This post has been sponsored by SMU Athletics/Football. All opinions are 100% our own!
Occupying over 230 acres in the heart of Dallas lies a University that’s been ranked 58th in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. There’s a lot that can be said about Southern Methodist University and what the undergraduate and graduate programs, museums, and libraries do for our city, but it’s September in Texas…which means right now the focus is on Football!
As one of our past contributor’s mentioned, you don’t have to be an SMU Alum to enjoy all the family-friendly activities that the SMU Mustang Football provides. From Boulevard’ing (yes, that’s a word!) and parades hours before kickoff to food trucks and inflatables inside the Stadium, Dallas Moms Blog is going to convince you of all the reasons you should put your alma mater t-shirt in a drawer this season and head out to Ford Stadium to enjoy a little Mustang fun! 
What to Do with Your Families:
Mustang Walk
About 2 hours & 45 minutes before kickoff each home game, the Mustang Football players, cheerleaders, band, and other members of the team will parade through campus beginning at the historic Dallas Hall for a celebration across campus. They making their way down Bishop Boulevard through the Meadows Museum and into Lloyd Center. This is your children’s chance to see the football players in person prior to the game and cheer them on into “battle!”
The Boulevard
If you want to really get into the Mustang Spirit, PonyUp and head to where the locals will be — Bishop Boulevard. This beautifully tree-lined street extends from Mockingbird to Dallas Hall is is SMU’s version of “tailgating”. You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks (no glass!) or visit one of the many food & beverage vendors. There is plenty of entertainment from the SMU alumni band, games, and of course, great people watching! **Note: Anyone is welcome to walk along the Boulevard, but parking and spots for tents must be reserved ahead of time if you’re looking to actually tailgate. For more information, visit their website on how to purchase a spot to set up at individual games or for the season.
Mustang Alley
Mustang Alley offers a great pre-game option. Located at the southeast corner of Bishop and Binkley at the former site of Perkins Natatorium, a variety of food vendors will offer food and drink options, and fans can pre-game in the heart of the action. While the food vendors may change from game to game, an example of who you might find — DFW Elite Catering, Ruthie’s Rolling Café, Marshall’s Barbeque, Mi Cocina, and Katy Trail Ice House. Mustang Alley will open three hours prior to kickoff at each home game, and food vendors and bars will close thirty minutes prior to kickoff. There are bounce houses, face painting, a photo booth, and other vendors. The best part about Mustang Alley is that it is free and open to the public!
Family Zone
SMU Mustang “Family Zone” season tickets sell for $99 each (must purchase a minimum of 3) and be located in sections 100 and 200, offering close proximity to family-friendly Hill activities including food trucks, inflatables, and a rotating kid-friendly entertainment like face painters, pony rides and more! Fans in these sections will also receive special concessions promotions.
>>> Family Zone Tickets can be purchased here <<<
What to Bring:
Just like AT&T Stadium in Arlington, the only permitted bags at Ford Stadium will be those made of clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC which do not exceed 12 x 6 x 12 inches, one-gallon clear plastic freezer bags or small clutch bags (approximately the size of a hand), with or without a handle or strap. All bags except those approved under the clear bag policy are prohibited. Additionally, all fans will also be subject to security wanding prior to entering the stadium. **Make sure to check GameDay Central or contact the ticket office with questions before you go!
Where to Park:
Do not show up in your minivan at Ford Stadium unprepared! University Park/Highland Park residents have made their surrounding neighborhoods officially “resident only” parking. Without a resident tag or guest permit, you will be given a citation (or worse…Towed!) Have a plan, arrive in plenty of time, and use designated parking areas, such as:
- Cash Parking Lots (Prepaid or In-Person) – Lots A-B, L-V are “Cash” Lots, but you can prepay for your parking online. Expect to pay $25 per vehicle with a 1/2 walk or $30 per vehicle for a 1/4 mile walk! Prepaying does NOT guarantee you a spot in that particular lot. If you arrive and the lot is full, they’ll move you to another lot a similar distance away (as negotiated with the university).
- Free Parking Lots – Expressway Tower: Located at the corner of the N. Central Expressway and SMU BLVD (with shuttle service is available starting at 6:00AM and concludes 1 hour post game); Dart Station Parking: Access via Worcola St. from Mockingbird Lane and SMU BLVD.; & 6060 N. Central Expressway: Parking is available South of the Radisson Hotel and South of the Twin Sixties Building. Access via Twin Sixties Drive
- Ride the DART – Don’t worry about parking or traffic after the game and simply take the DART rail! Mockingbird Station is serviced by the Blue, Red and Orange Lines. Gameday shuttle bus service is available starting at 6:00AM and concludes 1 hour post game OR take a short 1/2 mile walk (12 minutes) to the stadium.
So. . .what are you waiting for? Check out SMU Football’s website for game dates, times, and ticket information. There’s only 7 home games this season! Will we see you there?!
>>> Tickets can be purchased online for any Home Games! <<<
Dallas Moms Blog is Bringing the Fun to You Online!
SMU Athletics Instagram Takeover
Throughout the season, our DMB contributors will be attending various games and events and we encourage you to follow along using our hashtag #DMBatSMU! Check out what our families are doing on game day, what tips we have, and all the fun activities that take place on campus.
As a fun bonus, on Saturday, September 19th, make sure to follow along with us on Instagram (@dallasmomsblog) for a special Instagram Takeover from the SMU Football Department!
“Show Us Your SMU Spirit” Littlest Fan Contest
In addition, Dallas Moms Blog is excited to partner with SMU Mustangs and their Athletics program to bring you some fun “behind the scenes” events to help you show your Mustang Pride and Spirit. On Thursday, September 10-Thursday, September 24, readers are invited to share their pics of their families in the Pony gear to win tickets to upcoming SMU Football games! Details will be coming soon, but with the first game this Saturday, it’s a great time to start getting your pictures ready!
Disclosure: This post has been sponsored by SMU Football. All opinions are 100% our own!
