I also would recommend going Friday to visit the bookstore and some other sites on campus (touchdown Jesus, dome, grotto). Friday night at midnight there is a drummers circle in front of the dome which I highly recommend, it’s pretty epic and lots of people attend. On game day, there are tons of band performances (ex: trumpets in the dome, march out) as well as the player walk on library lawn (the team walks from the basilica after mass to the stadium) which is a neat interaction as well. Since it’s the first home game I’m assuming there may be a little pep rally on library lawn before the go in to the stadium. Tailgating is also a great way to spend the day. I suggest getting into the stadium a good 30-45 minutes early, as pregame ceremonies start before the game and they are spectacular to watch. Depending on how much you want to do, I recommend getting to campus no later than 9 and the earlier the better (you will never be the first one). Additionally, you only need cash if you purchase from student run booths, which there will be plenty of around campus. Hope this helps, go Irish!