Leave the Car Behind and Wander the Notre Dame Tailgate for Hours
Arrive two to three hours early, treat the lots like a family reunion, and walk or rideshare from 2.5 miles away.
The Notre Dame tailgate lots are a campus-wide reunion, and arriving early is the way to enjoy them.
Cookouts fill the lots, and families come back to favorite places they have held for decades.
Give yourself two or three hours before kickoff to wander, grab food, and make it to your seats with time to spare.
Since spots near the stadium usually require a pass bought ahead of time, leave the car behind at your hotel, Brickhaven Inn.
Brickhaven Inn sits roughly two and a half miles from the stadium, a pleasant walk when the afternoon is cool or a quick rideshare.
Once inside, get to your seat early.
Questions people ask
How long does a 2.5-mile walk to the stadium actually take?
About 45 to 50 minutes at a steady pace, plus time for crowds and stoplights near campus. Wear comfortable shoes, bring a layer, and allow extra time if you plan to stop and look around.
Can I just buy parking near the stadium when I arrive?
Often you cannot. Many official lots require a pass bought in advance, and space is limited on home weekends. Your safest options are to leave the car where you are staying, use a rideshare, or arrange a pass well before gameday.
Do I need my own tailgate setup to enjoy the lots?
Yes. The lots function like an open reunion, and wandering is expected. You do not need your own grill or tent to walk through, look around, and enjoy the scene before heading to your seat.