THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Join the Irish Express for a private bus ride from Chicago to South Bend and enjoy premium tailgating before the Notre Dame vs USC game. Experience the game day excitement without the hassle of driving or parking!
Join the Irish Express for a private bus ride from Chicago to South Bend and enjoy premium tailgating before the Notre Dame vs USC game. Experience the game day excitement without the hassle of driving or parking!
Book with Gameday
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Gameday · South Bend, Indiana
The Irish Express offers fans an unforgettable way to experience the Notre Dame vs USC football game with hassle-free, premium transportation from Chicago directly to South Bend. This private bus adventure by Gameday includes a spacious coach ride equipped with restroom facilities, so comfort is guaranteed throughout the journey. Arriving well before kickoff, passengers get exclusive access to a lively tailgate party featuring BBQ, an open bar, and interactive games that build anticipation and camaraderie among fellow fans. Whether you’re a die-hard Irish supporter or simply looking for an exciting day filled with football spirit, this trip combines convenience, fun, and socializing in a seamless package. By choosing this bus-only option, you avoid the stress of parking and traffic while enjoying a relaxed, festive atmosphere onboard and at the venue. The experience showcases the passion and energy of college football culture up close, perfect for groups of friends, families, or solo fans wanting to connect. Get ready for a day packed with cheers, great food, and memorable moments at one of college football’s iconic matchups!
easy.
8–10 hours.
Ideal for most fitness levels as the day is mostly seated with casual walking during tailgate activities.
The bus typically departs early in the morning, about 4 hours before game kickoff, to allow time for the tailgate party.
An open bar and BBQ are included at the tailgate, but food and drinks are not served during the bus ride.
Personal tailgate items like chairs and coolers are not necessary, as all essentials are provided at the exclusive tailgate setup.
Yes, the coach is equipped with restroom facilities for passenger convenience.
Absolutely! The Irish Express is family-friendly with safe, comfortable transportation and a fun atmosphere.
In the event of cancellation or postponement, Gameday will provide ticket options or refund policies based on the situation.
Notre Dame Stadium has hosted college football games since 1930 and is a landmark of American football tradition.
Efforts are underway to reduce waste during game days by promoting recycling and minimizing single-use plastics at tailgates.
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