Allegiant Air has entered into a landmark multi-year partnership with the University of Notre Dame Athletics Department, earning the exclusive designation as “The Official Airline Partner of Notre Dame Athletics”. This collaboration, formalized through Notre Dame Global Partnerships (NDGP), highlights Allegiant’s deeper commitment to supporting the communities and fans surrounding South Bend, Indiana.
Strengthening Community Ties and Enhancing Travel
Allegiant began its operations at South Bend International Airport (SBN) in 2005. This new agreement expands upon Allegiant’s presence in the region through enhanced nonstop travel options and a broader commitment to the South Bend community. Drew Wells, Allegiant’s Chief Commercial Officer, remarked that aligning with Notre Dame was a “natural fit,” due to shared values and Allegiant’s long-standing service for Notre Dame students, alumni, and fans.
Impact on Fans, Students, and Alumni
The partnership promises to deliver benefits not only through affordable and convenient travel for Notre Dame fans, students, and alumni, but also by directly transporting many of Notre Dame’s athletic teams. Allegiant‘s role as a Championship Partner—the highest partner designation at NDGP—will involve high-visibility branding across Notre Dame’s athletic programs via in-person, digital, and social media channels. Fans can expect exclusive engagement opportunities, such as special sweepstakes designed for memorable game day experiences.
Growing Notre Dame’s Legacy
Notre Dame Athletics supports 26 varsity athletic programs (13 men’s and 13 women’s), and has an illustrious history that includes 35 national championships as of 2023, with recent titles in fencing and men’s lacrosse. The university’s student-athletes continually achieve excellence, evidenced by a 97% NCAA Graduation Success Rate recorded in 2023 and participation by 21 athletes in the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games—an all-time high for the school. Most of Notre Dame’s sports have competed in the ACC since 2013-14, although football remains independent.
Notre Dame Global Partnerships and Community Impact
Notre Dame Global Partnerships, a joint venture between JMI Sports and Legends, manages the university’s athletics sponsorships and media rights. NDGP is dedicated to forming innovative partnerships that reinforce Notre Dame’s commitment to both academic and athletic excellence while ensuring broad engagement among fans, students, and alumni.
South Bend: A Crucial Node in Allegiant’s Network
With eight routes operating out of South Bend—including new nonstop service to Fort Lauderdale, launching just in time for fans traveling to see Notre Dame Football face the University of Miami—Allegiant is solidifying South Bend as an important hub within its national network. This timing underscores the airline’s intention to further integrate with Notre Dame’s passionate fan base and support the university’s athletic endeavors.
As Allegiant Air takes flight as Notre Dame’s official airline partner, the partnership is set to create lasting connections, enhance travel experiences, and deliver unforgettable moments for Fighting Irish fans across the nation. The collaboration officially launches with the 2025 Fall sports season, marking a new era for Notre Dame Athletics and the South Bend region’s travel landscape.
