Irish Express Gameday Experience FAQ  

Can I buy a teen ticket if I am an adult but not drinking?   

• Yes, there are options for passengers not consuming alcohol. Under-21 passengers select “Teen/Minor,” adults choose “No Beverage.” “No Beverage” is separate to prevent unauthorized passing of drinks.  

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 Chick-fil-A 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?   

• No, there is a coat check available at the tailgate party for non-valuable items to be placed 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.  

Gameday Party Zone (Tailgate Party) 

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 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 typically includes the following: Sliced Brisket, Pulled Chicken, Sausage, Mac-N-Cheese, Cole Slaw, Seasoned Cheesy Potatoes, Sliders Rolls, Cornbread, Cookies and Brownies 

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.  

ND Tailgate Lots FAQ  

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 35 in the Stadium Lot. Joyce Tailgate set-ups are located by pole 28 in the Joyce Lot 

Party Zone Tailgate Start Time   

• Starts 3 hours before kickoff.  

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 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, Bookstore, and North/Library lots.  

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.  

Pick-Up Packages  

Equipment Pick-Up Flexibility   

• With notice, equipment pick-up times can be adjusted.  

Equipment Pickup and Drop Off Times   

• Pick up: Friday: 12 PM – 6 PM 

• Drop – Off: Sunday: 9 AM – 12 PM.  

ND Lawn FAQ  

When do tailgates start in the lawn?   

• 9 AM for 2:30PM games, 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.  

Catering FAQ  

 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 are the descriptions of the sauces Mission BBQ serves?   

• Various flavors, including Memphis Belle, Smoky Mountain, Texas Twang, Tupelo Honey Heat, KC Classic, Bay-B-Que.  

• Memphis Belle – “The Sweet Sauce” rich with molasses and brown sugar, it starts out sweet with a lick of smoke, then finishes smooth.  

• Smoky Moutain – Smoldering with sweet firepit flavor, this handcrafted backroad batch takes smoky tang to new heights.  

• Tupelo Honey Heat – A little sweet with some Mississippi summer heat, the Deep South’s own natural nectar super-coats a surprise kick from habanero.  

Arena Club FAQ  

 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.  

Wisconsin FAQ  

 Where will my tailgate be located?   

• 10 North Charter Street 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.  

Beverage FAQ  

 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.  

Hotel FAQ  

 Can we go down in rate compared to the Hyatt?   

• Yes, we can match any rate that is listed on their website unless it is a different promo code.  

What is the code for the hotel discount?   

• Call us to get the code for the hotel discount. Maximize your savings with these handy hotel discounts!