Mean Green Overview

Fast facts

League: NCAA Football

Head Coach: Eric Morris

Team Mascot: Scrappy

Year Opened: 2011

Capacity: 30850

City / State: Denton / Texas

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Safeway Bowl

Rival Team: SMU Mustangs

The North Texas Mean Green and the SMU Mustangs meet in the Safeway Bowl to decide which of these Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex based schools will walk away with bragging rights. The rivalry gets its unique name from former UNT coach Matt Simon’s quote, “I'd like to play because I think we could beat them, and my players feel the same way. If they'd like to play in a Safeway parking lot ... just give us a date and time.” The two schools are scheduled to play each season from 2014 to 2025, so make your way to North Texas for these fierce rivalry games.

Mean Green Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

The tailgates at Apogee Stadium have a little something for everyone.  If you’re a food lover, you’ve come to the right place, as there are burgers, dogs, and bbq all around you.  If you want to drink beer grab a lawn chair and a case and catch a tan before you head in.  If you want to join in on a wild frat party and play a few drinking games, you won’t have to look too far either.

When walking through the parking lots, you’ll find a few different styles of bands playing, rock, country, and the mean green band itself. You can catch the rock and country bands in the Jr. Mean Green Fun Zone where they have slides, games, and food setup for a more family friendly area.  You can see the Mean Green Band with the dancers, cheer squad and the players as they walk their way into the stadium 2 hours ahead of kickoff.  

If you cannot get a parking spot, there is a drop off area allowing fans to head on over to “The Hill” on the east side of the stadium. The Hill is a popular gathering area for fans before and after the game, so feel free to stop by and pregame with some of the most diehard Mean Green fans out there.Those of you wanting to continue the party after the game will want to head on over to Rockin Rodeo. Rockin Rodeo is a favorite post-game spot among Mean Green fans and is located only 5 minutes north of the stadium. Here you’ll find great drinks and Texas country music live on stage providing the perfect place to celebrate a Mean Green victory.

Those of you wanting to continue the party after the game will want to head on over to Rockin Rodeo. Rockin Rodeo is a favorite post-game spot among Mean Green fans and is located only 5 minutes north of the stadium. Here you’ll find great drinks and Texas country music live on stage providing the perfect place to celebrate a Mean Green victory.

Traditions

Green Machine

The green 1929 Ford Model A can be seen at all Mean Green home games. It’s driven by the Talons Cannon Crew and is quite the sight to see, so keep your eyes peeled for it when attending a Mean Green game.

Mean Green March

Two hours before kickoff you’ll have the chance to get up close and personal with the Mean Green team, cheer squad, and band as they march into the stadium.

Mean Green Fun Zone

The Mean Green Fun Zone is the perfect pregame destination for young Mean Green fans. The Fun Zone features a variety of kids activities including getting to meet the school’s mascot and free ice cream

Tailgating on the Hill

The Hill is a popular pregame gather spot among the Mean Green faithful. Atop The Hill, on game days you’ll find tents, grills, and coolers galore. The fans here love to tailgate, which you’ll notice the minute you near The Hill as the smell of delicious grilled meats overcome your senses. If you’re looking to tailgate with the best, the Mean Green have to offer then be sure to stop by The Hill.

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Lighting the Tower

After every Mean Green victory clock tower of the McConnell Admissions Building is lit green to let everyone know the football team was victorious. If on-campus after a win, look out for this excellent tradition.

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Where to tailgate

Mean Green Stadium Guide

In Game

North Texas is a school full of loyal fans that bring passion to every game, while the games may not be sellouts the stadium on average is about 60 percent full for day games, and 75-80% for night games especially against in conference opponents. The new stadium has helped in creating a new gathering spot for anyone looking for a night out thanks to the fantastic value you get for a ticket.  

Come for the food and stay for the game. The food options in the stadium range from the traditional gameday burgers, hot dogs, peanuts, popcorn, and sodas to classic Texas BBQ at Rudy’s BBQ stand to the Maui Wowi stand, which offers tropical drinks, smoothies, and Polynesian food.  You won’t leave a Mean Green game hungry, as there are plenty of delicious treats to enjoy while watching North Texas take down the opposition.

You’ll also encounter tons of traditions and things to see at a Mean Green game. The brand new Apogee Stadium features tons to see including murals, sculptures, and much more. The pageantry on display at Mean Green game is nothing to sneeze at either with the Scrappy, the marching band, and cheer team all putting on excellent shows.

There are few better small school college football experiences in the nation than a Mean Green game, so check one out the next time you’re in the DFW area.

Things to check out

Green Machine

This green 1929 Ford Model A can be seen at all Mean Green home games. It’s driven by the Talons Cannon Crew and is quite the sight to see, so keep your eyes peeled for it when attending a Mean Green game.

