Capacity: 77,622
Home Teams: Notre Dame Fighting Irish (NCAA College Football)
The University of Notre Dame might be a Catholic postsecondary institution founded by a French priest in 1842, but the holiest site on campus for most students and alumni would be Notre Dame Stadium, home to the storied Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team since 1930. This cathedral of college sport has paid witness to the on-field miracles of one of the most famous and accomplished college football teams in America, with the Fighting Irish boasting 22 national titles (11 claimed, 11 unclaimed) as well as 21 Bowl victories (for an overall Bowl game record of 21-21) along with 22 undefeated seasons. The only reason that the Irish do not have any conference titles is that they have played almost entirely as an Independent (apart from one experimental season in the ACC that was soon abandoned the following year). Seven Heisman trophies have been won by Notre Dame players and many graduates of the football program have gone on to become some of the biggest ever stars in the NFL, such as Joe Montana, who never won a Heisman but did lead Notre Dame to a national championship before he went on to win four Super Bowls. Notre Dame Stadium itself was built during the reign of legendary coach Knute Rockne (now there’s a football coach name for ya!), still remembered for the phrase “Win one for the Gipper,” which was uttered to him by dying ex-football star George Gipp. Rockne actually resigned over the slow process of getting the stadium built (though actual construction took just six months!), but many of his suggestions for its construction were actually implemented. The stadium has since become one of the most iconic sporting landmarks in America, with its gorgeous facade, graceful bowl curvature, and view of “Touchdown Jesus” (a religious mural on the nearby Hesburgh Library where Jesus’s hands are raised, some would say in the manner of a referee signaling a touchdown) over the north wall beyond the end zone. Generations of college football fans will recognize the phrase “Here Come the Irish!” as the team sprints out onto the field as well as the humorous safety tips provided for 55 years by police sergeant Tim McCarthy after the third quarter (McCarthy passed away in 2020, but recordings are still often played). While the team’s official colors are blue and gold, many fans elect to wear green in honor of the team’s name, singing along to “Here Come the Irish” as the team enters the field. Between the third and fourth quarters, the Notre Dame Marching Band launches into a rousing rendition of Tschaikovsky’s raucous 1812 Overture. All the traditions involved in the buildup to the games (including the team going to Mass at church) are perhaps too numerous to list here, but they are all a part of the fascinating culture that has developed around football at this university. As well as Fighting Irish home games, Notre Dame Stadium has hosted several large scale concerts since 2018, as well as an outdoor NHL hockey game, international rugby games, and international soccer matches. Fans who turn up hungry to Notre Dame Stadium will find plenty of intriguing options, such as bread pudding, the Bacon Jam Smash Brisket Burger, and the Rockne Brat, though alcohol is not sold inside the stadium. If you would like to get your hands on some cool Fighting Irish merchandise, head to any of the numerous kiosks and shops inside Notre Dame Stadium or around campus.
Notre Dame Stadium is a large venue that offers many different seating options to visitors. Those looking to spend game day in luxury can apply for premium seating such as club seats or premium boxes. Premium seating areas all provide five-star service and amenities as well as the best views in the place. General admission seating fills the rest of the stadium, ranging widely in price based on location and proximity. Most games sell out completely. For the most affordable tickets to Notre Dame Fighting Irish games and other events at Notre Dame Stadium, head to TicketX to check our listings along with the TicketX seating chart, the best tool to compare different seating options based on price range and preferences.
Visitors can access Notre Dame Stadium via public transportation or driving their own vehicle.
Visitors can travel to Notre Dame Stadium on game day using local buses and shuttles. Visit the Notre Dame Fighting Irish website for routes and schedules. You can also cycle, walk, or take a taxi or ride-share to the venue. Note that Amtrak has a station about 3 miles from the stadium and South Bend Airport is about 15 minutes away by car, so it is possible to come into town from further afield to see a game if you are determined enough.
Driving to Notre Dame Stadium in your own vehicle is a fairly convenient way to get there as long as you arrive early and plan your route into town in advance. For full driving directions to the stadium, head to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish website, which even has directions if you are coming in from the cities of Chicago and Indianapolis, both about a 2-2.5 hour drive away.
While the parking lots closest to Notre Dame Stadium are mostly allotted to season ticket holders, there is plenty of public parking available on campus and around town. Check the Notre Dame Fighting Irish website for detailed information on your parking options. You can also book parking in advance via the Murnane Family Ticket Office or ParkMobile. Shuttles and buses are generally available if you are parking far away from the stadium.
Parking lots charge anywhere from $30-50, though the $30 lot does not offer shuttle service or advance reservations. RVs cost $60-90. Head to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish website for a full list of parking options along with parking prices. You can also use the Murnane Family Ticket Office or ParkMobileto book prepaid parking in advance.