allum I do go to one or two games per year. Cheers!

 

[NewHampshireIrish]

Thanks, everyone.

The plan so far is to do the tunnel tour, trumpets under the dome, pep rally on Friday night.

Saturday, since it's a night game.....plenty of time to tour campus, tailgate, bagpipe concert, etc. Definitely a full day Saturday.

Another question......tailgating....is glass allowed? Or better to bring cans? Or just so long as you pour into a plastic cup, you're ok?

Anybody else planning to go to the game?

 

[NewHampshireIrish]

Also, we're staying in Elkhart. I can't imagine there's a ton to do around there, but any advice would be great!

 

[theskibro]

Just got amazing news from my wife......my father in law was able to score tickets to the ND/USC game in October. We're be leaving from New Hampshire. We might drive, might fly. There will be 4 of us in total.

Suggestions on where to stay? What to do in and around campus? Any helpful hints or suggestions?

Thanks!

You have hit the jackpot!

You are about to have the best weekend of your life.

You will never forget this and if you were to die next week, you would have lived a full life.

Here is the best advice anyone will give you: Go to the Friday night Drummers Circle. Get to the Golden Dome by 11:15 pm dress warm. Pee before you leave the hotel. Everyone will love it. This was the highlight for my Dad when I took him several years ago.

here are others:

HAPPENINGS

steak sandwich on South Quad – Knights of Columbus Building on sat morning

watch the band before the step off Bond Hall – about 2 hours before game

See the team leave Mass, -- 21/2 hours before game

watch the Irish Guard inspection

Rub Rockne’s nose at Rockne building on west end of quad

Drummer's circle 12 PM Friday night in front of dome

Officer Tim McCarthy’s announcement before 4th quarter

Rockne's grave. Highland cemetary

Go and see trumpets under the dome.


FOOD

Macri's for sandwiches (574) 280-4820 214 N. Niles Avenue

Burgers - CJ's Pub (574) 233-5981 417 N. Michigan St. on S. Bend side of river off 31 near downtown

or Oaken Bucket. (574) 289-1616 Go to Ironwood and Stateroad 23. Turn South on Ironwood and drive south for 3 miles (Just before you come to Lincoln Way)

Pizza - - MUST eat at Rocco's N. St Louis Blvd (574) 233-2464 off 23

Pat's Colonial Pub Near 4th and Logan in Mishawaka (574) 259-8282

Ironwood south to Lincoln way east

Fine Dining - The Bistro (574) 233-5000 on Niles Avenue in the East Race area and near campus. (outside dining and live music), less pretentious than LaSalle Grille and the over-rated Tippecanoe.
Mexican - LaEsperanza's - on Ironwood and 23 near campus;authentic Mexican food
Italian - Parisi's (provides outdoor dining and a wonderful view of the golden dome).
(574)232-4244 1412 S. Bend Avenue, South Bend, IN 46617


Good food all around - Yesterday's (574) 272-7017 on 23 and Adams in Granger - outside dining, music, and awesome desserts. Huge portions.


http://www.nd.edu/visitors/sights-sounds/

http://gameday.nd.edu/





America’s Best Inn

425 Dixie Highway

South Bend, IN 46637

574-277-7700


America’s Best Value Inn

23040 US 20

South Bend, IN 46628

574-233-3131

Beiger Mansion (B&B)

317 Lincolnway East

Mishawaka, IN 46544

574-256-0365

Comfort Inn & Suites/Mish
5640 North Main Street
Mishawaka, IN 46545

574-247-4000


Comfort Inn & Suites/S B

52939 US 933

South Bend, IN 46637

574-272-1500

Country Inn & Suites

120 West University Drive

Mishawaka, IN 46545

574-271-1700

Courtyard by Marriott

4825 North Main Street
Mishawaka, IN 46545

574-273-9900



Cushing Manor Inn (B&B)

508 West Washington Street

South Bend, IN 46601

574-288-1990


English Rose (B&B)

