Join the Irish Express for a hassle-free, exciting bus ride from Chicago to Notre Dame’s game day festivities. Arrive early, enjoy tailgate traditions, and relax on the return trip with snacks included.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
10–12 hours including round trip and game time
Fitness Level
No special physical fitness required; mostly seated on the bus with moderate walking around tailgate areas.
Wildlife
History
Notre Dame football dates back to 1887 and has become an iconic part of American college sports culture, drawing fans from across the country.
Conservation
Notre Dame and South Bend promote sustainability initiatives such as waste reduction during events, encouraging fans to respect the environment and dispose of trash properly.
Gameday
Join the Irish Express for a hassle-free, exciting bus ride from Chicago to Notre Dame’s game day festivities. Arrive early, enjoy tailgate traditions, and relax on the return trip with snacks included.
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 Tailgate Fun
The bus gets you to South Bend three hours before kickoff, allowing ample time to enjoy the tailgating festivities.
Dress in Layers
Midwestern weather can be unpredictable; layering helps you stay comfortable throughout the day.
Stay Hydrated
Keep a water bottle handy during the tailgate and bus ride to stay refreshed.
Bring ID and Tickets
Ensure you carry your game ticket and valid identification for smooth entry and boarding.
Weather-Appropriate Clothing
Wear layers or rain gear based on the forecast to stay comfortable in changing conditions.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll likely walk around tailgate spots and the stadium, so comfortable shoes are a must.
Refillable Water Bottle
Staying hydrated during warm weather is important, especially while tailgating in the sun.
summer
Small Backpack or Bag
Useful for carrying layers, snacks, ID, and personal items during the day.