Horned Frogs Overview

Fast facts

League: NCAA Football

Head Coach: Sonny Dykes

Team Mascot: Super Frog

Year Opened: 1930

Capacity: 45000

City / State: Fort Worth / Texas

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Battle for the Iron Skillet

Rival Team: SMU Mustangs

One of TCU’s biggest rivals is Southern Methodist University, which is also located in the 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.

The Revivalry

Rival Team: Baylor Bears

The TCU - Baylor rivalry is one of the oldest in all of college football as the teams have been meeting on a regular basis since 1899. The rivalry is also one of the most tightly contested rivalries in college football with the Bears holding a slim 52-51-7 all-time lead. Both schools originally were located in Waco, Texas. However, today TCU is still only separated from Baylor by about 90 miles.

TCU vs Texas Tech

Rival Team: Texas Tech Red Raiders

The Horned Frog’s rivalry with the Red Raiders dates back to 1926 when TCU took down Tech 28-16. The rivalry was dormant for a few years after the Southwest Conference broke up in 1995, however, with TCU joining the Big 12 in 2012 the rivalry has picked up right where it left off.

Horned Frogs Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

Since joining the Big 12 conference, tailgating at Amon G. Carter Stadium has really come alive, and the Horned Frogs fans have brought tailgating to a whole new level. At TCU you can build your patios in specific tailgate lots, giving you a more home-like feel even though you’re at the stadium. The advent of Frog Alley allows you the chance to interact with the players making the atmosphere even more exciting and vibrant with purple pride than ever before.

TCU offers Texas tailgating at its finest including everything you’d expect ten-gallon hats and all. At TCU you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for in a Texas style tailgate as not only will fans be wearing cowboy hats and boots, but there will be plenty of Texas barbecue. Barbecue is king regarding tailgate food at TCU as you’ll find large pits everywhere you look. Being that this is Texas the people here are mighty friendly, so if you bring some food and drinks to share then, you’ll have no trouble making friends.

TCU also offers many different tailgate locations, so you should have no problem finding something your speed. They offer family friendly areas like Frog Alley as well as more rambunctious options for those of you who are looking to get down. You’ll have a great time regardless of where you end up tailgating at TCU as there is something here for everyone. There is plenty of food, fun, and friends to be had, so head on down to Fort Worth for one of the biggest and best tailgating extravaganzas in all of football.

Traditions

Letterman's Smoker

Ex TCU Letterman John Marsh is at the helm of a 39-foot, two story smoker in Lot 3 of Amon G. Carter Stadium. They park it the night before a game and prep all night to serve the fans of TCU tailgating. Stop by the Lettermen’s Smoker for a one of a kind tailgate experience you can only find at TCU.

play Watch video

Frog Walk

Prior to kickoff the everyone lines up along the along Frog Alley to cheer on the band, cheer squad, and football team as they enter the stadium.

play Watch video

Frog Alley

Frog Alley is located outside of Amon G. Carter Stadium. This area hosts a family friendly pre-game party before TCU football games and is open 2 hours before kickoff. The pre-game party includes live bands, bouncy castles, games for kids and parents alike, and even live radio show broadcasts. Just before kickoff, the TCU marching band and spirit squad lead fans from Frog Alley into Amon G. Carter Stadium for a spirited kickoff to another Texas college football Saturday kickoff.

play Watch video

Where to tailgate

Horned Frogs Stadium Guide

In Game

Amon Carter Stadium is known for being one of the toughest places for opponents to play and has even earned the nickname “Hell’s Half Acre.” The first thing you’ll notice when you get inside the stadium is the loudness and passion of the TCU fans. Everyone in Amon Carter Stadium arrives abuzz with excitement and ready to cheer on the Horned Frogs.

The student section, in particular, brings the noise as they are one of the biggest and most boisterous in all of the Big 12. The student section takes up most of the east sideline and without a doubt, you’ll be aware of their presence throughout the game. Whether it’s doing the Riff Ram cheer or performing the Frog hand sign, you’ll see and hear plenty from the TCU student section.

The recent renovations to Amon Carter Stadium of having really taken the experience of attending a Horned Frogs game to the next level. The stadium is much more aesthetically pleasing than before, and the atmosphere also benefits from the renovation as you’ll find there isn’t a bad seat in the house. The stadium’s new facelift doesn’t mean that the Horned Frog’s history has been forgotten though as all throughout the stadium you’ll find plenty of banners and plaques dedicated to TCU greats of the past.

