Tailgating in ND
Heading to South Bend for the game with some friends. Flirting with the idea of tailgating (vs. doing an alum tailgate, but cash bar, blah blah blah), but had some Qs for those that have been (I haven't been to ND in a decade).
Easy to park? Any recommended parking locations? Better just to walk around and take in the sights, or do you need to be at a fixed location when you're boozing?
Also, is traffic getting out going to be insane? All I remember about SB is that it seemed like a campus in the middle of nowhere - one road in, one road out sort of thing.
Feels odd to create a post on this subject, but if you monkeys can debate best UM bars in Chicago, "how many wins to save RR's job," or best shampooing techniques, this seems on point. So, fellow MgoNerds, any thoughts?
September 9th, 2010 at 11:50 AM ^
If you are coming in off of the Indiana toll road, they have a parking entrance off the exit/entrance ramp. North parking lots are relatively easy to get into and out of. Shuttle busses run from those lots to the stadium, very long hike otherwise. Those outside lots have quite a bit of tailgating, so it would be best to take care of that there.
September 9th, 2010 at 11:53 AM ^
We always try to get there before the roads go one-way and it is hard to get around. We typically park at Holy Cross and walk across campus to the stadium. We end up "tailgating" at Legends (formerly Alumni Bar) right in the parking lot of the stadium.
That said, I suggest walking around campus (it's great). The dorms set up food stations. Also, there are some tents on campus that sell food and booze (by the hotel/bookstore). The bookstore on campus is a mob scene.
I have tailgated in the "White Lot," but hated taking the shuttle. The best location to tailgate (based solely on proximity) is outside Joyce, but you have to have a special pass for it (like the Blue Lot in Ann Arbor). Other than that, impromptu tailgaters abound in driveways and lawns.
Here is the info you need:
September 9th, 2010 at 11:54 AM ^
Also, you can go to mass after the game, which can help you burn an hour while traffic settles. Or you can go to their dining halls (which are pretty damn good.)
September 9th, 2010 at 12:39 PM ^
If this was Facebook, I'd poke each and every one of you.
September 9th, 2010 at 12:44 PM ^
Just make sure you don't serve Lucky Charms at your tailgate. You'd never even get the box out of the car before some little green bastard ran off with it.
September 9th, 2010 at 1:01 PM ^
The parking lot surrounding the stadium is great, I've had a lot of fun there. ND fans are normally respectful just as we are. I've been to both Ann Arbor and South Bend with an Ohio State fan, and it's hilarious to hear them comment on how nice everyone is. It is then I try to explain that yes, people outside of Columbus actually act like people. I would try to kill time after the game because leaving is a pain, like most college games are.
They have opened up the old golf course for parking now .
Going to mass after the game is a good idea to kill time, you can also check out downtown South Bend (yes, it exists, and its pretty nice) There are a few bars, but definitely check out CJs, without a doubt one of the best burgers I have ever had. Just a great no nonsense burger and beer joint.