South Bend launches interactive Notre Dame game day parking map

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Thousands of college football fans will be flocking to South Bend for the matchup between Notre Dame and Michigan on Saturday.

If you’re a fan worried about finding a place to park, the city launched a website for the second year that makes finding parking easier.

Ordinance Violations Bureau Clerk Joseph Molnar explained the features of the website. “We’re expecting a lot of parkers... it’s gonna be crazy than even normal.”

The interactive map shows fans where all approved parking areas are located.

It even shows how many spaces each lot has.

The map updates every Thursday before a home game. The map for Saturday’s Notre Dame showdown with Michigan has 52 locations.

Fans can click on an individual address and show the viewer what the house actually looks like.

The Robinson Community Learning Center has had a lawn parking permit for years.

Program Director Michael Boyd has been working the parking at the Robinson Center for a couple years now. He gets to hear the sounds of the game but never the sights.

“I have the game playing; fans want to hear that, you can feel the game and the atmosphere,” Boyd explained.

He plays the games on the radio as he’s working game days.

“You have some of the old school commentators on the radio... “He’s going to the 10 the 20; he can go all the way.” And I’m anticipating the visual aspect of it.”

“I’m missing a lot by not being able to attend the games, but I enjoy what I do,” said Boyd.

The Robinson Community Learning Center benefits from the program.

“A nice portion of our budget comes from the donations that we have from parking,” Boyd said.

Boyd explained that the center works with the neighbors when it comes to parking pricing.

“We don’t like to compete with our neighbors; because some people are putting their kids through college… some people are using this money to pay bills.”

The website helps residents and visitors find parking, but it also promotes permit holders.  

“People go through and get these permits let’s at least give them something for their time,” said Molnar.

Residents can’t get a lawn parking permit for this Saturday’s game, but they are available week to week.

There is a fine for people who charge for parking without a permit.

LINK TO WEBSITE: southbendin.gov/ndlawnparkingmap