TCU offers a great game day experience that any college football fan will love regardless of their team affiliation. You’ll find plenty to love at TCU as the outstanding fan support, and recent renovations make the trip well worth it.

Things to check out

Gotcugameday.com

Recently Texas Christian University added wi-fi to their stadium in order for fans to utilize an in-game mobile website that allows for fans to re-watch major plays, touchdowns, etc. The website can be found here. You can even use it to order food!

Super Frog

Super Frog can seen throughout the game and is one of the biggest symbols of school spirit at TCU. This mascot spends his time interacting with the crowd electrifying the atmosphere of each home game. Being one of the more popular mascots in the NCAA Super Frog helps infuse team spirit on the field with his charm.

play Watch video

Frog Hand Sign

Since its inception in 1980, fans of TCU have been using the frog hand gesture in order to show their pride for the Horned Frogs. The sign is made by bending your index and middle finger at the knuckle

Frog Horn

Dubbed by ESPN as the “most unique feature in all of college football”, the Frog Horn is a trademark of the Amon G. Carter Stadium. Each time the Horned Frogs score a touchdown, the horn emits a deep locomotive horn.

play Watch video

Bleacher Creatures

This area of the stadium consists of young Frog fans who are invited to line up near the south end zone and step onto the field before kickoff. When the Frogs run out of the south tunnel, the Creatures run alongside to the other end. TCU wide receiver Josh Doctson remembers running alongside his brother, pretending to be one of the players as a child. Check out the run here.

play Watch video

Fight Songs

  1. TCU Fight Song

    We’ll raise a song, both loud and long
    To cheer our team to victory For TCU, so tried and true, We pledge eternal loyalty. (YELL)
    Rah, Rah, TCU! Rah, Rah, TCU! Fight on boys, fight, with all your might
    Roll up the scores for TCU Hail white and purple flag whose heroes never lag, Horned Frog, we are all for you!

  2. TCU Alma Mater

    Hail all hail, TCU
    Memories Sweet, Comrades True
    Light of Faith, Follow Through
    Praise to Thee, TCU

    Athletic Verse:
    Hail all hail, Glory bright
    Purple Frogs, Honor White
    Victory, Spirits True
    Praise to Thee, TCU

Horned Frogs Bars & Restaurants

  1. Woody’s Tavern

    Woodys Tavern bar

    Well-known sports bar with large projection screens plus billiards, darts & live music some nights.

    4744 Bryant Irvin Rd, Fort Worth, TX 76132, USA

    817-732-4936

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $ - $$ - $$$

  2. Flying Saucer Draught Emporium

    Flying Saucer hotdogs

    Chain taproom offering 200+ global beers & American pub fare in tavernlike surroundings.

    111 E 3rd St, Fort Worth, TX 76102, USA

    817-336-7470

    Bar website

    american - $$

  3. Billy Bob’s Texas

    beer

    Iconic, huge country music honky-tonk with an indoor rodeo arena, mechanical bulls & dozens of bars.

    2520 Rodeo Plaza, Fort Worth, TX 76164, USA

    817-624-7117

    Bar website

    american - $$

  4. The Pub

    beer

    Located on University Drive, the Pub has been a long-time favorite of TCU students and locals alike.

    3019 S University Dr, Fort Worth, TX 76109, USA

    817-921-3332

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  5. The Library

    LIbrary Bar

    At the cozy and comfortable Library Bar, martinis are the reigning drink, with nearly 100 varieties

    611 Houston St, Fort Worth, TX 76102, USA

    817-885-8201

    Bar website

    american - $

  6. Pizza Snob

    Pizza Snob

    Choose from a rotating variety of the chef's latest pizza creations, or from a simple, but cheffy selection of tasty toppings.

    3051 S University Dr, Fort Worth, TX 76109, USA

    817-462-7662

    Bar website

    pizza - $$

  7. BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse

    BJs Restaurant

    Family-friendly chain outpost pairs familiar pub fare with an extensive list of house brews.

    952 NE Loop 820, Hurst, TX 76053, USA

    817-595-3705

    Bar website

    american - $$

  8. Railhead Smokehouse

    Railhead Smokehouse fries

    Busy counter-serve fixture for ribs, brisket, turkey & sides, plus cold beer & happy-hour deals.

