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Notre Dame Stadium - home of Notre Dame in Notre Dame, IN
Photo: Know1one1 · CC BY-SA 3.0
NCAA FBS

Notre Dame StadiumNotre Dame, Indiana

Notre Dame

About Notre Dame Stadium

Notre Dame Stadium, "The House That Rockne Built," is one of college football's most revered venues. With Touchdown Jesus watching from the Hesburgh Library, the stadium combines football tradition with academic prestige in a way no other venue can match.

Notre Dame Stadium History

Origins

Opened in 1930, the stadium was designed by the Osborn Engineering firm (architects of Yankee Stadium) and built under legendary coach Knute Rockne's supervision. Its original capacity of 59,075 remained unchanged for over 60 years.

Major Renovations

1997First expansion added 21,000 seats via bowl enclosure
2014$400M "Campus Crossroads" added three buildings to stadium perimeter
2017New video boards installed, capacity set at 77,622

Notable Moments

Oct 4, 1930First game: Notre Dame defeated SMU 20-14
Nov 20, 1993#1 vs #2: Notre Dame beat Florida State 31-24 in "Game of the Century"
Oct 15, 2005"Bush Push" game – USC won 34-31 on controversial final play

Visiting Notre Dame Stadium

Best Seats

Lower bowl sections near midfield offer the best views. The Library (Touchdown Jesus) end zone is iconic for photos. Premium club seats are in the new Campus Crossroads buildings.

Parking Tips

Joyce Center lots are closest but fill early. The campus has multiple paid parking areas. Campus shuttle from outlying lots available on game days.

Game Day

Attend a pre-game Mass at the Basilica. The band march from the Main Building to the stadium is a must-see. Visit the Hammes Bookstore for official gear.

Local Recommendations

Bars & Drinks

The Linebacker Lounge

$

Quintessential college bar a few blocks off campus. Known for its old-school vibe and famous BLT sandwich.

0.5 miles1631 South Bend Ave

The Backer draws an older crowd on game weekends. Cash only.

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O'Rourke's Public House

$$

Irish pub on Eddy Street with affordable drinks and pub fare. Family-friendly gathering spot.

0.3 miles1044 Eddy St

Great location for pre-game with walking distance to stadium.

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Corby's Irish Pub

$

Historic student-favorite pub famous for appearing in the movie "Rudy." Cozy atmosphere with pizza kitchen.

1.5 miles441 E LaSalle Ave

Budget-friendly beer and Notre Dame tradition.

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Restaurants

Legends of Notre Dame

$$

On-campus restaurant less than 100 yards from the stadium. Family-friendly with burgers, salads, and shareable items.

0.1 milesJoyce Center

Gameday tailgate buffet with live music. Great atmosphere.

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Rocco's Restaurant

$$

Local favorite for pizza. A South Bend institution since 1951.

1.2 miles537 N St Louis Blvd

Their thin-crust pizza is legendary.

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Brothers Bar & Grill

$$

Spacious sports bar on Eddy Street Commons with good food and numerous TVs.

0.3 miles1071 Eddy St

Great for large groups. Game-day specials available.

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Hotels

The Morris Inn

$$$$

The only hotel on Notre Dame campus. Walking distance to stadium with on-site dining at Rohr's.

0.4 miles1399 N Notre Dame Ave

Books up a year in advance for big games. The premier ND lodging.

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Embassy Suites South Bend

$$$

Downtown option with free breakfast and evening reception. Game-day shuttles available.

2 miles211 W Washington St

Good value alternative when Morris Inn is booked.

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Attractions

Basilica of the Sacred Heart

$

Beautiful campus church offering pre-game Mass. A Notre Dame tradition for 150+ years.

0.3 milesNotre Dame Campus

Attend Mass before the game - a uniquely Notre Dame experience.

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Touchdown Jesus (Hesburgh Library)

$

The famous "Word of Life" mural visible from the stadium. Iconic photo opportunity.

0.2 milesHesburgh Library

Best photo angle is from inside the stadium looking north.

