No matter how disappointing last Friday’s game was – I am looking forward to this weekend for a number of reasons. First off, we are playing the Texas State Bobcats and are favored to win. Equally exciting is the fact that it is a home game – which means – THE BOULEVARD.

Unless you somehow missed your AARO session, never went on a campus tour, or didn’t go to Mustang Corral – you should be looking forward to this Saturday.

Before every home football game, SMU students, faculty, staff and alumni congregate along Bishop Boulevard to tailgate before the game. This event includes free food, drinks, and tons of fun. For your reference, the north end of the Boulevard is typically filled with student organizations such as fraternities and sororities. One notable group for first years is the Class of 2012 tent. The south end of the Boulevard typically features alumni groups and various school departments. Be prepared to see lots of older faces, pets and children of all ages. To get you ready for this week’s first home tailgate, I’ve prepared a list of the top five things to know for the Boulevard and the Game.

Top five things to know for tailgate:

1. Plan your wardrobe accordingly – It’s pretty simple. Wear something SMU and you’ll fit in – even just something red or blue works.

2. Get free food – Visit your school’s tent. The Cox School of Business and the School of Engineering always provide awesome catering. Make sure you drop by the fraternity and sorority tents as well.

3. Stop by the Mustang 11 and Class Union 2012 tent – this is a great place to get pom poms, face paint, or even body paint.

4. Get your picture taken with Peruna. Nothing beats a Facebook picture with the cutest and most dangerous mascot in the States. Tip: Don’t stand behind Peruna.

5. Right before kickoff, Peruna and the Mustang Band will march into the stadium. You should follow them and go to the game.

Top five things to know for the game:

1. Stay for the whole game – Show some SMU spirit – we also sing the Varsity at the end of the game.

2. If you don’t understand football, ask the person next to you to explain.

3. Bring a hat or a fan as it gets ridiculously hot.

4. If you are going to wear body paint (which you should), make sure you put some lotion on beforehand. It’ll help the paint from clogging your pores. Yes, I’m speaking from experience.

5. Bring a camera. Take pictures of friends and the opposing team when we win the game this Saturday.

In case you haven’t figured it out yet, this Saturday is an all day ordeal. Which means you need to plan ahead – don’t plan to study or do homework on Saturday – get excited for some SMU traditions and for the SMU Mustang football team. Pony Up!

Daniel Liu is a graduate engineering manaement student. He can be reached for comment at [email protected].