South Bend, IN: The University of Notre Dame Is the Ultimate Connector
The University of Notre Dame has a special relationship with the South Bend, IN, region. While the university provides educational opportunities and facilitates cutting-edge research, local municipalities capitalize on the school’s presence, partnering with university leaders to attract and retain large employers and developing livable communities. Collaborations like these highlight the important role higher education institutions play in creating opportunity and connection for students, area residents and beyond. Ahead, learn about a few ways the University of Notre Dame serves as the ultimate connector in the South Bend, IN, region.
Paving the Way
One of the more literal ways the university connects the region is via a 1.5-mile pedestrian and bicycle trail called The Link. The Link is designed to promote health and recreation, spur economic development and contribute to a safer and more livable and walkable community.
“With the University of Notre Dame being the No. 1 attraction in our community, accounting for more than 62% of our total visitation, The Link was built to create a walking path to campus for guests of our 618 downtown hotel rooms,” says Jeff Jarnecke, executive director of Visit South Bend Mishawaka. “It was also built to encourage students, faculty and staff to come off campus and enjoy downtown South Bend.”
The $11.5 million collaboration between the City of South Bend, Visit South Bend Mishawaka and the University of Notre Dame, The Link taps into the larger regional trail network, connecting downtown Mishawaka, IN, to Niles, MI.
Erin Blasko
*Courtesy of Erin Blasko
“The name, The Link, speaks to our shared future as a university and community and to the spirit of collaboration and connectivity on which that future rests,” says university spokesperson Erin Blasko. “The Link contributes to the well-being of the entire community by providing for healthy recreation and transportation options for people of all ages.”
According to Blasko, “A leisurely walk along the trail takes about 30 minutes, providing access to a variety of shops, restaurants, parks and other cultural and recreational amenities along the way.”
Plugging In
Another way the University of Notre Dame connects the South Bend, IN, region is through innovative partnerships. It is teaming up with investment management firm Ancora to develop a new Tech and Talent District downtown. Lilly Endowment Inc., the City of South Bend, South Bend City Church and Holy Cross College also support the project. Slated to be housed, in part, in the former South Bend Tribune building, the district will advance applied research in areas such as data analytics, artificial intelligence and advanced computing. It will also offer community-facing programming in areas such as leadership and ethics, entrepreneurship and youth development.
Not only will the project help to revitalize an area of downtown poised for redevelopment, but it will also stimulate economic growth by creating new jobs and spurring entrepreneurship, consistent with the university’s strategic framework and the City of South Bend’s Downtown 2045 plan.
“With support from our partners and the broader community, the Tech and Talent District will draw world-class research and talent to downtown South Bend,” Blasko says.
The Tech and Talent District is among a number of downtown projects in some stage of planning or construction, comprising a total investment of nearly $1 billion. Upon completion, it will add to the increasing vibrancy downtown, further establishing its reputation as a hip and happening place to live, work, play and now, innovate.
Scoring Big
For nearly 100 years, Notre Dame Stadium has connected football fans to their favorite fall pastime. A massive improvement and expansion project in 2014 helped ensure the facility would retain its title as an economic powerhouse.
Jeff Jarnecke
*Courtesy of Jeff Jarnecke
“Each home game has more than a $36 million economic impact upon our region,” Jarnecke says. “With seven home games this year and the potential to host the College Football Playoff game in December, that’s more than $252 million from just football.”
Even when the Fighting Irish aren’t marching to victory, the 80,000-seat stadium hosts one to two special events per year, including musical performances from the likes of Garth Brooks and Billy Joel, among others. Country music superstar Zach Bryan and comedian Shane Gillis are part of the 2025 lineup. The venue has also hosted community events, and with the addition of Duncan Student Center on the west side of the stadium, the area serves as a primary gathering place on campus, with a combination of dining, recreation, meeting and event space for students, faculty, staff and visitors alike.
Student and visitor spending as a whole – inclusive of concerts and other special events – accounts for $177 million in economic impact on the region annually, Blasko says.
Whether it’s in the form of entertainment, outdoor recreation or research, Notre Dame is paving ways to connect people and community. To stay up to date on university happenings, visit nd.edu.
This article was sponsored by the South Bend Regional Chamber.