university of Notre Dame home football PLAYOFF game
South Bend, Indiana
December 19, 2024 – December 22, 2024
Explanation of Changes. Table one has been updated to reflect the date of the home University of Notre Dame (ND) football playoff game. In anticipation of many aircraft operating to and from the South Bend International Airport in conjunction with this event, the following procedures will be used to enhance safety and minimize confusion.
Table 1: ND Playoff Home Football Schedule
SATURDAY | DECEMBER 20 | INDIANA UNIVERSITY |
SBN AIRPORT INFORMATION
South Bend International Airport (SBN), located in South Bend, Indiana is the premier airport to service all fans of sporting events within the region. The airport has 3 runways, with the main ILS RWY 9R/27L, offering an 8,412 ft. landing surface for aircraft. Two Fixed Based Operators (FBOs) are located on-site for aircraft services during events, Atlantic Aviation and Signature Aviation. Both FBOs can be reached on their UNICOM frequencies before landing at South Bend. The FBOs are located North of TWY Alpha on the airfield and have follow-me trucks standing by for guidance during special events.
PILOTS MUST CONTACT THE FBO OF CHOICE IMMEDIATELY EXITING THE RUNWAY
Special Game Day taxi and departure procedures are written below and should be available on Jeppesen.
FLIGHT PLANNING
- Be alert for a higher-than-normal number of aircraft operating in the vicinity of the South Bend International Airport. Expect various aircraft types, including flyover, banner tow, television, and law enforcement aircraft.
- Two-way radio communication is required. Request for No Radio (NORDO) operation will not be approved. To minimize frequency congestion, keep transmissions to a minimum.
- Practice approaches, touch-and-go operations and training flights may be directed to remain clear of the area.
- Pilots should file flight plans with a proposed departure time (P-Time) one hour prior to the intended time of departure to allow SBN ATCT to plan airport movement and ensure flight plan info is available when clearance is requested.
- SBN ATCT will ensure flight plans do not expire until four hours after the filed P-Time.
- CTAF Operations are in effect when ATCT is closed.
- In 2024, Taxiway A4 was permanently closed and removed as well as other various diagram changes.
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT
Traffic management initiatives may be required during peak traffic periods or during periods of reduced airport capacity, such as snow and ice conditions. Pilots should be prepared for potential reroutes, mile-in-trail or altitude restrictions, holding, ground delay or ground stop.
SBN AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL AND APPROACH TOWER
On December 21, 2024, the SBN ATCT will have extended hours until 2:00 am. The control tower and approach control (SBN ATCT) normally operates Sunday – Friday 5:30am – Midnight and 5:30 am – 11:45 pm on Saturdays. Changed hours are advised by NOTAM.
Table 2: SBN Air Traffic Frequencies
Clearance Delivery | 121.9 |
Ground Control | 121.7 |
Tower/CTAF | 135.675 |
ATIS | 120.675 |
Approach Control Frequency North of SBN | 118.55 |
Approach Control Frequency South of SBN | 132.05 |
Procedures and information
Always reference current NOTAMs for game day procedures. It is anticipated that multiple surfaces will be closed or designated as non-movement areas for parking. Snow and ice removal may also be in effect. Use extra caution when operating in the non-movement areas.
This notice does not supersede restrictions contained in other FDC NOTAMs.
DEPARTURE PROCEDURES
ATIS ADVISING RWY27L
- Receive Clearance on 121.9, no earlier than 30 minutes prior to departure.
- PRIOR TO CALLING GROUND CONTROL
- Proceed east (holding short of TWY A-2) and look for the sign that says 1. This is called “SPOT 1” – Call GC 121.7 at SPOT 1 with the current ATIS for taxi instructions.
Please proceed at your discretion to SPOT 1 as this is a NON-MOVEMENT AREA, not controlled by ATC.
MAP A:
ATIS ADVISING RWY9R
- Receive Clearance on 121.9, no earlier than 30 minutes prior to departure.
- PRIOR TO CALLING GROUND CONTROL
- Proceed west on TWY A or south on TWY N and look for the sign that says 2. This is called “SPOT 2” – Call GC 121.7 at SPOT 2 with the current ATIS for taxi instructions.
Please proceed at your discretion to SPOT 2 as this is a NON-MOVEMENT AREA, not controlled by ATC.
MAP B:
Departure Notes: DO NOT CALL THE TOWER FOR DEPARTURE UNTIL YOU ARE NUMBER ONE AT THE RUNWAY.
VFR Departures: As demand dictates, VFR departures may be assigned an alternate departure runway by Ground Control.