I must confess reticence ever since the Notre Dame vs Wisconsin game at Lambeau Field was announced and we here at NDNation decided to make it our official tailgate game. My dear friends who are Green Bay fans have attended many games there. I, of course, have never felt any desire to darken its door. In fact, my Bears fandom puts me more in the “burn it to the ground” school of thought.

(Not while inhabited, mind you — a lightning-sourced conflagration at 3am on a Tuesday would suffice. Though I would prefer them having taken a massive delivery of those foam cheeseheads the afternoon prior to do the job properly….)

Regardless of my preferences, the game is there, and thus shall I be as well. After all, Ella Fitzgerald taught us “into every life a little rain must fall”.

That does not mean, however, I won’t need to take the edge off with some social imbibing. Therefore, I took it upon myself to research the tailgating options available to Irish fans like me. I figured my efforts can be your guide … although I’m not responsible for you doing something as foolish as listening to me.

What If I’m Willing to Pay in Advance?

Like any other NFL complex, Lambeau has parking lots immediately surrounding the field. All are pre-paid only, so you won’t be able to drive up and get in. If you’re in possession of a tag, you can tailgate in any of the lots except 15. That one is located in Titletown and has its own setup.

According to Packer insiders, Lot #1, east of the stadium near Oneida Street and Mike McCarthy way, is the be-all end-all of tailgating for their games. It’s supposed to be a great environment for first-time visitors. Whether that charm carries over to non-Packer games remains to be seen, but it’s certainly an option.

If you’re parking in one of these lots, some things to keep in mind:

• Like ND Stadium, propane is the fuel of choice if you’re going to cook, although charcoal is allowed. There are no wood fires or turkey fryers allowed.
• The lots officially open four hours before kickoff. We’re all used to the alleged six-hour window for ND’s night games and know how “official” that is. Ergo, you may want to err on the side of timeliness.
• If you’re tailgating, you must remain in the 9’x’6 spot immediately behind your car. Like the Stadium and Joyce lots back home, 10×10 tents might be a little tricky depending on where you are. Be considerate of your neighbors and don’t expect leeway from stadium security.
• AVOID GLASS BOTTLES. Titletown prohibits them, and you can’t bring them into the stadium. It’s probably a lot easier to use aluminum or solo cups for adult beverages
• Expect to leave the lot within two hours of the final gun. We all hope their security is a lot more efficient than the kind we see in South Bend.

What If I Want to Pay the Day Of?

Unlike the vast majority of other NFL stadiums, the tailgate culture for Lambeau Field is much less “concrete-based”. For Chicago residents, Lambeau’s setup would remind you of Midway Airport: a facility seemingly dropped into a functioning neighborhood.

Neighborhood Yards

People consider tailgating here the signature Lambeau experience. You’ll find these yards along Lombardi Ave, Ridge Road, Oneida Street, and plenty of side streets. Residents charge anywhere from $20-50, cash only, varying with proximity to Lambeau. If you’re willing to go a block or two further out, you may end up with more room for less money. Keep in mind, though, an event like ND vs Wisconsin may spike the prices up a little bit.

Churches

Given Notre Dame’s religious affiliations, some folks may find these a good option. Some, like Pilgrim Lutheran Church (1731 St Agnes), Bethany Church (1110 Echo Lane), and Highland Baptist Church (1830 Military Ave), regularly allow parking for events, often for free (although a donation is not only suggested but, IMO, required).

Local Businesses

No way these are going to be left out. Lombardi Time Square, the Kimps Ace Hardware lot, and various local bars like Stadium View and The Bar all sell day-of parking. It’ll run you $15-40, again, depending on location and whether or not ND vs WI merits a surcharge.

Regardless….

Even though the neighborhood parking is more laid back, there are still some things to mind:

• There is no official opening time for these lots, but they open a lot sooner than the stadium lots do.
• These places, the neighborhood hosts especially, are going to want cash. You might get away with Venmo, but….
• Whether or not charcoal is permitted for food prep is up to the individual host. Again, no one turns away propane.
• Facilities are catch as catch can. Some places (like the churches) provide porta-johns, some do not. Regardless, let’s not sully our reputation by being creative in this area
• Again, avoid glass bottles. Most hosts don’t like to have to clean up the potential breakage.
• Remember this is a night game and these folks are going to want to get to bed. Don’t dilly-dally post-game even though there’s no official close time.

What If I’m Not Bringing a Car?

If you’re arriving by rideshare or other method of drop off, be prepared. The preferred drop-off option pre-game is at the corner of Shadow Lane & Frank Street to avoid the congestion of game day. For post-game pickup, request your rideshares at the stadium’s rideshare zone.

Normally, Johnsonville Tailgate Village would be your huckleberry for a walk-up party. This place is located on Oneida immediately east of the field. It’s usually free and open to the public, no game ticket required. They have food and drink for sale, 35 televisions, the works. HOWEVER: On game day, it will be closed for a private event, probably ND- or WI-bigwig-related. There is a free event there for Irish fans on Saturday, but it’s a no-go for Sunday.

Even then, you’re not out of luck. Titletown is next door and has an event planned. The aforementioned bars close to the stadium will all be open and welcoming fans. And like ND, joining a tailgate rather than hosting one is a time-honored tradition at Lambeau. Find some Irish fans with friendly-looking faces and introduce yourself.

Where Will You Guys Be?

Speaking of friendly faces to whom you should introduce yourself….

As mentioned on Rock’s House, on Saturday night, we will be hosting a small get-together at Badger State Brewing in their Badger Lounge. Opponent-name-focus notwithstanding, we’ll probably have some apps and buy a couple rounds. It’s not the largest space in the world, but the event we had at the Cantina before the title game in Atlanta went off just fine, and this looks to be a similar venue.

For game day, after originally planning to take our chances in the neighborhoods, we bowed to the gods of preparedness and joined the “pay in advance” crowd. We will be parking in Lot #5, next to the north gate … pardon me, the UW Health gate … located near the corner of Lombardi Ave. and South Ridge Road.

We will have our newly-minted NDNation flag flying, probably along with a White Sox one (upright this time — between Ishbia and the 4+ game lead on their division, I’m feeling more sanguine). Given the lot restrictions, we’ll be setting up after noon, and will have some burgers and beer, available, as they say, while supplies last. Vannie, of course, will have his trademark margaritas flowing. Look for posts on Rock’s House with the particulars.

And in the interest of camaraderie, I’m leaving the “Green Bay Sucks” coozie at home. My “Michigan Sucks” one, after all, expresses a sentiment on which probably everyone there will agree. I’ll settle for shaking the dust from my feet as I leave.

Got thoughts on Mike’s recommendations? Let us know in the comments below