Huskies at Chicago and Notre Dame, Frequently Asked Questions

Will I be able to buy the train trip only?

If there are train seats open after we have filled our block of rooms at the hotel, we will open up seats on the train. Prices for this option will be announced at a later date. Motor Coach transportation from the Palmer House to the game and back is offered by NW Travel for $59 per person.

How Can I get tickets for the game?

Tickets will be ordered in the usual fashion through the UW Ticket Office when the away-game applications are sent out in the first part of the year. If you received tickets last time, the odds are you will have priority level to obtain them this time around. I am not certain if the Ticket Office will limit the number of tickets per account as they have in the past. Northwest Travel Service will be able to assist in obtaining seats, though the after-market price is estimated to be in the $150-$175 range.

When Should I reserve my space?

Inventory has been reduced on the chartered train from Chicago to Notre Dame since the last time the Huskies traveled there in 2004. Those trains sold out early. Reservations should be made as soon as possible.

Is there a Childs rate on the package?

Yes, there is a price reduction for children. This comes mostly from the hotel stay, where children stay free with parents. The Child rates on the package are for the train, reception, transportation pass, and various taxes.

Can I bring my kids on the train?

I would honestly consider the train trip to be “adult territory” in that there is alcohol being served to exuberant fans. Having traveled on this train numerous times, I would say your kids won’t see anything on the train they haven’t seen on prime time television. If I find there are significant numbers of minors traveling on the train, a portion of the train may be designated as a family area. If the on-going celebration on the train is a concern, I would suggest that you take advantage of the motor coach transportation option. You’ll earn a credit of $80 per person by taking the coach.

What if I have to cancel my trip?

An application for travel insurance is mailed out with a confirmation. Travel insurance policies, though increasingly expensive, provide some recourse to obtain a refund should you need to cancel for a covered reason. The initial deposit of $100 per person (or $150 if you are using our group air flights) is refundable until January 5th. Balance of the tour is due July 3rd and becomes non-refundable at that time.

I will be able to change names up until the time air tickets (if applicable to you) are issued or 3 weeks prior to the departure. If you are not able to travel, but have someone to take your place, I can substitute names for $50 per name change. No changes may be made after September 10th, 2009.

What airlines are you using?

Scheduled for this trip will be available mid-November 2008. I will obtain group blocks of seats with Alaska, American, and possibly United to O’Hare Airport. I will also block space with Southwest Airlines to Midway Airport, but only if there is a cost advantage to do so. All air prices will include round trip transportation from the airport to the hotel.

When can I book Chicago Tour options?

Pricing and times for the various Chicago tour options will be available before the end of November and will be posted on-line. An attempt will be made to schedule the more popular options when most people will be present to participate.

Updated: Monday, September 8, 2008