    2900 Montgomery St, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA

    817-738-9808

    Bar website

    bbq - $

  9. Angelo’s Barbecue

    Angelos_BBQ

    Texas-style brisket & pork ribs served cafeteria-style amid a sea of taxidermy in a rustic space.

    2533 White Settlement Rd, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA

    817-332-0357

    Bar website

    bbq - $

  10. Joe T Garcia’s

    Joe T Garcias

    Busy Tex-Mex icon serving fajitas, margaritas & more in casual, sprawling digs with a patio.

    2201 N Commerce St, Fort Worth, TX 76164, USA

    817-626-4356

    Bar website

    mexican - $$

  11. Fred’s Texas Cafe

    Dawg Gone Good BBQ

    Home of the FREDBURGER... What a burger should be!

    915 Currie St, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA

    817-332-0083

    Bar website

    american - bbq - $$

  12. The Lonesome Dove Western Bistro

    Ribs

    Chef/Owner Tim Love has designed a menu influenced by all of the ingredients and cultures that have been a part of the West since the first adventure began.

    2406 N Main St, Fort Worth, TX 76164, USA

    817-740-8810

    Bar website

    steakhouse - $$$

  13. Cattlemen’s Ft Worth Steak House

    Cattle Mens Steakhouse

    Casual, old-school restaurant since 1947 with basic digs featuring cow art & a saloon bar.

    2458 N Main St, Fort Worth, TX 76164, USA

    817-624-3945

    Bar website

    steakhouse - $$

  14. Ol’ South Pancake House

    Ol South Pancake house

    Ol’ South Pancake House is where the entire family can enjoy southern home-style cooking at any time of the day or night.

    1509 S University Dr, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA

    817-336-0311

    Bar website

    american - $$

  15. Curly’s Frozen Custard

    Curlys Frozen Custard

    Dessert destination with outdoor picnic table seating that serves chilled treats, nachos & hot dogs.

    4017 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA

    817-763-8700

    Bar website

    american - $

  16. Off The Bone BBQ

    Off the Bone

    How tender? Falling-off-the-bone-tender delicious.

    5144 Mansfield Hwy, Forest Hill, TX 76119, USA

    817-563-7001

    Bar website

    bbq - $$

  17. M&O Station Grill

    M&O Station

    Burger joint serving up custom burgers, homemade soups & more in casual digs with outdoor seating.

    200 Carroll St, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA

    817-882-8020

    Bar website

    american - $$

  18. Reata

    Reata Restaurant

    This ranch-themed upscale hot spot has Southwestern fare & a rooftop bar with views of Fort Worth.

    310 Houston St, Fort Worth, TX 76102, USA

    817-336-1009

    Bar website

    american - $$$

  19. El Paseo Mexican Restaurant

    El Paseo

    Bustling spot serving classic Mexican fare along with handmade tortillas & guacamole made tableside.

    5436 Jacksboro Hwy, Fort Worth, TX 76114, USA

    817-625-9755

    Bar website

    mexican - $$

  20. Buffalo Brothers

    Buffalo Brothers

    Hangout by TCU's campus for lots of TVs & a Buffalo-centric menu with many hot wings & beef on deck

    3015 S University Dr, Fort Worth, TX 76109, USA

    817-386-9601

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  21. Mellow Mushroom

    Mellow Mushroom

    Funky, art-filled chain pizzeria featuring craft beer, calzones & creative stone-baked pizzas.

    3455 Blue Bonnet Cir, Fort Worth, TX 76109, USA

    817-207-9677

    Bar website

    pizza - $$

  22. Mama’s Pizza

    Mamas Pizza

    Counter-serve outpost of a longtime local chain offering thin-crust pizza & a lunch buffet.

    1813 W Berry St, Fort Worth, TX 76110, USA

    817-923-3541

    Bar website

    pizza - $

  23. Dutch’s Hamburgers

    Dutchs Hamburgers

    Fort Worth University Area hangout turns out burgers plus housemade fries, shakes & draft beer.

    3009 S University Dr, Fort Worth, TX 76109, USA

    817-927-5522

    Bar website

    american - $$

  24. Fuzzy’s Taco Shop

    Fuzzys Taco Shop

    Fuzzy’s Taco Shop’s corporate-owned and franchise locations are now serving fresh, handmade Baja-style Mexican food

    2917 W Berry St, Fort Worth, TX 76109, USA

    817-924-7943

    Bar website

    american - mexican - $