Excitement is building for the Notre Dame vs Indiana University College Football Playoff game Dec. 20 in South Bend. Visit South Bend Executive Director Jeff Jarneke spoke about what he’s seeing so far.
Jarnecke says a typical home Notre Dame football game pumps millions into the St. Joseph, LaPorte and Elkhart county economies. This game is like a Christmas bonus for area bars, restaurants, stores, hotels and short-term rental hosts.
Read more: Bloomington wins big in IU football’s historic run
Jarnecke expects the number of fans in town to approach the Ohio State game last year. He said Tuesday morning there was a smattering of St. Joseph County’s 5200 hotel rooms still available but he expects them all to be booked by the end of the week.
People are complaining about ticket prices on social media but many fans are coming into town knowing they won’t get into the stadium. They just want to be here.
Read more: Hoosiers fans face high prices and excitement ahead of playoff at Notre Dame
"From not only locals coming out to watch it with friends and foes alike, but I think in parts of Mishawaka and downtown South Bend, I think we'll see an influx of people that have no intention of going to the game but want to be in the town where the competition is taking place, and it's going to add to the overall festivity within the community," Jarnecke said.
Read more: IU’s 1967 Rose Bowl team reflects, celebrates this year’s success