Boomer

Boomer is the name of the victory cannon at North Texas and is fired after every Mean Green score as well as before the start of each half. This tradition dates back to 1970 and is a great way to fire up the crowd, so make sure to look out for Boomer.

“Spirki” The Geezle Eagle

Located in the south end zone, the bronze eagle statue plays a significant role in the Mean Green introduction. When the Mean Green take the field, each player touches the five-foot tall sculpture as he enters. Make sure to get to your seat early to take in this great tradition.

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Murals

Throughout the concourse you’ll find a slew of murals depicting some of the greatest players, coaches, and moments in Mean Green history. Stop by and check these out to remember some of the all-time Mean Green greats including Steelers legend Mean Joe Greene.

Environmental Stadium Design

Apogee Stadium is the first to gain LEED Platinum status for its environmentally friendly design. The stadium is powered by three large wind turbines making it one of the only stadiums powered by the wind, so take note of these massive turbines when attending a Mean Green game.

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Eagle Claw

The eagle claw shows off to everyone who you cheer for, so don’t be shy to flash the eagle claw and show off your Mean Green pride. To take part in this time-honored tradition, all you need to do is make a V with your index and middle finger, extend your thumb, and curl your fingers. Once you master it, you’ll be making friends with fellow Mean Green fans in no time.

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Scrappy

Scrappy is the official mascot of the North Texas Mean Green and can be seen at all home football games. His origin dates back to 1971 although he was not official known as Scrappy until 1995. During games keep your eyes peeled for him on the sideline where you’ll spot him entertaining and energizing fans throughout the game.

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Green Out

The school’s nickname is the Mean Green, so don’t be surprised if a green out is in effect when attending a game. During green out, all the fans show up in green to give the team an extra edge. Green shows off your fan support for the Mean Green and does a great job of pumping up the team, so make sure to wear green to the next North Texas game you attend.

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Fight Songs

  1. Fight Song

    Let’s give a cheer for U of NT;
    Cheer for the Green and White.
    Victory’s in store whatever the score, Our team will ever fight! Fight! Fight! Fight!
    Shoulder to shoulder we march along, Striving for victory. Playing the game for the honor and fame, And the glory of UNT. U … N … T … Eagles! UNT Eagles Fight, Fight, Fight!

  2. Glory to the Green

    Alma Mater

    Singing glory to the green,
    singing glory to the white,
    For we know our university
    is striving for the right;
    Down the corridors of years,
    we’ll forget the joys and tears,
    But North Texas, North Texas, we love!

  3. Kick off Cheer

    During kickoffs Mean Green fans stand and display the eagle claw while yelling “GOOOOOOOOOO” until the ball is kicked where they then yell in unison “Mean Green!"

    GOOOOOOOOOO!
    Mean Green!

Mean Green Bars & Restaurants

  1. Caskey’s Bar & Grill

    Caskeys Bar Grill

    Bar and Grill in the Fry Street district of Denton, TX. Relaxed atmosphere but same fry street prices.

    1206 W Hickory St, Denton, TX 76201, USA

    940-514-1777

    Bar website

    american - $

  2. Toms Daiquiri Place

    Toms Daiquiri Place

    A taste of New Orleans in Denton! 8 frozen daiquiris, 30+ beers, and a full liquor selection! Great prices, live music, and pool & darts.

    1212 W Mulberry St, Denton, TX 76201, USA

    940-383-2325

    Bar website

    american - $

  3. Andy’s Basement

    Andys Basement

    A cozy colorful cavern serving up a curated menu of specialty waffles guaranteed to stick to your ribs and cure what ails you.

    122 N Locust St b, Denton, TX 76201, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  4. Dan’s Silver Leaf

    Dans Silver Leaf

    A true Texas Music icon in itself, Dan’s Silverleaf has put Denton on the map for almost a decade with a refreshingly super-mellow atmosphere and oustanding music.

    103 Industrial St, Denton, TX 76201, USA

    940-320-2000

    Bar website

    american - $

  5. The Loophole Pub

    The Loophole Pub

    This place serves awesome beer and cocktails and a full menu that's served until midnight or later.

    119 W Hickory St, Denton, TX 76201, USA

    940-565-0770

    Bar website

    american - $

  6. Harvest House

    Harvest House

    Large but quaint bar/beer garden that serves cocktails, coffee, tea, smoothies, and fresh squeezed juice.

    331 E Hickory St, Denton, TX 76201, USA

    940-218-6148

    Bar website

    american - cafe - $$

  7. 940’s Kitchen & Cocktails

    940 Kitchen Cocktails

    Cooking with fresh ingredients and a lot of love, our menu items offer something tasty for everyone in the family.

