SMU’s biggest rival is TCU, which is also located in the Dallas - Fort Worth area. While the origins of the story differ between the two schools, the rivalry is long running, and the two schools have played each every year except six since 1915. The winner of the game receives the ceremonial iron skillet and bragging rights over the Fort Worth area.
he rivalry between SMU and Rice dates all the way back to 1916. Since then SMU has amounted a 48-41-1 all-time lead in the series, which includes an impressive ten-game win streak from 1977 to 1986. The stakes increased in 1998 with the addition of the Mayor’s Cup, so make sure to get your tickets when Rice comes to town.
SMU and Navy play for the Gansz Trophy, which is named after former Navy player and coach Frank Gansz. The two teams first met in 1930 when SMU bested Navy 20-7. However, Navy have the edge in the all-time series 9-7. Navy’s move to the American Athletic Conference means these two will be seeing a lot of each other over the next few years.
Mustangs Tailgate Guide
Atmosphere
SMU fans don’t tailgate, they Boulevard. Bishop Boulevard on the SMU campus in Dallas is the pregame hub at SMU games. If you want to experience what it’s like to attend an SMU Mustangs game, then you need to stop by The Boulevard.
SMU fans have a lot of pride in their team and all throughout The Boulevard you’ll see people and tents adorned in red and blue. The fans here go all out with their tailgates, which feature a wide variety of SMU themed memorabilia. In fact, you may even see helmets that date back to the Don Meredith era on display.
It’s not just the incredible Mustangs pride on display that makes SMU a great tailgate destination, but the fact that you’ll find great food, friendship, and plenty of cold drinks make SMU a great place to be on a Saturday in the fall. When it comes to food in Texas barbecue is king so come prepared to indulge in a variety of great barbecue options including pulled pork and brisket.
The Boulevard is the main tailgate hub at SMU. If you want the full SMU tailgate experience, then you’ll want to be on The Boulevard. Here you’ll be able to experience all the best things that an SMU tailgate has to offer, so make sure to reserve your spot before attending a game at SMU.
The Plaza located at the northeast corner of the stadium pays tribute to the greatest player in SMU history, Doak Walker. You’ll also find a statue that is a life-sized replica of the Doak Walker Award, so make sure to stop by and snap a few pictures.
One of the best traditions to experience at SMU is the Mustang Walk. The Mustang Walk takes place approximately two hours and 45 minutes before kickoff and is an excellent way to cheer on the Mustangs and show off your SMU pride. The great thing about the Mustang walk is that it comes right to you as the team walks down The Boulevard on their way to Gerald J. Ford Stadium.
Mustang Alley is located in the center of the action on The Boulevard and provides a variety of great fan activities. Here you’ll find a variety of food and drink options, which are perfect for those of you who want to experience the excellent tailgate atmosphere of The Boulevard without setting up a tailgate of your own.
Where to tailgate
The BoulevardThe Boulevard is the main tailgate hub at SMU. If you want the full SMU tailgate experience, then you’ll want to be on The Boulevard. Here you’ll be able to experience all the best things that an SMU tailgate has to offer, so make sure to reserve your spot before attending a game at SMU
Mustang AlleyMustang Alley is located in the center of the action on The Boulevard and provides a variety of great fan activities. Here you’ll find a variety of food and drink options, which are perfect for those of you who want to experience the excellent tailgate atmosphere of The Boulevard without setting up a tailgate of your own.
Block Party SuitesLocated at the intersection of Binkley Avenue and Bishop Boulevard, these luxurious tailgate suites offer you all the amenities you could ever want at a tailgate. These suites accommodate 30 to 40 people and feature sleek furniture, two HD TVs, surround sound, a fan system, and you’ll even have your private bathrooms.
The Mustang Club TailgateIf you or someone you know is a member of The Mustang Club then you can take part in their exclusive tailgate, which features private seating as well as a variety of food and beverage options.
Mustangs Stadium Guide
In Game
SMU has a strong football history having been the home to many of the games all-time greats including Doak Walker, Don Meredith, Forrest Gregg, and Eric Dickerson. The historic success and the fact that like the rest of Texas SMU is football crazy means that you’ll be in for one of hell of an experience when attending an SMU game at Gerald J. Ford Stadium.
The tailgate or should I say the Boulevard at SMU provides an outstanding pregame atmosphere that carries over into Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Once inside the stadium, you’ll feel the full atmosphere of attending a major college football game in the heart of Texas. The fans here live and breathe football, so you’ll have no problem finding plenty of people to talk to about the game.
You’ll also notice that the fans inside Gerald J. Ford Stadium are some of the friendliest in all of Texas. There is a great sense of camaraderie between Mustangs fans, which can easily be seen on The Boulevard but is also apparent throughout the game as everyone you’ll meet is very hospitable to opposing fans.
The great fans combined with the excellent views of the action provided by the school’s relatively new football stadium makes a trip to SMU a can’t miss.
Located at the south end of Gerald J. Ford Stadium this Plaza pays tribute to SMU’s mascot Peruna. Here you’ll find a statue dedicated to Peruna I and you’ll also find memorials dedicated to all the Perunas throughout SMU history.
Peruna is SMU’s live Shetland pony mascot and has been at every SMU game for over 70 years. After each touchdown, Peruna and his handlers run across the field to the opposing team's end zone in celebration. Peruna also has a penchant for fighting other mascots and once even took down Texas’s Bevo with a kick to the side. Keep your eyes on Peruna throughout the game as he is sure to provide some entertainment.
The SMU marching band is famous for its many uniforms having over 32 unique ones. You’ll never know what the SMU marching band is going to wear, so keep your eyes peeled to see what ensemble they are wearing this week.
Common saying among SMU fans as well as a way to great fellow fans
Pony up!
Peruna (Fight Song)
Pony Battle Cry
Here’s to the Red and the Blue We’re the Mustangs from SMU Give a cheer, give a fight There’s victory in sight And our battle cry will be FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT! Spirit’s the best in the land And right to the end we’ll stand for the M-U-S-T-A-N-G-S FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!
Varsity
SMU Alma Mater
O, We see the Varsity, Varsity, Varsity; As she towers o’er the hill over there, And our hearts are filled with joy, SMU, SMU Alma mater, We’ll be true forever.
Front Room Tavern features upscale, modern Americana dishes in a laid-back setting. We focus on familiar foods you love and give them our own special twist.
A Dallas underground staple. Doing all kinds of events from charity events, art galleries, local bands, hip hop, national acts, and international DJ's.
At Ozona Grill, we take pride in serving our guests mouth-watering dishes. We use only the best, highest quality ingredients to bring the freshest food experience to you.
The restaurant features their neighborhood’s favorite seafood dishes using seasonal ingredients and the bar is welcoming, relaxed & friendly, as it should be.
Watch video
