South Bend is preparing for Saturday’s big game as the Irish take on USC, and they’re doing so both in the air and on the ground.

South Bend International Airport is one of the city’s many entities that are being affected by the influx of fans – for both teams – for the rivalry game.

“Because of the national draw that Notre Dame has, and Notre Dame fans being all over the country, the airlines will add in additional flights for our market for home weekends,” said Julie Curtis, Director of Marketing Development for South Bend International Airport.

To prove just how huge this rivalry is, just look back 12 years. About 270 aircraft filled the runways and that record has yet to be broken.

“So USC is traditionally one of our largest games of the season,” Curtis added. “So it's really exciting and brings a lot to South Bend.”

The economic impact of the big game also reaches ground level as a new hotel is preparing to book its entire facility this weekend.

“We've been gearing them up all week,” said Becky Fletcher, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Aloft Hotel.

As an occupant of the tallest building in South Bend, the hotel has an even taller order ahead of them, but they say they are prepared.

“The staff is really excited,” Fletcher continued. “They're on their toes, they're ready to provide super service to everybody that's coming, they know they're going to be very busy.”

For more information on train and bus shuttle service accommodations for the big game, click here.