At most universities, football Saturdays call for a jersey and a place to tailgate. At SMU, polos, dresses, and cowboy boots tell a different story before anyone reaches the stadium.
The Boulevard combines the enthusiasm of college football with a social atmosphere that feels distinctly SMU. Coming from an Ohio State family that takes tailgating seriously, I arrived familiar with the tradition. The dress code and mannerisms, however, required an adjustment.
For new students, the tradition can seem full of expectations that everyone else already understands. Knowing when to arrive, what to wear, and how to navigate the morning makes it easier to enjoy one of SMU’s most recognizable experiences.
Step 1: Plan Around Kickoff
An 11:00 a.m. ACC kickoff requires more preparation than it might suggest. The game may begin late in the morning, but the Boulevard gets underway well before that. A late Friday night can make the early start particularly difficult and unforgiving.
For these early games, my recommendation is to leave your house or dormitory by 9:00 a.m. at the latest if you live nearby. While you may end up being one of the first students there, arriving early gives you ample time to find your friends and enjoy the atmosphere without immediately watching the clock.
Before arriving, use SMU’s Student Boulevard guidelines to check for the student tent map, and also the list of what you can and cannot do, then you can agree on a specific meeting point with your friends. Knowing exactly which tent you are looking for is considerably more useful than a text saying, “We’re here.”
Step 2: Dress for the Occasion… and the Walking
If you are unsure what to wear, a polo with jeans or a dress with boots is a concrete starting point. There is always more room to dress more formally if you wish, but you do not need an entirely new wardrobe for these games. Always check the forecast before choosing an outfit, and remember that you will be spending much of the day outside.
Footwear deserves particular attention. Between standing at tents, walking across grass and heading toward the stadium, you will spend considerable time on your feet. Wear shoes you already know you can manage for several hours.
Step 3: Pack With the Whole Day in Mind
Before leaving, charge your phone, bring your student ID, and decide whether you intend to attend the game afterward. What is fit for the Boulevard may raise some questions at the metal detectors and security at the stadium.
If you plan to attend the game, review the SMU Athletics bag policy before choosing what to carry. Checking beforehand can save you an unnecessary trip back to your dorm or car.
Eat before arriving and make time for water throughout the morning. SMU’s student guidelines state that the university provides free water on the Boulevard. These details are easy to overlook when friends are waiting, but they will make the day considerably more comfortable.
Step 4: Network and Explore
Arriving for the first time can feel intimidating, especially when everyone appears to have an established group. In my experience, however, people are generally welcoming.
Start with a tent, introduce yourself and ask whether you can join. Be considerate of the hosts and any rules they might have. You do not need to know everyone already to begin a conversation.
However, there is also no obligation to remain in one place all morning. Visit other tents and meet people outside your usual circle. For a first-year student still finding a place on campus, those conversations can be as valuable as the tradition itself.
Step 5: Leave Time… and Use Your Judgment
If you are attending the game, aim to leave at least 30 minutes before kickoff. In my experience, the walk can take around 15 minutes, followed by security and ticket scanning. Give yourself additional time when crowds are heavy.
While it’s not popular, before leaving, collect your cups and trash. The fact that others leave things behind does not make it courteous to do the same.
That sense of responsibility matters inside the stadium, too. Early in my college experience, I was forcibly removed from a game for throwing something onto the field. It was a preventable mistake with a straightforward lesson: just because friends encourage something does not mean you should do it.
Make the Most of Your First Boulevard
The value of a campus tradition is how it turns an unfamiliar place into somewhere you feel you belong. Arrive with enough time, dress comfortably for the occasion, and be willing to introduce yourself. You do not need to know everyone or understand every custom to have a good time. Your first Boulevard is a chance to become part of the community… one conversation at a time.
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