Gameday Your Way FAQ
Ready for an Elevated Tailgating Experience? Check Out Our FAQs for an Unforgettable Notre Dame Gameday!
Where is the tailgate located at Notre Dame?
Our all-inclusive tailgate party is located 700 yards SE of the Stadium at the corner of Angela Blvd & Twyckenham Drive.
Where does the bus depart from in Chicago?
The Irish Express departs from Guinness Open Gate Brewery, 901 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60607
What hotels are near Guinness Open Gate Brewery (OGB)?
Several hotels are nearby. For group discounts and bundled pricing, we have preferred rates with the Hyatt Regency Chicago.
What drinks are offered on the Irish Express?
A variety including vodka, rum, whiskey, gin, seltzers, beer, and soft drinks.
What food is provided on the way back?
A chicken sandwich and chips are provided on the return journey.
What is your refund policy?
Cancellations/changes >45 days get full refund. 11-45 days, credit for future purchase. <10 days, not refundable but transferable to another customer.
How long is the walk from the tailgate to the stadium?
It is about a 7-minute walk to the stadium from the bus drop off and tailgate party.
When does the Irish Express leave Guinness Open Gate Brewery?
Buses start loading at 9 AM CT for a 3:30 PM ET kickoff, 1 PM CT for a 7:30 PM ET game.
Does a 35-passenger private bus have 35 open seats on it?
Yes, all buses are marketed with the available seats.
Is there parking at Guinness Open Gate Brewery?
No, but there are nearby garages at 315 N Peoria St and 333 N Green St.
Can I bring non-alcoholic drinks and refreshments on the bus?
Yes, non-alcoholic beverages and small snacks are allowed.
Can I leave personal items on the bus?
Yes, you may leave any personal items on the bus during the game.
What time can my private charter pick us up?
Vehicles with beverages have up to 11 hours, without beverages up to 12 hours of service.
Why is there a limit to the drinks that I can order?
Limited due to bus space constraints and state law.
How can groups sit together on the Irish Express?
Provide a group name that matches all members of your group or purchase under a single name.
Is there a military discount?
A 5% military/veteran discount is available for Irish Express. You must provide ID verification for any individuals accessing the discount.
Location
Our all-inclusive tailgate party is located 700 yards SE of the Stadium at the corner of Angela Blvd & Twyckenham Drive.
Party Zone Tailgate Start Time
Starts 3.5 hours before kickoff.
All you can eat food and drink!
We partner with a local caterer that offers delicious BBQ. The menu is subject to change, but includes multiple entrees, proteins, sides, and desserts.
Premium Bar
Enjoy a full-service bar staffed by multiple experienced bartenders for quick, attentive service. Our drink selection features popular choices, including a range of beers, refreshing seltzers, Jim Beam Whiskey, Tito’s Vodka, Bacardi Rum, Tanqueray Gin, and a variety of soft drinks. Plus, enjoy additional options to elevate your game day experience.
Games and Entertainment
Get ready for nonstop fun with our lineup of tailgate games, big-screen TVs, and lively music that create an unbeatable game day vibe! Enjoy classic tailgate games like cornhole and ladder toss, perfect for some friendly competition with friends or family. With multiple TVs streaming games from around the country, you’ll stay in the loop on all the action, ensuring you don’t miss a single score, highlight, or thrilling moment. Whether you’re relaxing to the tunes, catching up with friends, or cheering on other teams, there’s something for everyone at our tailgate.
Tailgate Start and End Times
Tailgate Lots open at 8 AM, cleanup starts at kickoff regardless of game time.
Tailgate Delivery Locations - Vehicle Packages
We deliver tailgate packages to the following lots; Stadium, Joyce, Stayer, Bookstore, and North/Library lot.
Once set up, vehicles can’t be removed.
Tailgate Set Up Packages – No Vehicle Packages
Stadium or Joyce lot is available for set up packages without a vehicle
University determines location, usually west side of Joyce lot and south side of stadium lot. Stadium Lot Tailgate set-ups are located by pole 48 in the Stadium Lot. Joyce Tailgate set-ups are located by pole 37 in the Joyce Lot
Tailgating During the Game
Must cease at kickoff as per Notre Dame’s policy.
