The economic impact of the game-day experience can be tremendous for the community hosting the home game.

Home football games at Notre Dame used to generate about $51 million annually for the South Bend area. A stadium expansion in 1997 is said to be responsible for another $40.8 million to the community, bringing the total annual figure to $91.8 million, a hefty chunk of change.

That money is fairly well-distributed, too, since analysts say the greatest economic impact comes from those fans who travel long distances for games and stay in the area for at least two days. The Indiana Tourism Division says that the average leisure visitor spends $162 per day. That money is spent at the bookstore, at area shops, restaurants and hotels and also on transportation and recreation.

Barb Krahl, a Notre Dame fan who lives in Lake Monroe, Michigan, is one fan who sees shopping as part of her game-day experience.

"The best part of going to a game is getting to go to the bookstore," she said. "I can always find something to buy, whether I need it or not."