South Bend, Indiana, is the fourth largest city in Indiana and the county seat of St. Joseph County. According to the 2006 census, the population was 104,905. The name of the city derives from its location at the southernmost part of the St. Joseph River. South Bend is a part of the area commonly known as Michiana, a collective pool of cities and towns in northern Indiana and southern Michigan.

Healthcare, education and construction are currently the largest industries in the area. The city is home to the fourth largest school corporation in the state, as well as several colleges and universities, including the University of Notre Dame and Indiana University of South Bend. Two hospitals and a large number of clinics, medical offices and related facilities provide ample employment for residents who choose to work in the medical field. In addition, Innovation Park and Ignition Park are new establishments created to pave the way for newly developed technology, such as nanoelectronics.

The climate offers opportunities for residents and tourists alike to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, from tubing and cross country skiing to kayaking and beach-combing. During football season, many South Bend residents and visitors alike gather to root for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Many restaurants and bars serve as gathering places for football events, complete with live televised coverage of the game. Other area attractions include visiting the animals at Potowatomi Zoo, watching a South Bend Silverhawks baseball game, enjoying Broadway plays and concerts at the Morris Civic Theatre and exploring the history of automobiles at the Studebaker National Museum.