It’s college football season — everybody knows that. But at SMU, football season really means it’s Boulevard season. To any SMU outsider, the Boulevard might just seem like another tailgate to get ready for a game. What that person doesn’t know is that the Boulevard is so much more than that.
So, how does one prepare for this all-day event? For the SMU newcomer, what does going to a Boulevard even mean? Here is a breakdown of the Boulevard do’s and don’t’s, what to wear and how to make the first home game of the season one you won’t ever forget.
What to Wear
The color theme for the first game of the season? White-out. While you’ll find students in their best red and blue during the rest of the season, the first Boulevard is when everyone dresses in white. And yes, this is an excuse to wear your best white outfit after Labor Day.
So, SMU students, wear your favorite white dress, a cute skirt and blouse, or white jeans and button downs to the Boulevard this Saturday in honor of the first game. Complete your look with cowboy boots or sneakers and don’t forget to wear your favorite game-day pin.
Left your white outfit at home? These are the best places to grab a last-minute look.
Girls: White House Black Market, Free People, Lily Pulitzer
Guys: Vineyard Vines, Brooks Brothers, The Gap
Pre-Game Grub
If there is one thing not to do before a Boulevard, it’s to go with an empty stomach. And why miss a brunch opportunity? Grab your friends and make a morning out of it because Boulevards are a long and hot affair.
Here are the best pre-Boulevard brunch places with the best mimosas (if you’re over 21).
The Rustic: Known for their incredible brunch food and even better live music, the Rustic is the best place to get a good meal and even better photo-op.
Common Table: Don’t want the classic mimosa or have a bit of a sweet tooth? Look no further. Common Table has their popular Skittles Sangria on the menu and their epic grilled cheese is definitely something to brag about.
Public School: Known for their bottomless mimosas, this hotspot delivers “An Education in the Art of Food and Beer.” In other words, you can say you studied this weekend.
Villa O: Known for their yummy menu and brunch offerings, Villa O offers drink specials all weekend, offering $10 bottomless mimosas from 10-3 p.m. (that’s when Saturday’s Boulevard starts!) and specials on Sfuzzis, Bellinis and Bloody Mary’s.
On the Lawn
Once you get to the Boulevard, there’s a thing or two to know about how to have a successful day. Here are the biggest do’s and don’t’s for the big day.
Do: Bring your sunglasses. It’s going to be sunny, you’re going to be outside all day, and you are going to be wishing you had brought them when you are squinting in every photo you take.
Don’t: Try to use a fake ID. While it may be tempting to try to get a wristband under age, it’s not worth getting kicked off the Boulevard and missing out on all the fun. Boulevard are fun enough by themselves; don’t give SMU PD a reason to ruin it for you.
Do: Wear comfortable shoes. No one cares if your feet look good, and you would rather be able to survive standing for hours on end than have to go home early because you can’t walk. Plus, this is a great excuse to wear those cowboy boots you never get to wear; you’ll look much better in boots than you do with your heels sinking into the grass.
Don’t: Drink too much before. It’s hot outside, and no one wants to see you vomit.
Do: Drink water. Again, no one wants to see you vomit. (Also, deodorant is very helpful with the heat issue).
Don’t: Overestimate yourself and stay up all night the night before a Boulevard; you won’t make it through the next day.
Do: Check your outfit just to make sure every zipper is zipped, button is buttoned and clasp is clasped. You’d be surprised by the amount of people that forget to do this before heading to the Boulevard.
And lastly?
Don’t: Miss the game.
Pony up, y’all!
