Local church uses Game Day parking as fundraiser

SOUTH BEND, Ind. --- The oldest AME Zion in South Bend raised money for the church by getting into the Notre Dame Football parking business.

Staffers said the lot on North Eddy St. can hold about 50 cars on a good day, and for $20 parking that's haul of about $1,000 going back to the church.  

“We do this pretty much every home game,” said Tyler Rouse. 

The church has been a part of game day parking for the past 12 years, making an impression on football fans. 

"A lot of times when you go to the game, you're lucky to get in for less than forty," said Mike Alley, who won two tickets to the ND-USC game off the radio.

He said his tickets are free, but parking is not and that he rather help a local church raise funds rather than the University. 

"You get to help out the church its good for the community and good for the people,” he said. 

Rouse said it's definitely a plus for the people who park to give to something that's a good cause. He said the money is going to the church's general collections fund.

"It's a prime location for the church," he said. "And at the same time, it gives people an opportunity to give to a not for profit."