SOUTH BEND – If you're braving the heat and humidity to tailgate or watch Notre Dame take on South Florida Saturday, you'll be part of a big economic boost for the local economy. A 2009 study in Forbes Magazine said each Notre Dame home weekend brings about $10 million to the South Bend area. According to that study, the only other place in the country that brings in more money is the Austin, Texas area – home to the University of Texas.
WSBT set out to figure out how much money an average, out-of-town fan spends when they come here for a Notre Dame home game. In all fairness, it’s not a scientific study. But we found out coming here to cheer on the Irish and their opponents isn’t cheap.
Fans come by plane, train, bus and car.
“This is the first time for our kids seeing Notre Dame, so while it’s expensive, it’s all worth doing,” said Chris Miller, a Notre Dame Alumn who flew in from New York City with his wife – a Saint Mary’s College grad – and their three kids.
