Under different circumstances, game days begin almost under the cover of darkness.

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.

Due to coronavirus-related restrictions, however, tailgating is NOT permitted at Notre Dame during the 2020 season. Entrance into Notre Dame Stadium for games is limited to no more than 20 percent of stadium capacity with tickets only available to students, faculty and staff.

RELATED CONTENT: Your Guide to Notre Dame Home Game Weekends

2020 Tailgating Guidelines

All forms of tailgating are NOT permitted during the 2020 season.

Guests and ticket holders are prohibited from loitering in parking lots after parking their vehicle.

No alcoholic beverages are permitted on campus or in University parking lots.



UPDATE: Anything below this note reflects 2019 Notre Dame tailgating guidelines. Please refer to the above section for 2020 season details.



Ready, Set, Tailgate

On your mark, get set, tailgate.

There’s plenty of time to tailgate before heading to the stadium. Campus lots open at 7 a.m. on game day (including night games). Make sure you get all your tailgating in before kickoff. Tailgating isn’t permitted in campus lots after the game starts.

Parking Information

If you have a Notre Dame-issued pass for reserved parking, it has to be displayed at all times. All lots open at 7 a.m. 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)

RELATED CONTENT: 10 Iconic Notre Dame Landmarks

Game Day Recycling

Keeping your tailgate eco-friendly is easy.

Student volunteers go through the Stadium, Joyce, Library, Bulla, Burke and Bookstore lots to hand out clear recycle bags and black trash bags to fans. Guests can then leave their clear plastic (open or loosely tied) and black trash (tied up) bags at their vehicles for pick up before kickoff.

Items you can recycle outside the stadium (after emptying food and liquids in a black trash bag) include:

Clean, empty plastic bottles

Clean, empty aluminum cans

Clean, empty glass bottles

Make sure to place your Styrofoam and plastics 3-6 in the black trash bag.

Heading to the Game: Clear Bag Policy

Notre Dame in 2018 announced a new policy for the 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.

RELATED CONTENT: Checklist for Every Kind of Notre Dame Fan

Have Fun!

Notre Dame football games are an experience unlike any other. Tailgating is one its cornerstone traditions. Start your Saturday off right with a brat, beer and a debate about who will have a big game. It doesn’t matter if you’re a casual football fan or a diehard — there are experiences for every type of fan — everyone loves to tailgate at Notre Dame.