8/10/25

Your Ultimate Guide to Navigating Parking at the University of Notre Dame

Alright, let's talk about something that can be as challenging as a Fighting Irish 4th and goal situation: parking at the University of Notre Dame. Whether you're a first-time visitor trying to see the Golden Dome, a student hauling textbooks, or a die-hard fan heading to a game, figuring out where to put your car can be a real head-scratcher. I've spent my fair share of time circling lots & navigating the beautiful, but sometimes confusing, campus. So, I'm here to give you the complete rundown, the insider info, on how to handle parking like a pro.
This isn't just about where the lots are. We're going deep. We’ll cover everything from daily visitor parking & the student permit maze to the organized chaos of a football Saturday. Honestly, once you get the hang of it, it's not so bad.

The Everyday Visitor: Just Trying to See the Sights

So you're planning a trip to see the Basilica, walk around the lakes, or visit the bookstore. Welcome! It's a gorgeous campus, & you don't want your visit soured by a parking ticket. Here's the thing you need to know: during the week, Notre Dame is a "valid permit required" campus. But don't let that scare you off.

Your Go-To Visitor Lots & Paying the Piper

For most visitors, parking is managed through the ParkMobile app. It's pretty straightforward. You'll find designated visitor parking in several key lots around campus. The main ones to know are:
  • Walsh Visitor Lot (Zone #11519)
  • Compton Lot (Zone #11467)
  • Joyce Lot (Zone #11487)
  • Baseball Lot (Zone #11461)
These lots are your best bet from Monday to Friday, between 6 a.m. & 4 p.m. The pricing is tiered: $2 for an hour, $4 for two, & so on, capping out at $10 for over four hours. You just pull in, open the app (or text "PARK" to 77223), enter the zone number you see on the signs, & you're good to go. No need for a paper ticket on your dash; it's all digital.
The BEST part? After 4 p.m. on weekdays, on weekends without major events, & on university holidays, parking in these lots is typically FREE. This is a great little tip if you're planning an evening stroll to the Grotto or a weekend campus tour. A Reddit thread confirms that students and visitors alike take advantage of these off-peak hours.
There are a couple of other spots for short-term visits. The Hammes Notre Dame Bookstore offers one hour of free parking, which is perfect if you're just popping in for some gear. And if you're a guest at the Morris Inn, they have their own arrangements, but be sure to call ahead as their lot is primarily for overnight guests.

The Student Struggle: A Guide to Campus Car Life

Okay, students, this section is for you. Having a car on campus is a great convenience, but it comes with its own set of rules & costs. The first thing to know is that yes, you absolutely need a permit. Parking Services will enforce this, & tickets are no fun.

Decoding the Student Permit System

For the 2025-2026 academic year, an annual permit will set you back about $300, which gets billed to your IrishPay account. There are a few different permit types, & what you get depends on your year & where you live:
  • C or D Permits: For eligible undergraduate students. These get you into a wide range of lots like the Baseball, Bulla Student, Dorr, Compton, Joyce, Walsh, & Lake Lots.
  • G Permits: For graduate students & some upperclassmen. This adds the Rugby & Wilson lots to your list of options.
  • F Permits: Specifically for residents of Fischer Graduate or Upper-Class Courtyard housing, giving them access to their own designated lot plus the others.
You'll register your vehicle online through the ParkND system. One thing to remember: the permit is a repositionable seal, so if you happen to borrow your parents' car, you can move it over, as long as that vehicle is also registered to your account. But don't even think about sharing it with a friend who doesn't have a permit—they're not transferable.
The general consensus from students on forums is to just get the pass. While some have mentioned getting away without one for a short period, enforcement does happen, especially after the first couple weeks of the semester. It's cheaper to pay the $300 than to risk multiple fines.

The Real Deal: Finding a Spot

So you have your permit. Now what? The reality is that parking on campus can still be a challenge, especially during peak class times. The lots closest to the academic buildings fill up fast. The key is to know your options & be willing to walk a bit. The lots further out, like the Dorr Road Lot or the Lake Lot, often have more availability.
And remember that rule about evenings & weekends being free? That applies to you too! After 4 p.m. & on non-football weekends, you can generally park in most non-gated lots without worry, which is a huge perk.
What about storage? If you're a student living in a cramped dorm, finding space for your things can be tough. Or maybe you're going home for the summer & don't want to lug everything with you. Here's a thought: you can use a service like Prked to find affordable, local storage. People in the South Bend community rent out their empty garages, basements, or attics. It’s a super convenient way to find a secure spot for your bike, extra furniture, or those boxes of winter clothes without paying for a traditional storage unit.

The Main Event: Conquering Notre Dame Game Day Parking

This is the big one. Football Saturdays at Notre Dame are a tradition unlike any other, & that includes the parking. It's a massive, coordinated effort that transforms the campus. If you're driving in for a game, you NEED a plan.

