(WSBT) The first home game at Notre Dame has double meaning for many South Bend residents. With a seasonal surge in visitors from out-of-town, it’s become an Irish tradition to rent out local homes for game weekends.

And with the help of technology, ND neighbors are making out of state fans feel at home.

“I’m close enough to the stadium that I can hear the band playing,” Realtor Doris Portolese said.

This is the second season Portolese has rented out three apartment units in a building she owns.

“I normally advertise in the hometown newspaper of the opposing team to let people know,” she said.

She also popped an ad on IrishSportsReport.com this year. But Porotolese has only gotten one call this season. She wonders if the Labor Day holiday is to blame.

“With the holiday season, people are still on vacation, and getting their kids ready for school and I think this is just a weird first game weekend,” she said.

And her hospitality comes with a price.

Portoloese’s units rent for $695 to $750 per weekend, but she says upgrades to the units make those prices well worth it.

“I spent quite a bit of money, probably $50,000, for all new appliances, new bathrooms, carpeting, and vinyl,” she said.

And like fans of the Fighting Irish, the competition for renters is fierce.

Since August, more than 100 postings have been added to the South Bend/Michiana section of Craigslist.com.

The South Bend Tribune and Gillisrentals.com are also popular ways to reach out of state fans.

Tina Craigo of Chicago posted an ad on IrishSportsReport.com for a rental as a personal investment.

“Up to this point, we rented out to students year-round, but the timing worked out this year that if we had some interest in Notre Dame games, we would go with that,” she said.

Craigo moved from Shipshewana five years ago. She rents out one and two bedroom apartments a mile from campus.

She posted an ad for the first game against Georgia Tech and is still waiting for a call.

"I kind of expect to get more interest as we get into the season,” Craig said. “Once people start coming in for games and start considering other options; I think they’re waiting to see how hotels do.”

Some homeowners rent out their entire house for upwards of $1,200 per weekend.

Promises of game rooms, Jacuzzis, and tanning beds woo renters to pay a pretty penny for a comfortable tailgate weekend.

Portolese promotes her home as a back-up in case of bad weather.

“In case it rains, we have wireless internet and cable, so the tailgating and food go on and people can have a good time,” she said.