Not Allowed at Notre Dame
Restrictions on advertising, branding, signage, and selling equipment.
Vehicle Removal After Reserving a Spot
Once set up, vehicles can’t be removed.
Overnight Parking for Spot Reservation
Not allowed; overnight parking results in towing.
Flexible Parking Times
Typically flexible until 9:30 AM, then university parking attendants may guide you to a spot.
Tailgate Delivery and set up Time
Tailgate setup varies, but allow up to 45 minutes after your confirmed arrival.
Serviced Parking Lots
We service the Stadium, Joyce, Stayer, and Bookstore lots. If you are interested in
Bartender in the Lot
Bartenders are not allowed in tailgate lots.
Drop-Off Instructions
Rideshare drop-off TBD; typically at entry points.
Handling Leftover Food and Beverages
University policy mandates cleanup at kickoff. Anything left at your tailgate will be properly disposed of.
Capacity of a 120-Quart Cooler
Holds about 100 cans with ice.
When do tailgates start in the lawn?
10AM for 3:30PM games, and 12 PM for night games.
Can we have a bartender in the lawn?
No bartenders or alcohol service allowed.
Where can I get dropped off?
Drop off at the concierge tent in front of Johnson Family Hall.
Leftover Food and Beverages
University policy mandates cleanup at kickoff. Anything left at your tailgate will be properly disposed of.
21 Plus in the Tailgate Lawn?
The Tailgate Lawn is open to people of all ages.
Can company advertising or branding be posted in the Tailgate Lawn?
Notre Dame restricts any advertising or branding in the Tailgate Lawn. We offer a banner with your tailgate where you can include your company name.
Equipment Pickup and Drop Off Times
Pick up: Friday: 12 PM – 6 PM
Drop – Off: Sunday: 9 AM – 12 PM.
Equipment Pick-Up Flexibility
With notice, equipment pick-up times can be adjusted.
What time is my alcohol delivered? (Tailgate Lawn)
All alcohol packages are delivered to the beverage tent in the tailgate lawn. After signing for the package, our staff will assist in stocking coolers. Beverages become available once the venue opens.
What time is my alcohol delivered? (Tailgate Lots)
All alcohol packages are delivered to the beverage tent located at the GDYW operations base, situated on the south side of the stadium behind Walsh Architecture Building. Upon package sign-off, our staff helps stock coolers. Beverages become accessible at 8:30 AM
Can I bring my own beverages?
Yes, you’re welcome to bring your own beverages to enhance your tailgating experience.
No Vehicle at Tailgate – Leftovers Handling
If you don’t have a vehicle at your tailgate, GDYW handles the breakdown at kickoff, and all leftovers are disposed of. We recommend avoiding over-purchasing alcohol, keeping in mind your tailgate’s needs.
What time is my catering delivered?
Day games: 11:00 AM – 12:30 AM
Night games: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM or 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM.
Can I bring my own catering?
Yes, you can bring your own catering.
Does my package include utensils, napkins, etc.?
All packages include necessary supplies.
What comes with the chafing dish setup?
Wire rack, bottom pan, two 6-hr sternos, lighter, water.
What time does the Arena Club open?
3 hours before kickoff, closes at kickoff.
Can I leave personal belongings at the tailgate during the game?
No, the venue closes at kickoff.
Is there a shuttle to the stadium?
Yes, there is a complimentary shuttle from Arena Club to the stadium.
Parking Availability
Depending on the game, guests can purchase a parking pass from us for the Sailing lot.
Shuttle Drop-Off Location
North of the stadium.
Where will my tailgate be located?
1124 Regent St Madison, WI 53715
Tailgate Setup Time
8 AM for 11 AM games
9:30 AM for 1:30 PM+ games.
Catering Delivery Time
9 AM for 11 AM games, flexible for others.
