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Tips for the Perfect Notre Dame Tailgate Party Fall Saturdays in South Bend mean one thing—Notre Dame football. Whether you’re a lifelong Irish fan or visiting to experience game day for the first time, tailgating at Notre Dame is a time-honored tradition enjoyed by all. At Irish Management, we’ve welcomed countless fans to the area who come for more than just the game—they come for the whole experience. To make the most of your ND game day, here are 10 tips to help you throw the perfect tailgate party. Take Care of Tickets & Parking in Advance It wouldn’t be much of a tailgate without a place to park and a game afterwards. If you’re hoping to attend the game after your tailgate party, make sure you secure your tickets. Here are a couple ways to do so:  Notre Dame Website Here is where you can purchase tickets directly through the Notre Dame Athletics website. This guarantees you’re getting authentic tickets at face value, with access to the best available seating options. Secondary Market Options Notre Dame games are known to sell out fast. In the event this happens, you can turn to sites like SeatGeek, StubHub, and Gameday Tickets offer a wide range of options from other fans. Be aware that prices can fluctuate based on demand, so compare carefully. If you’re with a larger group or looking for a concierge-level experience, Gameday Your Way offers personalized ticket-sourcing services. Plan Early for Parking Where you park depends on what your plans for game day are. There are ample options surrounding the stadium and within reasonable walking distance. Parking spots near Notre Dame can fill up quickly, especially for the big games. We recommend planning your route ahead of time and arriving early to secure a prime tailgating spot. The Joyce Lot and Stadium Lot are fan favorites, but there are also many great off-campus options nearby. Staying close? Consider walking to the stadium and soaking in the atmosphere. Planning the Perfect Tailgate Tailgate parties are a much-loved tradition in South Bend. And there are plenty of ways to enjoy from catered experiences to DIY parking lot parties. How To Host the Perfect Tailgate Party Planning a great tailgate party requires a bit more planning than showing up with a cooler. From the right gear and food to creating the perfect game day atmosphere, having a solid plan ensures your tailgate is a hit from start to finish. Here’s everything you need to know to make your tailgate party unforgettable! Set Up Early Tailgating at Notre Dame is an all-day event, and the earlier you set up, the better your spot! Parking lots open bright and early, so get your grills, coolers, and ND cornhole boards out as soon as you can. Plus, setting up early gives you time to explore some of the tailgate traditions that have been going strong for decades. Food & Drinks The food and drinks are the star of the show at any pre-game gathering. For the perfect tailgate, bringing the right food, drinks, and equipment is key to keeping everyone happy. Start with the basics: a portable grill for cooking up game day favorites like burgers, brats, and hot dogs. Don’t forget disposable utensils, plates, napkins, and serving trays for easy cleanup. For drinks, pack a cooler with ice-cold beverages—whether it’s soda, water, or your favorite tailgate brews. A portable drink dispenser or insulated thermos is perfect for hot drinks like coffee or cider if the weather turns chilly. Lastly, bring plenty of ice, cups, and a folding table to serve everything on. Game Day Tunes No tailgate is complete without a great playlist! Playing music off-site can be tricky, here’s what we recommend bringing to your party: Start with a portable Bluetooth speaker that’s loud enough to be heard over the crowd but compact enough to transport easily. Make sure it’s fully charged or bring a backup battery pack so the music doesn’t cut out mid-day. Don’t forget a durable, waterproof speaker cover or case to protect your gear in case of sudden weather changes! Tailgate Games While waiting for kickoff, keep everyone entertained with classic tailgate games. Cornhole is always a fan favorite, and it’s always a good idea to bring a frisbee or football to toss around. Be Prepared for the Weather When tailgating for a Notre Dame game, come prepared for unpredictable Midwest weather. In the fall, weather can be hard to read, and it changes fast, so it’s important to pack accordingly. Bring layers—think hoodies, jackets, and hats—so you can adjust to the temperature as it fluctuates throughout the day. Waterproof gear like tarps, tents, and ponchos will keep you dry in case of rain, while portable heaters or blankets can keep things cozy if the temperatures drop. With the right gear and clothing, you can enjoy your tailgate no matter what the weather throws your way! Cleaning Up After Your Tailgate Once the fun is over, it’s important to leave your tailgate area as clean as you found it. Bring plenty of trash bags to collect any food wrappers, empty bottles, and disposable utensils. Make sure to properly dispose of all trash and recycling in designated bins. If you used a grill, wait for it to cool completely before safely packing it away, and clean up any spilled charcoal or ashes. Being mindful of your cleanup not only keeps the tailgate area looking great but also helps you avoid fines or penalties for leaving a mess behind. Plus, it’s good tailgating etiquette! Bonus Tip: Book Your Next Stay Early! Notre Dame game days are always a hot ticket, and accommodations near the stadium fill up fast. If you’re planning to come back for another game, be sure to book your Airbnb stay with us early so you won’t miss out on your perfect spot. For fans looking to save on their stay near Notre Dame, booking directly with Irish Management is the way to go. 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