Mustangs Overview

Fast facts

League: NCAA Football

Head Coach: Rhett Lashlee

Team Mascot: Peruna

Year Opened: 2000

Capacity: 32000

City / State: Dallas / Texas

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Battle for the Iron Skillet

Rival Team: TCU Horned Frogs

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.

Mayor's Cup

Rival Team: Rice Owls

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.

Gansz Trophy

Rival Team: Navy Midhsipmen

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.

Traditions

The Boulevard

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.

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Doak Walker Plaza

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.

Mustang Walk

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.

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Mustang Alley

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

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.

Things to check out

Peruna Plaza

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

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.

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Best Dressed Band in the Land

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.

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Fight Songs

  1. Pony Up

    Common saying among SMU fans as well as a way to great fellow fans

    Pony up!

  2. Peruna (Fight Song)

  3. 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!

  4. 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. 

Mustangs Bars & Restaurants

  1. Milo Butterfingers

    Milo Butterfingers

    We have great bar food, cold beer, cocktails, foosball, darts, pool, video games, and over 15 Large HD screens.

    5645 SMU Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75206, USA

    214-368-9212

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  2. Louie Louie’s Piano Bar

    Louie Louies Piano Bar

    A place that has an amazing entertainment, great drinks and good food!

    2605 Elm St, Dallas, TX 75226, USA

    214-741-3600

    Bar website

    american - $$

  3. The Barley House

    The Barley House

    The Barley House is where beer is a way of life!

    5612 SMU Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75206, USA

    214-824-0306

    Bar website

    american - $$

  4. Front Room Tavern

    Front Room Tavern

    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.

    6101 Hillcrest Ave, Dallas, TX 75205, USA

    214-219-8282

    Bar website

    american - $$

  5. The People’s Last Stand

    The Peoples Last Stand

    The casual cool atmosphere at People's compliments our menu and distinguishes us as a timeless locale that's authentically Dallas.

    5319 E Mockingbird Ln #210, Dallas, TX 75206, USA

    214-370-8755

    Bar website

    american - $$

  6. The Green Elephant

    The Green Elephant

    A Dallas underground staple. Doing all kinds of events from charity events, art galleries, local bands, hip hop, national acts, and international DJ's.

    5627 Dyer St, Dallas, TX 75206, USA

    214-265-1338

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  7. Ozona Grill & Bar

    Ozona Grill Bar fries hotdog

    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.

    4615 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX 75206, USA

    214-265-9105

    Bar website

    american - $$

  8. Cafe 43

    Cafe forty three

    Delicious food, great ambiance, and outstanding service!

    2943 SMU Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75205, USA

    214-200-4302

    Bar website

    cafe - $$

  9. Peggy Sue BBQ

    Peggy Sue BBQ

    Proud of the meats they smoke and the vegetables prepared daily for you. No less attention is given to the baby back and pork spare ribs!

    6600 Snider Plaza, Dallas, TX 75205, USA

    214-987-9188

    Bar website

    bbq - $$

  10. Knife

    Knife steak

    Knife, located in the Highland Dallas, is a reinvention of the steakhouse experience.

    5300 E Mockingbird Ln, Dallas, TX 75205, USA

    214-443-9339

    Bar website

    steakhouse - $$$

  11. East Hampton Sandwich Co

    East Hampton Sandwich Co

    With our fresh baked bread and top of the line salad greens, East Hampton offers the best sandwiches and salads around.

    6912 Snider Plaza, Dallas, TX 75205, USA

    214-363-2888

    Bar website

    american - $$

  12. Bandito’s Tex-Mex Cantina

    Banditos Tex Mex Cantina

    If you're craving the original Austin Style Tex Mex taste that hasn't been around since the 1970's and '80's -- You've found it.

    6615 Snider Plaza, Dallas, TX 75205, USA

    214-750-6100

    Bar website

    american - mexican - $$

  13. Half Shells Oyster Bar & Grill

    Half Shells Oyster Bar Grill

    The restaurant features their neighborhood’s favorite seafood dishes using seasonal ingredients and the bar is welcoming, relaxed & friendly, as it should be.

    6617 Snider Plaza, Dallas, TX 75205, USA

    214-691-8164

    Bar website

    american - $$

  14. The Mansion Bar & Restaurant

    The Mansion Bar and Restaurant

    The Mansion Restaurant is the culinary gem of the legendary Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek.

    2821 Turtle Creek Blvd, Dallas, TX 75219, USA

    214-443-4747

    Bar website

    american - $$$$

  15. Kuby’s Sausage House

    Kubys Sausage House

    As in the old country, only the best ingredients go into the making of Kuby’s meats, sausages, and other gourmet products.

    6601 Snider Plaza, Dallas, TX 75205, USA

    214-363-2231

    Bar website

    european - $

  16. Bubba’s Cooks Country

    Bubbas Cooks Country

    Bubba's serves the SMU and Dallas area with great food in a happy environment.

    6617 Hillcrest Ave, Dallas, TX 75205, USA

    214-373-6527

    Bar website

    american - $

  17. Olivella’s Neo Pizza Napoletana

    Olivellas Neo Pizza Napoletana

    They make pizza the old-fashioned way – the true Italian way, using family recipes for homemade cheese and crust.

    3406 McFarlin Blvd, Dallas, TX 75205, USA

    Bar website

    italian - pizza - $$