I will be driving up to the game from Dayton. Staying in Elkhart since places like the Fairfield Inn will cost $696 per night. Uh, nope. I have a friend within the company I work for that attended ND. I asked for some tips on places to stay, things to do, etc. I will copy/paste the info he sent so you can all consider these ideas....
Here you go...
Day of the game, the band will put on an outdoor performance in one of the outside areas on campus. It’s really nice. Watching the team ‘process’ from the Admin Building (the Golden Dome) to the Stadium is impressive, too . . . all in suits. Of course, walking around the stadium is amazing with all the tailgating and things going on . . . something to behold.
Things on campus to be sure to not miss:
- The Golden Dome – the Admin Building – it something to see, from the outside and inside. It will be open. Check it out.
- The Grotto – it’s soul of campus. Light a candle for someone you love (have some dollar bills for a voluntary contribution).
- The Basilica – the heart of campus. In the Basilica, go to the area behind the alter, in the eastern wing and check out the ‘bone chips’. Unbelievable. Most people don’t know about it and it’s worth seeking out. Be sure to check the ‘bone chip registry/map’ to find some famous saints.
- ‘Touchdown Jesus’ and reflecting pond – speaks for itself. Go in, head to the 13 floor (I think) and you can go to the corners and have the best views of campus – not all floors have windows.
- The Stadium – when you go in, notice have the ‘new addition’ was put in so that you can see the old stadium. Very cool
- If time allows, there are two lakes on campus and it’s worth a stroll around both.
My life-long favorite pizza in South Bend is Barnaby’s Pizza. They have two locations – I recommend the one on Jefferson near downtown – it’s the original and the better of the two.
Go online the week before the game and you’ll find an itinerary of events that specific weekend and it will tell you where some of these events are happening.
Wear comfortable shoes – you’ll want to walk until your feet hurt, there is so much to see. Dorms cooking food for sale as fundraisers.
Hope this information is helpful.
See you all there!!
GO DEACS!!