Bagpipe concert is held in front of the Golden Dome at 11:30am game day (On days where the game regularly starts at 3:30). They play around campus the rest of the morning and afternoon, can't remember their usual route though. It's pretty good, but I rarely catch it these days as it interferes with tailgate cooking.
The band practices on the steps of Bond Hall (Very close to the Basilica) at 2pm, a lot of people usually show up.
Before games I like to see the Trumpets under the Dome, which happens about 2:15-2:30. Get a spot in the Golden Dome either in the center first floor, or one of the upper levels. Band comes in and plays a few songs, it's pretty cool if you get a good spot (Fills up fast though, earlier you can get in the better because it's shoulder to shoulder these days in most spots). Heres a taste of it: [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBedPq96kr8"]Irish Trumpets - University of Notre Dame - YouTube[/ame]
After Trumpets under the Dome the band starts lining up on the sidewalk in front of the Golden Dome. Fans line the sidewalk all the way from the Dome to the stadium, it's a pretty good distance. The band then marches to the stadium between 2:30 and 2:45. I like to follow them all the way to the gate, love hearing the drums echo off the old brick buildings on the way. After that it's close to kickoff, time to go inside.
Theres some other stuff throughout the day. The team goes to mass before the game, you can see the players and coaches going to and from the Basilica around noonish if I remember, been awhile since I've done that one. You can check out the indoor practice field, we used to throw the football around there.
Theres the Grotto and inside the Basilica, which were locations that were already mentioned. Those are open at any time, although I think the Basilica is closed to the public during the player mass. I don't think theres access to the library (Touchdown Jesus), but it's neat to see up close once.
If you want lunch, theres a number of student dorm reps that grill Brats and Burgers on the quad, bring cash. Theres also the Legends bar near the stadium, it can get crowded and expensive though. For a drink, the Linebacker is a good spot, but it's often pretty crowded. As far as other food close to campus, theres a new mini-mall type area just south of campus within walking distance of the stadium. Theres also the dining halls, pretty much anything you can want is served at the South Dining Hall.
The Joyce center is close to the stadium, theres lot of game day activities there usually (Former players, activities for fans, merchandise, etc). The basketball court is also in the Joyce center, along with the trophy room.
Thats about all the normal spots I hit. If you're pressed for time, I suggest checking out the Grotto, Basilica, and the Dome at least once, and if you can hit the Trumpets under the Dome and follow the band into the stadium after. The fans are pretty mellow, they're not as confrontational as other venues you may have been to. A lot of fans will let you tailgate with them too if you're not an ass.