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The Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes

$

A place of reflection and prayer, mirroring the famous shrine in France.

0.5 milesUniversity of Notre Dame

Light a candle and experience the peace of campus. A must-visit at sunset.

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Parking Options

Joyce Center Lots

$30-40
Lot0.2 miles

Closest lots. Fill early - arrive by 7 AM for noon games.

White Field

$40
Tailgate0.5 miles

Popular tailgating area with full setup allowed.

Burke Golf Course

$50+
Lot0.6 miles

Iconic tailgating spot on the golf course. Arrive extremely early.

Suggest a Tip

Know a great bar, restaurant, hotel, attraction, or parking spot near Notre Dame Stadium? Share it with us.

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Stadium Rankings

Notre Dame Stadium ranks among the venues tracked on Fan Stamp as the 20th-largest.

#20 Largest StadiumView top 50 by capacity
Learn more on Wikipedia

Notre Dame Rivals

Blaik Field at Michie StadiumArmy · West Point, NYAlumni StadiumBoston College · Newton, MAFrank Leahy Memorial BowlMichigan StadiumMichigan · Ann Arbor, MISpartan StadiumMichigan State · East Lansing, MIBattle for the MegaphoneNavy–Marine Corps Memorial StadiumNavy · Annapolis, MDBattle for the Rip Miller TrophyHarry Turpin StadiumNorthwestern State Demons · Natchitoches, LouisianaBattle for the ShillelaghAcrisure StadiumPittsburgh · Pittsburgh, PARoss–Ade StadiumPurdue · West Lafayette, INBattle for the Shillelagh TrophyStanford StadiumStanford · Stanford, CABattle of the LegendsLos Angeles Memorial ColiseumUSC · Los Angeles, CABattle for the Jeweled Shillelagh

Closest Stadiums to Notre Dame Stadium

Brown FieldValparaiso Beacons · Valparaiso, Indiana45 miWaldo StadiumWestern Michigan · Kalamazoo, MI52 miSoldier FieldChicago Bears · Chicago, IL72 miRate FieldChicago White Sox · Chicago, IL73 miWrigley FieldChicago Cubs · Chicago, IL75 miSeatGeek StadiumChicago State Cougars · Bridgeview, Illinois81 mi

Frequently Asked Questions About Notre Dame Stadium

What is the capacity of Notre Dame Stadium?
Notre Dame Stadium has a seating capacity of 77,622.
Where is Notre Dame Stadium located?
Notre Dame Stadium is located in Notre Dame, IN.
What team plays at Notre Dame Stadium?
Notre Dame Stadium is the home stadium of Notre Dame in the Independent.
When was Notre Dame Stadium built?
Notre Dame Stadium opened in 1930.
Where are the best seats at Notre Dame Stadium?
Lower bowl sections near midfield offer the best views. The Library (Touchdown Jesus) end zone is iconic for photos. Premium club seats are in the new Campus Crossroads buildings.
What are the best parking tips for Notre Dame Stadium?
Joyce Center lots are closest but fill early. The campus has multiple paid parking areas. Campus shuttle from outlying lots available on game days.
What type of surface does Notre Dame Stadium have?
Notre Dame Stadium has a fieldturf playing surface.
What stadiums are near Notre Dame Stadium?
The closest stadiums to Notre Dame Stadium are Brown Field (45 mi), Waldo Stadium (52 mi), Soldier Field (72 mi), Rate Field (73 mi), Wrigley Field (75 mi), SeatGeek Stadium (81 mi).
Who are Notre Dame's biggest rivals?
Notre Dame's rivals include Army, Boston College (Frank Leahy Memorial Bowl), Michigan, Michigan State (Battle for the Megaphone), Navy (Battle for the Rip Miller Trophy), Northwestern State Demons (Battle for the Shillelagh), Pittsburgh, Purdue (Battle for the Shillelagh Trophy), Stanford (Battle of the Legends), USC (Battle for the Jeweled Shillelagh).

References

Content sourced from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) and official team sites. Additional information verified against public sources.