“We don’t tailgate, we Boulevard.”

The famous phrase spoken by SMU students, young and old, describes the pride found in the university’s unique tailgating experience.

This fall, SMU announced several new Boulevarding rules aimed to reduce underage alcohol consumption, encourage campus safety and make the experience more inclusive. Students across campus had reactions, both positive and negative, to the changes. Some were happy; others confused. Below are more candid student reactions:

1. Not having as many beverages available and stricter drinking regulations due to the wristband tabs:

“Younger people were drinking so excessively before hand. I’m not 21 yet, so it was much harder to get alcohol.” – Tori Hernandez, senior accounting major

“They were successful…it was so hard for younger kids to get drinks.” – Tamara Karram, sophomore advertising and journalism major

“They arrested three of our guys…they were were arresting people for being intoxicated, but everyone was.” – Daniel Tello, junior civil and environmental engineering major

2. Tent size and regulations:

“They were so small! You couldn’t move anywhere. I didn’t even want to move around since there were so many people.” – Hernandez

“The tents were way too crowded.” – Tello

3. Boulevarding traditions that were missed:

“I miss the big fire truck!” – Hernandez

“I thought it was really restrictive not being paired with fraternities. Especially for freshmen girls it was hard because so many of them were too intimidated by the ‘fraternity’ tents that they didn’t know where to go. Now being in a sorority it is so sad not being able to partake in all the fun I spent all last year looking forward to.” – Karram

“They are targeting fraternities, especially us (Pike) since we used to be so fun and rowdy.” – Tello