Ready for gameday? Here’s what you need to know (2024)

Notre Dame faces Toledo this Saturday, Sept. 11, for the first home game of the season. Fans and visitors to campus are strongly encouraged to be fully vaccinated prior to attending a game. Here’s what else fans and visitors to campus need to know.

At the stadium

Masks

Masks are optional for vaccinated attendees while outdoors at the stadium (gates, concourses and general bowl seating). Masks are required in indoor spaces — e.g., premium areas. Unvaccinated attendees are expected to wear masks at all times at the stadium, whether indoors or outdoors.

Mobile ticketing

For the first time, Notre Dame Stadium ticketing is completely mobile. This includes stadium tickets and parking passes. Download tickets before arriving for a more efficient experience entering the stadium.

Cashless environment

To improve the fan experience and prioritize the health and safety of guests, a fully cashless environment will be implemented throughout Notre Dame Stadium this season. Only credit and debit cards can be used at concession and merchandise stands inside. Cashless parking transactions will also be implemented for Notre Dame-operated parking lots.

Concessions

General concessions will be available, and patrons must consume food and beverages in outdoor spaces within the stadium, like in the bowl or concourse. A streamlined menu focusing on fan favorites can be found throughout the stadium, mobile ordering will be available in select locations, and many grab-and-go offerings will be available. For the first two home games (Toledo and Purdue) fans may bring in up to two sealed water bottles. Water filling stations will be available in the concourses near the student seating areas.

Patience

Be patient and allow plenty of time to enter the game. Anticipate wait times longer than usual at the gates and at concession stands. Guests can expect exceptional Notre Dame hospitality, and staff are grateful for your understanding.

On campus

Building protocols

Visitors, regardless of vaccination status, must wear masks indoors in all campus buildings. Please visit Notre Dame’s COVID-19 website for masking guidelines. Members of the Notre Dame community must wear masks when they are indoors in spaces where guests are also present. This includes indoor areas of Notre Dame Stadium. Visitor access to some campus buildings will be limited, and the residence halls and dining halls will continue to allow only guests who are Notre Dame students, staff or faculty.

Outdoors is best

To the extent possible, gatherings, events, meals and activities will occur outdoors throughout the football weekend.

Tailgating

Tailgating will be permitted in traditional fashion in designated parking lots. This Saturday, lots will open at 8 a.m. Opening times for future games will be posted on gameday.nd.edu.

Ready for gameday? Here’s what you need to know (2024)

FAQs

How early should I arrive to NFL game? ›

Generally, it's a good idea to arrive at least 30 minutes to an hour before the start of the game to allow time for parking, security checks, and finding your seats. If you plan to tailgate or attend pre-game events, you may want to arrive earlier.

Is Notre Dame Stadium cashless? ›

Notre Dame Stadium is in its second year of going cashless, and its effects have prompted the entire campus to switch to accepting cards only. While this is Notre Dame campus's first year going cashless, this is Notre Dame Stadium's second year operating as such. All athletic facilities went cashless last year as well.

Can you bring water to NFL game? ›

Your exact needs will depend on the weather, the stadium and how strong your tailgating game is, but here's a quick list of ideas of what to bring to a football game to get you started: Wallets and cash for concessions and merchandise. Phone chargers. Bottled water – sealed, if you want to bring it inside.

Can you bring a water bottle to a football game? ›

Food (sandwiches in a bag, crisps, etc) should be fine. Glass bottles are a no no, and aluminum cans could be a problem. Plastic bottles should be ok. Some clubs may take a dislike to bringing food and drink in, preferring that you buy it there.

Can you bring food into Notre Dame Stadium? ›

Fans may not bring any outside food or beverage, including sealed water bottles. There are several water fountains located throughout the stadium on the lower and upper concourse, and mezzanine levels fans can use to stay hydrated!

Why do stadiums not accept cash? ›

Reduce operational costs. Going cashless streamlines operations since cashiers don't have to count money and provide change. Moving to digital payments eliminates processing fees that banks charge for large cash deposits, and helps prevent loss from human error or theft.

Can I take blankets into Notre Dame Stadium? ›

You can carry permissible items in your pockets, if you choose not to put them in a clear bag or clutch. And you can carry a blanket over your arms, and binoculars and/or camera around your neck or in your hands without the case. You can use the clear bag and clutch to carry other items.

How early do NFL teams warm up before games? ›

60 minutes: The official team warm-up period begins. Each team must warm-up on its designated half of the field, as designated in the NFL's Game Operations Manual.

How early should I be at the stadium? ›

Arriving 60-90 Minutes Early to Find Parking

Arriving early ensures that fans have ample time to secure parking and avoid unnecessary stress. Additionally, this timeframe allows fans to comfortably walk to the stadium, locate their seats, and get settled before the game begins.

How do you meet NFL players before a game? ›

The NFL publishes a list of dates and locations for each team online a month before. There may be a designated area after each training session for fans to meet the players. You may also be able to chat with a player before practice as they enter the field. You may need to buy tickets to attend a training session.

How long does a NFL game usually last? ›

While reports on this vary depending on the sample size, the average NFL game reportedly takes 3 hours and 12 minutes to complete. In contrast, the average time for a college football game is 3 hours and 24 minutes.

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