Shortly after sunrise on fall Saturdays, fans begin bustling in the parking lots around Notre Dame Stadium. Tents go up. Grills move into position. Sound systems turn on. Drinks are poured. Tailgating takes shape over breakfast. Here’s your guide to tailgating for Notre Dame home football games.

If you're coming from out of town and looking for a turnkey tailgating experiences, you can book one through Notre Dame Tailgating Experiences.

2021 Tailgating Guidelines

Parking Information 

If you have a Notre Dame-issued pass for reserved parking, it has to be displayed at all times. You can purchase one in advance through the Murnane Family Ticket Office. Lots are scheduled to open at 8 a.m. on game day. Zipper parking begins at 9 a.m. in the Joyce and Stadium Lots. If you’re traveling with multiple cars, make sure to arrive at the same time. Holding spots isn’t allowed.

General game day pay-to-park lots are available at White Field ($30) and Burke Golf Course ($40). Handicap-accessible parking is available at Bulla Lot ($30) for cars with a state-issued placard or license plate.

Prohibited Items

  • Charcoal grills
  • Deep fryers
  • Drones
  • Kegs
  • Open flames, including fire pits
  • Propane tanks larger than 20 lbs
  • Stakes
  • Amplified sound; excessively loud speakers

Permitted Items

  • Propane grills with gas tanks smaller than 20 lbs
  • Tents and canopies (no larger than 10 feet by 10 feet)

Heading to the Game: Clear Bag Policy

Notre Dame follows a clear bag policy when entering Notre Dame Stadium: No bags are allowed inside aside from a clear, vinyl bag or a Ziploc/plastic zip bag no larger than 12×6.

Things not allowed:

  • Coolers
  • Backpacks
  • Fanny packs
  • Camera bags
  • Large purses that aren’t clear

There’s no longer a bag check, so remember that if your item isn’t allowed in the stadium you’ll have to throw it away or find a place to stow it during the game.