CORRECTION: This story, which was published in today’s (09/28/12) edition of The Daily Campus incorrectly states this weekend’s game vs. TCU was declared a “Blue Out” by SMU. SMU Athletics is encouraging all SMU fans to “Wear RED, Be Early & Be Loud” to all SMU home football games for the 2012 football season. The Daily Campus regrets the error.
Southern Methodist University and the surrounding community are bustling with plans for this weekend’s festivities. As the Iron Skillet game approaches, the football isn’t the only entity preparing. SMU students, along with area residents, are going to great lengths to show their support for the Mustangs before the big game between SMU and Texas Christian University.
Spreading the word throughout the community, SMU has created 1,000 “Beat TCU” yard signs and T-shirts that were distributed in the Loyd All Sports Center earlier this week. As “Beat TCU” paraphernalia begins to flood the streets around SMU, it won’t be long before the campus is covered.
Along with the SMU-TCU rivalry this weekend, SMU students are preparing for family weekend; planning brunches, lunches and pre-Boulevarding events.
“I am hosting a big family pre-party at my apartment. We are providing drinks and dinner for all of my friends and their families before we head off to the Boulevard,” Katie Hamilton, an SMU junior said.
Visitors should expect to see a sea of blue on the boulevard, as SMU has declared this weekend’s game a “Blue Out”. Students will be dressed primarily in blue, and many families will be participating in the “Blue Out” as well.
“My family is planning on going to the TCU game. And yes, they are all wearing blue for the blue out!” Hamilton said.
The TCU Frogs are also getting ready for the big game, dressing head to toe in purple. Many TCU students plan to make the trip to Dallas to support their team.
“I will be Boulevarding before the game and wearing purple with my fellow Frogs.” Katie O’Neil, a TCU freshman, said. “I am not sure if there will be a bus traveling, but I do know that a lot of us are going.”
SMU beat TCU in Fort Worth last year, and the Mustangs hope to replicate the same success this year at home. With a bye week leading up to Saturdays game, the players have put even more effort into studying their opponents in the film room,” SMU linebacker, Stephon Sanders, said.
“We all understand how big of a rivalry this is and we are all working hard to preform at the highest level on Saturday,” Sanders said.
“With family weekend the same weekend, many of the players are expecting added support and even more motivation for them to play even harder,” Sanders said.