This Friday, while Texas A&M; is preparing for their Midnight Yell, SMU will be setting up a tradition of its own: the Stampede. A pep rally for students, alumni and neighbors, the event will include the dedication of the new band hall and lighting of the Armstrong and Laura Lee Blanton cupolas. A celebration of the 100th season of SMU Athletics, the event will recognize the over 2,000 SMU alumni that have donated to this year’s giving challenge. In addition to “Wear Red Friday,” the Stampede will kick off campus spirit and Boulevard excitement as the Mustangs take on the Fighting Aggies. Read below for a full schedule of events courtesy of SMU:
7 p.m. Dedication of new Mustang Band Hall: Five times larger than its previous space, the new band hall features an expanded rehearsal hall, enhanced practice rooms and an outdoor performance plaza designed to showcase SMU’s traditional hub of campus spirit, the Mustang Band.
7:30 p.m. Block Party: Face painting, food trucks, pompoms, popsicles, popcorn, Peruna, glow sticks, music and plenty of Mustang spirit will be available.
8:30 p.m. Mustang Band Concert and pep rally at Doak Walker Plaza: Celebrate the Mustang Band’s unique jazz sound and cheer on the Mustang football team before the first home game.
8:45 p.m. Ceremonial cupola lighting at Armstrong Commons and Laura Lee Blanton Building; student and alumni donor recognition: Two campus cupolas will be lit for the first time, the beginning of a new campus celebratory tradition. In addition, alumni and student donors who have joined the 2014-15 Mustang Stampede will be honored.