How to Tailgate Like a Champion

Widely hailed as the best in all of college football, Notre Dame tailgating is one of the most cherished traditions, where the Notre Dame Family comes together for food & fellowship before cheering the Irish onto victory! Tailgating is permitted in all gameday fan parking lots before and after the game. Continue scrolling for more information on how you can make the most of your gameday tailgate.

 

NEW Parking Lot Pole Numbering for 2025 Season

For awareness, the parking lot poles in tailgating lots will feature new numbering this year. Please see picture to the right to see the new parking lot pole numbers and plan accordingly for the 2025 football season.

You can also click here to enlarge the photo.

General Information

  • Gates open at 8:00 am on all football home games regardless of kickoff time.
  • Guests are not permitted to hold parking spaces for others at any time.
  • Zipper parking will start at 9:00 am.
  • Mobile passes will be used for all fan parking lots, but Pay to Park lots are cashless.
  • Parking passes are valid for one vehicle spot. Vehicles and/or associated tailgates should not take up more than one space. Guests who violate this policy will be subject to immediate removal.
  • Vehicles are not required and individuals may possess more than one (1) pass.
  • Gate 9 of the Joyce Center will open its restrooms from 10am. Doors will close at the start of the game.
  • All lots close three (3) hours after the end of the game, except for the Burke Golf Course which closes two (2) hours post game.
Getting To Campus

Dos & Don'ts

Recycling Information
  • If you have a designated tailgating spot: Dispose of your recyclables by placing them in one of the clear bags that is provided to you by Sustainability Green Team members at the entrance to designated lots. Anything that can be recycled as single-stream can be placed in the clear bags (paper, cardboard, plastic, and aluminum cans).
  • Everything else is considered trash and should be placed in the black bag provided to you. You may also use your own black bags. Anything not in a clear bag is considered trash.
  • Prior to kickoff, leave both bags behind your vehicle, and they will be picked up during the game. It is helpful to leave the clear bag untied so staff can easily remove the materials.  
  • If you are walking around the lots and other parts of campus: Dispose of your recyclables in the blue barrels labeled with a recycling symbol. Everything else should go in the white barrels labeled “landfill.”
Tailgating Policies
  • Overnight parking is prohibited in all lots. All vehicles will be towed from game day parking lots beginning at 6 am
  • Tents & canopies that are 10’×10′ or smaller are permitted.  Tents larger than 10’x10′ are prohibited.  Tent stakes are prohibited
  • Tents, tables, chairs, and other items cannot protrude into the driving lanes past the hash marks
  • Charcoal grills, fire pits, open flames, and propane heaters are prohibited
  • Propane grills are permitted, but their propane tanks must be less than 20 lbs. Propane grill tanks larger than 20 lbs are prohibited
  • Deep-frying (i.e. turkeys) is prohibited in tailgating lots
  • Amplified Sound – speakers that stand alone, are excessively loud, or are connected to an amplifier are prohibited
  • Live bands or DJs are prohibited
  • Unapproved sponsored activations and solicitations are prohibited in campus lots
  • Golf carts, and other custom motorized vehicles are prohibited on the Notre Dame campus unless authorized by Notre Dame Police Department
  • Drones are not permitted to fly on campus without University and FAA approval
  • Kegs and excessive amounts of alcohol are prohibited
  • Large parties are prohibited on campus, including the parking lots
  • Drinking games are prohibited anywhere on campus
  • The throwing of objects in crowded areas, standing/sitting on top of vehicles, fighting, or other behavior deemed unsafe is prohibited.
  • Participants/guests/fans must comply with instructions of parking and public safety personnel.
  • Tailgating is prohibited during the game in any campus lot or green space unless approved by the University
  • Weapons are prohibited anywhere on campus. Safety and security rules will be strictly enforced and violators may be removed for failing to comply. Future ticket privileges may be revoked for violations on the prohibited items

Click here for more information about Stadium Policies

Gameday Your Way

Make your game day completely stress-free! At GameDay Your Way, we take care of the details so you can soak up every moment of the Notre Dame experience. From tailgating setups and catering to transportation, lodging, and even securing game tickets, our services are as flexible as you need—whether you want a little help or the full package. Sit back, enjoy the excitement, and let us create the ultimate game day for you and your guests.

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Contact Information

Murnane Family Ticket Office
113 Joyce Center
Notre Dame, IN 46556
Open M-F 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Closed on major holidays
CALL US AT 833-NDIRISH
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