THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
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.
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.
Book with Gameday
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Gameday · South Bend, Indiana
Get ready for an unforgettable game day experience with the Irish Express, a private bus journey from Chicago to Notre Dame, Indiana. This service by Gameday ensures you arrive in South Bend with plenty of time to enjoy the renowned Notre Dame tailgate scene, known for its lively fan spirit, delicious food, and festive atmosphere. The trip begins in Chicago, where you'll board a comfortable coach equipped with refreshments to keep you refreshed during the ride. Upon arrival, you’ll have three hours before kickoff to soak in the excitement, meet fellow Irish fans, and explore the traditions that make Notre Dame football games legendary. After the final whistle, relax on the return trip with snacks provided, sharing highlights of the day with new friends. This bus-only adventure eliminates the stress of parking or driving, allowing you to focus entirely on the game day vibe. Whether you’re a die-hard Irish supporter or a first-time visitor, this experience delivers convenience, comfort, and community, making it the perfect way to celebrate college football in South Bend.
easy.
10–12 hours including round trip and game time.
No special physical fitness required; mostly seated on the bus with moderate walking around tailgate areas.
The bus typically departs early enough to arrive at Notre Dame three hours before kickoff; exact times are provided upon booking.
Yes, light refreshments and snacks are available on both the outbound and return trips.
Outside food and non-alcoholic beverages are generally allowed, but check with Gameday for specific policies.
Most departure locations in Chicago offer parking options, and the bus handles all travel to and from South Bend to avoid parking hassles there.
In case of changes, Gameday will notify all ticket holders and provide options for rescheduling or refunds.
Yes, the bus ride is family-friendly, but children should have their own game tickets for stadium entry.
Notre Dame football dates back to 1887 and has become an iconic part of American college sports culture, drawing fans from across the country.
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 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.
Book with Gameday