116 South Taylor Street

South Bend, IN 46601

574-289-2114

Econo Lodge

3233 Lincolnway West

South Bend, IN 46628

574-232-9019

Fairfield Inn

425 University Drive

Mishawaka, IN 46545

574-273-2202

The Fulmer House B & B

60415 Bremen Hwy

Mishawaka, IN 46545

574-250-2191


Hampton Inn / Mishawaka

445 University Drive

Mishawaka, IN 46545

574-273-2309


Hampton Inn & Suites South Bend

52709 US 31 North

South Bend, IN 46637

574-277-9373

Holiday Inn Down Town

213 West Washington Street

South Bend, IN 46601

574-232-3941

Holiday Inn Express

420 W. University Dr.
Mishawaka, IN 46545
574-277-2520

Holiday Inn Express

120 Dixie Way North

South Bend, IN 46637

574-968-8080


The Inn at Saint Mary’s

53993 U.S. 31

South Bend, IN 46637

574-232-4000

Innisfree-a-celtic-B & B

702 W. Colfax Ave.

South Bend, IN 46601

574-283-0740



Jamison Inn

1404 North Ivy Road

South Bend, IN 46637

574-277-6500

Marriott Hotel

123 North St. Joseph Street

South Bend, IN 46601
574-234-2000


The Morris Inn

University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, IN 46556

574-631-2000

Oliver Inn (B&B)

630 West Washington Street

South Bend, IN 46601

574-232-4545


Quality Inn & Conference Center – University Area

515 U.S. 31 North

South Bend, IN 46637

574-272-6600

Quality Inn & Suites

4124 Lincolnway West

South Bend, In 46628

574-288-3800


Queen Anne Inn (B8B)

420 West Washington Street

South Bend, IN 46601

574-234-5959


Red Roof Inn
1325 E. University Drive Ct
Granger, IN 46530

574-271-4800

Residence Inn by Marriott
716 North Niles Avenue

South Bend, IN 46617

574-289-5555



Signature Inn by Jameson

215 U.S. 31 North

South Bend, IN 46637
574-277-3211



Spring Hill Suites

5225 Edison Lakes Parkway

Mishawaka, IN 46545

574-271-0832




Super 8 (Mishawaka)

535 University Drive

Mishawaka, IN 46545

574-247-0888


Super 8 (South Bend, West)

4124 Ameritech Dr.

South Bend, IN 46628

574-243-0200


The Inn at the Old Republic

304 East Michigan Street

New Carlisle, IN 46552

574-654-8199

Varsity Clubs of America

800 North Main Street

Mishawaka, IN 46545

574-277-0500



Waterford Estates

52890 U S 31 North

South Bend, IN 46637

574-272-5220

 

[NewHampshireIrish]

Thanks, Ski!

 

[twalsh]

Also, we're staying in Elkhart. I can't imagine there's a ton to do around there, but any advice would be great!

Nothing to do in Elkhart. Just head for ND when you get there. Assume 30 minutes from hotel to campus.

 

[NewHampshireIrish]

Nothing to do in Elkhart. Just head for ND when you get there. Assume 30 minutes from hotel to campus.

That's what I figured. We're hoping to check in around noon, grab lunch, and then head to campus for the tunnel tour before trumpets under the dome and the pep rally.

 

[BGI User 348]

ND will WIN too!!!!! Enjoy!!!

 

[NewHampshireIrish]

Alright, fellas......we're heading out tomorrow evening. Any last minute advice for me?

 

[1Redrum]

Alright, fellas......we're heading out tomorrow evening. Any last minute advice for me?

Bring some warm clothes......it will be chilly...I forget how old everyone is but check out Brothers or Linebacker Friday night and I might see you there....I plan on going to the Soccer game and or Volleyball game then ending up at Fiddler's Hearth for some Irish music and then to Brothers or Linebacker for a drink or two before sleeping in and showing up around noon at Campus for lunch and start the day off right.

We will be north of you in Canada....then through a more central Michigan route Friday morning and arriving on Campus by 1:00 PM.

I will book our hotel on Friday......hopefully in South Bend or Mishawaka but if not then in Elkhart. Go Irish! And before I forget....go Blue Jays! Great game tonight!

 

[NewHampshireIrish]

Haahaha, this Patriots, Bruins, Celts, Sox fan will be in Elkhart Friday night after all of the festivities on campus. Message me your info if you'd like to meet up!

 

[IrishBlooded]

On the list of things to do.

Pats in Mishawaka is no longer open.

Sucks. He had the best beef wellington in town.

Also if you are in Elkhart you might try making your way to Essen Haus (spelling) in middlebury just south of Elkhart.

Terrific food, in Amish country.