Join the Irish Express for an exciting bus trip from Chicago to the Notre Dame vs Navy game! Enjoy tailgate BBQ, open bar, games, and a hassle-free journey to one of college football's greatest traditions.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
12–14 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal physical activity required. Suitable for most fitness levels as it involves sitting on a bus and some light standing at the tailgate.
Wildlife
History
Notre Dame Stadium, opened in 1930, is one of college football's most historic venues, rich with tradition and legendary games.
Conservation
Local efforts focus on maintaining green spaces around the university and promoting waste reduction during large sporting events.
Gameday
Join the Irish Express for an exciting bus trip from Chicago to the Notre Dame vs Navy game! Enjoy tailgate BBQ, open bar, games, and a hassle-free journey to one of college football's greatest traditions.
Gameday is a Madison, Wisconsin company that organizes game day and tailgate experiences for college and professional football events. It offers curated packages for Regent Street tailgates in Madison and tented tailgate lots at Soldier Field in Chicago, plus transportation options such as the Irish Express coach trips to Notre Dame.
Gameday's packages range from compact setups to full-service tailgate spaces with seating, tables, coolers, and entertainment items. Packages include the Custom, Varsity, MVP, Hall of Fame, All-Star, Playoff, Kickoff, Championship, and specific Irish Express options, covering both Regent Street and Soldier Field offerings. Each package lists core amenities—tented spaces sized between 10’x10’ and 20’x20’, folding chairs, six-foot tables with linens, coolers, and optional cornhole sets—providing clear, practical offerings for groups of varying sizes.
Gameday coordinates logistics such as reserved tented space, seating counts, and transport departures from locations like Guinness Open Gate Brewery for bus trips. The company focuses on delivering stress-free game day experiences by handling setup details and group transport so attendees can focus on the event. Gameday works with established venues in Madison and Chicago and publishes specific package contents to set expectations. Prospective customers can evaluate options by comparing package sizes and included amenities. Detailed package summaries and clear amenity lists allow groups to select appropriate options for budgets, group sizes, and travel preferences with confidence, including year-round event coordination.
Location
Madison, WI
Home base for Regent Street tailgates
Trips Offered
11 Packages
Regent Street, Soldier Field, Irish Express
Included Amenities
Tents, chairs, tables, coolers
Itemized contents listed per package
Transport Options
Coach & Tailgate
Irish Express coach and bus-only option
Compare packages, confirm amenities, and reserve tented space or Irish Express transportation before high-demand football weekends.
Arrive Early for Check-In
Plan to arrive at the departure point early to enjoy your breakfast sandwich and pint before boarding.
Dress for Variable Weather
South Bend weather can shift quickly; layering helps keep you comfortable during the outdoor tailgate.
Stay Hydrated
Make sure to drink water alongside the provided beverages, especially during tailgate festivities.
Bring ID for Alcohol Service
The open bar requires valid ID, so bring it along to enjoy the drinks safely and legally.
Layered Clothing
Wear layers to stay comfortable during changing temperatures at the tailgate and on the bus.
fall
Comfortable Shoes
Choose shoes suitable for standing and walking around the tailgate area.
Rain Jacket
Protect yourself from unexpected spring showers during outdoor festivities.
spring
Valid ID
Required to access the open bar perks during the tailgate.