Official Campus Lots: The Lay of the Land

First things first: forget everything you know about regular campus parking. On a game day, it's a whole different ballgame. All lots open at 8:00 a.m., regardless of kickoff time, & every single one requires a university-issued pass or a day-of payment.
Here’s the breakdown of your main options:
  • Reserved Lots: These are the prime spots, like the Joyce Lot, Stadium Lot, & others close to the action. You'll need a pre-purchased mobile parking pass for these, & they sell out FAST, especially for big games. If you're lucky enough to have one, have it pulled up on your phone as you approach campus.
  • Pay-to-Park Lots: For the rest of us, there are several large lots where you can pay on game day. The main ones are the White Field (accessible via Douglas Road) & the Burke Golf Course. These are cashless, so have your credit card ready or use the ParkMobile app. Prices can vary, but expect to pay a premium. For a big game, prices on the secondary market for sold-out lots can soar into the hundreds!
  • Shuttle Service: The university runs free shuttles from the larger, more remote lots like White Field. These are a lifesaver & run continuously from 8 a.m. until at least two hours after the game.
Pro Tip: Download the Waze app. The university works directly with Waze to program the specific, one-way traffic patterns that are in effect on game days. Your normal GPS might lead you astray, but Waze will guide you directly to your designated lot entrance based on the real-time flow of traffic.

Navigating the Sea of Fans: Traffic & Tailgating

The traffic getting into South Bend on a game day is no joke. Roads leading to campus often become one-way to handle the influx. Police & traffic attendants are everywhere, so follow their directions. This is where having your Waze app & your mobile parking pass ready will make you look like a seasoned veteran.
Once you’re parked, it’s time for the main pre-game event: tailgating. It’s a tradition that’s taken VERY seriously. Here are the crucial do's & don'ts:
  • DO: Bring a propane grill (tanks must be under 20 lbs).
  • DON'T: Bring charcoal grills, deep fryers, or any kind of open flame fire pit. They are strictly prohibited.
  • DO: Set up a 10'x10' canopy or tent.
  • DON'T: Use stakes to hold it down (they damage the lots).
  • DO: Keep your tailgate contained to your single parking space. The university enforces a "one pass, one space" rule.
  • DON'T: Bring kegs or play excessively loud amplified music.
Remember, lots close 2-3 hours after the game ends, so be prepared to pack up & head out in a timely manner.

ADA & Accessible Parking: What You Need to Know

Notre Dame provides accessible parking for guests with disabilities in the Bulla Lot, which is on the east side of campus. To use this lot, you MUST have a valid state-issued ADA placard or license plate, & the person the permit is issued to must be in the vehicle. It costs $40 per vehicle & is first-come, first-served. There's a free shuttle from the Bulla Lot that will take you to the stadium.
Inside the stadium, the university has wheelchairs available to help transport guests to their seats, but you can't keep them during the game. You can request this service from any usher or Guest Services team member (they're the ones in the green coats).

The Unofficial Guide: Off-Campus & Alternative Options

What if the campus lots are full, too expensive, or you just want a different experience? You're in luck. The area around Notre Dame is full of entrepreneurial spirit on game days.

The Neighborhood Scene

Many homeowners & local businesses near campus turn their lawns, driveways, & parking lots into makeshift paid parking. You can find spots just by driving down streets like Angela Boulevard, Edison Road, or Ironwood Drive. Prices can range from $20 to well over $100 depending on the proximity to the stadium & the importance of the game. Walking a mile or so to the stadium is pretty common.
This is where a service like Prked can be a GAME CHANGER. Instead of driving around hoping to spot a hand-painted "PARKING" sign, you can use Prked to find & book a private driveway or garage spot in advance. Homeowners in the South Bend area can list their empty spaces, giving fans a guaranteed, reserved spot that's often cheaper & more convenient than the official lots. You know exactly where you're going & how much you're paying. It takes SO much stress out of the game day equation.

Other Smart Alternatives

  • Holy Cross College & Saint Mary's College: These neighboring campuses often offer game day parking for a fee, sometimes with their own shuttle services. It's a great option that's usually a bit less chaotic than the main campus lots.
  • Downtown South Bend: You can park in a downtown garage & take the Transpo Game Day Express shuttle, which is free & runs directly to campus.
  • Ridesharing: Services like Uber & Lyft have designated drop-off & pick-up points on campus, such as near the Compton Family Ice Arena. This can be a great option if you're staying at a hotel a bit further out.

A Final Word of Advice

Parking at Notre Dame, especially on a game day, is an experience. My best advice is to plan ahead. Know where you're going before you leave the house. Give yourself WAY more time than you think you need. And honestly, just embrace the energy. The walk through campus, seeing all the fans, hearing the band in the distance—it's all part of what makes a trip to Notre Dame so special.
So whether you’re a student, a parent, an alum, or a visiting fan, I hope this guide helps you navigate the ins & outs of Notre Dame parking. It's a beautiful place to be, and with a little bit of planning, your car will have a happy home while you enjoy it. Let me know what you think
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