Post by ahebrewtoo on Nov 6, 2018 18:18:11 GMT
I have never driven in from Chicago for a game. I always drive from the north or from the south. You'll be coming from the west. I would AVOID the likely directions you get, which will take you north of the stadium on 90. I would either take 90 and get off at US-31 to US-20 (note: not Business 31 or Business 20; I think that will take you too close to campus). Or you can take 94 to US-2. That might be a straighter shot.
I always approach south of campus and park just east of Twyckenham on Northwood Drive between Campeau and Rockne. Approach from the south, head north on Twyckenham, take a right on Campeau, and then a right on Northwood. There should be street parking on the right. This is by far the easiest in-and-out solution I've found on gameday. It's a brisk 20 minute walk from there to the stadium. I lined out the route I take.
There are a few TMB tailgates in the Joyce lot. Laxjoe's, NilesIrish's, and Beed's. All are good dudes. Beed's is a rowdier/drinkier crowd. I usually say hi to everyone, but spend most of the time at Niles's.
There is a lot to do on campus on a gameday. Just north of the stadium is the library and touchdown Jesus. To the west is the bookstore. Further north/northeast is the administrative building with the golden dome. There you can see Trumpets Under the Dome. I saw it once. I wont see it again. But I don't like crowds or waiting, especially in a place where I cannot drink a beer on gameday. Typically the band will march from there to the stadium. That's worth seeing I guess. Also of note on campus (to me) are the Basilica, the Grotto, and the Knights of Columbus steak sandwich. If you're at the KoC for a sammie, hit up their bathrooms (go into the main doors straight through the rec area, left at the wall and then straight back).
In the stadium, I highly recommend a Ben's Pretzel. Ask an usher for help finding the stand. Easily shareable, but I'm a fatty so I get one for myself.
Gameday schedule is here: gameday.nd.edu/events/calendar/2018-florida-state/page/3/
But here are the highlights:
Bagpipes under the Dome (3:30-4) (under the golden dome, duh)
Player Walk (5:15-5:30) (north of stadium from the library into the north gate)
Trumpets under the Dome (6-6:30) (under the golden dome, again, duh)
Marching Band Walk (6:45-7) (admin building to stadium)
Enjoy the weekend and let me know if you have any questions.
