Do you miss football season? We understand. The good news is there's an opportunity to catch the Fighting Irish in-person during the offseason! Notre Dame hosts its annual Blue-Gold Game on April 20 inside legendary Notre Dame Stadium.

 

It's a great chance to watch some football, enjoy campus and explore The Bend for a weekend in the offseason.

Get your tickets to the game then use this guide to put together a weekend itinerary.

A suite with panoramic views at the Aloft South Bend

Places To Stay

From chic hotels to quiet bed and breakfasts, there are plenty of options in The Bend…

Aerial shot of South Bend and the University of Notre Dame in the distance

Plan Your Visit

We can’t wait for you to begin exploring The Bend. But first, let’s make…

An aerial shot of the University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame

Find out everything you need to know – from restaurants to tours of iconic…

Make it a Notre Dame Sports Weekend

Go all-in on Notre Dame athletics during the Blue-Gold Game weekend by attending more games. Entry to these sports are FREE.

The defending national champion Notre Dame lacrosse team hosts North Carolina at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 20. Notre Dame baseball hosts Boston College at Frank Eck Stadium for a three-game series. Here are the game times:

  • 6:30 p.m. Friday, April 19 
  • 2 p.m. Saturday, April 20 
  • 1 p.m. Sunday, April 21

Notre Dame softball is also home that weekend with a three-game set against Clemson. First pitch is schedule for 5 p.m. Friday, 1 p.m. Saturday and 6 p.m. Sunday.

Shop for Gameday Gear

There's no better place to load up on Notre Dame apparel than the Hammes Bookstore. You can visit the one on campus at the Eck Visitors Center or across Angela Boulevard in Eddy Street Commons. Either way, they have an amazing selection gear.

Browse the Raclin Murphy Museum of Art 

Not every college campus has a world-class art museum on site. Open since late last year, the Raclin Murphy Museum of Art is an incredible place to spend a few hours walking through the galleries. It's home to hundreds of unique pieces, including recent commissions from star artists around the globe. You'll also recognize some significant names, like Rembrandt. 

Explore Notre Dame Campus Landmarks

Don't limit yourself to visiting campus only for the Blue-Gold Game. Take some time to walk around — spring is a wonderful time to explore the other campus landmarks. Start with the Main Building to see its Golden Dome. Make sure to visit the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Hesburgh Library (you have to snap a photo in front of Touchdown Jesus!) and all the other popular spots. 

Where to Eat and Drink

Soak up some gameday atmosphere by eating near campus on Saturday. Brothers Bar + Grill, BRU Burger Bar and O'Rourke's Public House are popular options at Eddy Street Commons. Rohr's is right on campus inside the Morris Inn. Make sure to say hi to Murf behind the bar. Legends is right in the shadow of the Stadium. Taphouse on the Edge is a great sports bar nearby. 

Explore The Bend