    219 W Oak St, Denton, TX 76201, USA

    940-218-6222

    Bar website

    american - $$

  8. The LABB

    The LABB

    The LABB is Denton's biggest and best sports bar specializing in great drink specials and great sandwiches!

    218 W Oak St, Denton, TX 76201, USA

    940-293-4240

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  9. Oak St. Drafthouse

    Oak St Drafthouse and Cocktail parlor

    Oak St. Drafthouse offers 70 beers on tap, 100 in the bottle, non smoking inside, huge patio, cleanest bathrooms in town, great wine selection, dog friendly patio, cocktail menu and lots of good people and good music.

    308 E Oak St, Denton, TX 76201, USA

    940-435-0404

    Bar website

    american - $

  10. Hooligans

    Hooligans bar

    Hooligans offers a full menu until 1 am nightly along with a large selection of beers, specialty drinks and shots.

    104 N Locust St, Denton, TX 76201, USA

    940-442-6950​

    Bar website

    american - $$

  11. Fry Street Public House

    Fry Street Public House

    Public House is the spot for everything Fry St., UNT, TWU, and the place for your next event or night out!

    125 Ave A, Denton, TX 76201, USA

    940-323-9600

    Bar website

    american - $

  12. Dusty’s

    Dustys picture

    Come to Dusty's to indulge in their amazing food and drinks!

    119 S Elm St, Denton, TX 76201, USA

    940-243-7300

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  13. Rockin Rodeo

    Rockin Rodeo

    Rockin Rodeo prides itself on being able to transform night to night to offer something to almost everyone.

    1009 Avenue C, Denton, TX 76201, USA

    940-565-6611

    Bar website

    american - $

  14. Riprocks

    Riprocks

    This place has front and back patio, pool, shuffleboard, darts, bags, heated front patio with tables and bar sitting.

    1211 W Hickory St, Denton, TX 76201, USA

    940-382-3231

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $

  15. Lucky Lou’s

    Lucky Lous

    Since 1996, lil' D's favorite watering hole has been slinging cold beers and the best cheap cocktails around!

    1207 W Hickory St, Denton, TX 76201, USA

    940-484-5550

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  16. Cool Beans

    Cool Beans

    Cool Beans has 38 beers on tap and a full menu with high quality bar classics.

    1210 W Hickory St, Denton, TX 76201, USA

    940-382-7025

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  17. R Taco

    Rtaco

    Authentic, street style tacos...scratch sauces and fresh salsa, queso and guacamole

    210 E Hickory St, Denton, TX 76201, USA

    940-483-8226

    Bar website

    american - mexican - $

  18. Pizza Snob

    Pizza Snob

    Pizza Snob is a place where pizza buffs gather. Where the cheffy selection of build-your-own ingredients are only over-shadowed by the lightening fast Italian oven that cranks out memorable pizzas in less than 90 seconds.

    321 W Hickory St #10, Denton, TX 76201, USA

    940-891-1600

    Bar website

    pizza - $

  19. Cartwright’s Ranch House

    Cartwrights Ranch House

    Home to Denton's finest Chicken Fried Steak and other homestyle deliciousness!

    111 N Elm St, Denton, TX 76201, USA

    940-387-7706

    Bar website

    american - $$

  20. Hannah’s

    Hannahs

    Hannah's offers an array of eclectic cuisine and bar delicacies.

    111 W Mulberry St, Denton, TX 76201, USA

    940-566-1110

    Bar website

    american - $$$

  21. Rooster’s Roadhouse

    Roosters Roadhouse

    Three local boys with an idea to bring some of the best B-B-Q and Burgers back home to Denton.

    113 Industrial St, Denton, TX 76201, USA

    940-382-4BBQ (4227)

    Bar website

    bbq - $

  22. Queenie’s Steakhouse

    Queenies Steakhouse

    Named as a homage to chef/owner Tim Love's mother, Queenie’s provides a fine dining experience emphasizing excellent service and expertly executed dishes.

    115 E Hickory St, Denton, TX 76201, USA

    940-442-6834

    Bar website

    steakhouse - $$$

  23. Crooked Crust Pizza

    Crooked Crust Pizza

    Pizza or oxygen? We know it’s a tough choice , but only if you haven’t tried our pizza.The best pizza this side of normal!

    101 Ave A, Denton, TX 76201, USA

    940-565-5999

    Bar website

    italian - pizza - $

  24. Viet Bites

    Viet Bites

    Delicious slow cooked pho, fresh spring rolls, crispy eggrolls, warm noodle salads, yummy banh mi sammies, bubble teas, vegetarian foods and much more.

    702 S Elm St, Denton, TX 76201, USA

    940-808-1717

    Bar website

    asian - $