High stakes, higher prices: Notre Dame tailgaters feel the pinch as parking costs soar for Miami matchup 

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — As the energy rises in South Bend for Notre Dame's game against top-ranked Miami, the city expects an influx of 130,000 to 150,000 fans. But for those driving in or setting up tailgates, finding a spot doesn't come cheap, with some parking locations in and around campus approaching the thousand-dollar mark.

Richard Hulse, a tailgater from New Jersey, made the nearly 700-mile drive for the game, paying $800 total for an RV and car spot.

"We're paying 700 today for the RV, and I believe 100, 150 for the car," Hulse said. "We came in yesterday evening, so we're able to leave it here until Sunday."

Hulse has been renting the exact same spot for five years and says his rates have stayed relatively consistent. However, other fans aren't as lucky. According to SeatGeek, parking spots on Notre Dame-owned or leased lots are reaching upwards of $1,000. Those lots open at 8 a.m. on game day, and vehicles must clear out within two hours after the final whistle.

Hulse believes the soaring prices border on exploitation.

"I think that's a little bit taking advantage of something that's actually a great thing," Hulse said. "I think we have to look at everybody that comes out to south bend to enjoy these games. So, I would take a strong look at that if i was a business owner or even a patron."

Other fans worry that if rates stay this high, it could deter attendance. Tim Sullivan, a tailgater from Pennsylvania, noted it could scale back how often people travel to games.

"Maybe once a game, once a year, rather than two or three," Sullivan said. "Yeah, it must be the economy, and it is."

For fans searching for a more affordable option off campus, local landowners are offering alternatives. Lindsey Trematerra, whose family owns a lot on state road 23 across from the linebacker lounge, says they try to keep pricing balanced.

"We try to price our lot based on the surrounding areas as well, but we don't like to price gouge our customers," Trematerra said, adding, "I think for this game, we're probably going to be priced at $100 per-spot."

Drivers heading out to park should also keep game-day traffic shifts in mind. Capt. Kyle Dombrowski of the South Bend Police Department noted that restrictions will be in effect.

"There are going to be traffic restrictions, just like normal, that are going to be occurring before and after the games," Dombrowski said.

The main route impacted is Angela Boulevard, along with several connecting side streets. South Bend Police will implement these one-way traffic flows roughly three and a half hours before kickoff and keep them in place for two hours after the game ends.