An Insider's Guide to Planning the Perfect Blue-Gold Game Trip

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 22. 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.

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. Notre Dame baseball hosts Virginia at Frank Eck Stadium for a three-game series. They play at 6 p.m. Friday, 3 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday.

Notre Dame lacrosse hosts North Carolina at noon on Saturday. The women's soccer program plays Northwestern at Alumni Stadium at 3 p.m. Saturday. 

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.

Explore Notre Dame Campus Landmark

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.