Notre Dame football is one of the most popular college football programs in the country. Games at Notre Dame Stadium are always a hot ticket. But Notre Dame tickets can be expensive, especially when big name opponents come to town. Here are some tips and strategies for getting cheap tickets to see the Fighting Irish play at home in South Bend.
Buy Early
The best way to save money on Notre Dame football tickets is to buy early. As soon as the schedule is announced, look at games you want to attend and check for ticket availability. Prices are usually lowest right when games go on sale to the public.
Another good time to buy is during the summer months after the initial rush. Games that don’t look as attractive upon release sometimes drop in demand and price as the season approaches.
Look for Group and Single Game Ticket Packages
Throughout the summer and leading up to the season, Notre Dame offers different ticket package promotions. Here are some options to look for:
- Group packages – Buying in bulk usually saves per ticket. Groups of 20+ can get big discounts.
- Mini plans – Pick 2-3 games at a discount over buying separately.
- Single game packs – These bundle one game ticket with added perks.
Packages like these allow you to save money while getting some extra benefits. Make sure to compare costs against buying individual games.
Check the Secondary Market
Once tickets go on sale, the secondary market becomes an option. This includes ticket resellers and exchanges like StubHub, Vivid Seats, and SeatGeek. Here are some tips for finding deals:
- Shop early – Prices tend to be lower the further out from the game.
- Monitor listings – Check back often around the event as prices can drop.
- Consider less desirable games – Secondary market tickets are cheaper for less in-demand opponents.
- Wait until last minute – Prices sometimes fall rapidly as game time approaches.
Just make sure to buy from reputable sources and read all policies related to fees, guarantees, and delivery.
Check Official Ticket Resales
Notre Dame also facilitates ticket resales through their own platforms. Season ticket holders and other fans resell through the university. This is a safe way to buy from verified sellers. Options include:
- Notre Dame Ticket Office resales – Check the site leading up to games for new listings.
- StubHub partnership – Notre Dame tickets are resold via their official StubHub portal.
Keep an eye out for deals, but expect to pay near face value prices. The convenience of official resales may be worth the small premium.
Consider Single Games vs Season Tickets
Buying season tickets can lead to big per game savings, especially for premium or mid-level seat locations. But season tickets require a large upfront cost. Here are some factors to help decide:
Single Game Tickets | Season Tickets |
Cheaper per-game costs | Big savings buying a full season |
Only pay for games you want | Mandatory purchase of all home games |
Miss out on some benefits | Added perks like preseason events |
For budget-focused fans, single game buying is likely the better choice. But season tickets have extra incentives that reward buying the whole year.
Join the Student Ticket Lottery
Notre Dame students get discounted ticket rates for home games. If you are currently enrolled, here is how the process works:
- Enter the student ticket lottery before each game.
- If selected, you can buy 1-2 tickets for either the student section or elsewhere.
- Tickets sell for around $35 in the student sections.
- Regular seat prices apply elsewhere but are still discounted from public rates.
While not guaranteed, the lottery provides the cheapest way for Notre Dame students to get into home games.
Find Individual Game Giveaways
Notre Dame fans are passionate about football. It’s common for season ticket holders and other connected fans to run ticket giveaways and contests through social media and community groups. Here are some tips for locating these opportunities:
- Follow fan groups on Facebook to find ticket contests and giveaways.
- Check fan sites like Irish Illustrated leading up to big games.
- Look for contests run by local South Bend businesses.
- Search Twitter hashtags like #NotreDameTickets.
With persistence, you may score free or heavily discounted Notre Dame tickets through giveaways like these.
Get on the Season Ticket Waiting List
If you plan far ahead, consider joining the Notre Dame season ticket waiting list. Here is how it works:
- Pay a $100 annual fee and submit an application.
- As turnover occurs, new season tickets are offered based on wait list order.
- Once offered tickets, you must buy seasons tickets for at least two years.
- Average wait is currently around 8-10 years.
This is a long process and costly endeavor. But it guarantees season tickets eventually at face value prices. This option is best for diehard local fans who regularly attend games.
Be Flexible on Dates and Opponents
The most inexpensive Notre Dame tickets are typically for games against lesser known opponents. Additionally, ticket prices fluctuate over the course of a season. Here are some ways to save based on flexibility:
- Buy early season non-conference games rather than big November matchups.
- Consider attending Thursday or Sunday night games instead of Saturdays.
- Look for deals on cold weather late season games.
Check the schedule and anticipate which games will have lower demand when planning dates. Avoiding peak times can lead to big savings on tickets.
Leverage Memberships and Affiliations
Certain groups and programs have access to discounted Notre Dame tickets. If you have connections, check into options like:
- Notre Dame Club of St. Joseph Valley – Local alumni group with ticket pricing tiers.
- Varsity Club – Former Notre Dame athletes get ticket deals.
- Student Rewards – Upperclassmen can earn ticket discounts through this program.
- Credit cards – Some offer Notre Dame ticket discounts as a cardholder perk.
Check all affiliations as some have corporate codes or special access specifically for discounted football tickets.
Conclusion
Notre Dame football tickets are in high demand and short supply. But following these strategies can help find deals and get into games for cheap. Buying early, scouring resale markets, and staying flexible on dates and opponents go a long way. With smart planning, you can land affordable seats even to the big games.