SMU Mustang Band article

[bubba pony]

http://www.ncaa.com/football/article.aspx?id=341088

DALLAS (SMU) - In an effort to create a more entertaining, fan-friendly experience, SMU will launch several new game presentation initiatives in 2008. To encourage fans to arrive at least 10 minutes prior to kickoff, SMU has created a new pre-game ceremony that features the Mustang Band, Mustang spirit groups, and musician Robert Lee Kobb. As SMU takes the field, Kobb and the Mustang Band will play the new original song "Pony Up!," a new battle cry of sorts for the Mustang faithful.


Kobb and his band will perform the song Thursday morning on WFAA's "Good Morning Texas" around 9 a.m.


Among other changes slated for 2008 are extensive use of replay board; live scoring updates; use of a roaming sideline reporter and increased involvement from the Mustang Maniac student group.


"The athletics objective of becoming top 25 in everything we do extends to game presentation and marketing," said Director of Athletics Steve Orsini. "This past year, we benchmarked other programs, surveyed our fans and brainstormed as a staff and we feel the resulting product will be unique and entertaining and raise the bar moving forward. These changes will only enhance the gameday traditions that our fans have already embraced."


The changes will debut on Sept. 6 when SMU hosts Texas State. For more information on tickets for the game, contact the SMU Ticket Sales Office at (214) SMU-GAME.


As the game approaches, fans are reminded that the Ticket Office opens three hours prior to kickoff and gates open 90 minutes prior to game time. Faculty/Staff get into the game for free by showing their Faculty/Staff IDs at Gate 6. Faculty/Staff can get up to two admissions - one for themselves and one for a guest. Students receive admission to football games on the day of the game by showing their Student ID at Gate 5. Students are encouraged to get to the game early, as seats are first come, first served and space is limited. Students and faculty/staff can park in Moody and/or Airline Parking Garages, simply by displaying an SMU parking pass.

[RGV Pony]

At first I thought maybe the live band thing wasn't a good idea. The more I think about it, maybe it'll work out ok. While it's important to note that an SMU game and an LSU game are apples and oranges, one thing I remember is that the pregame at LSU really gets going with piped in music not played by the band...when they roll with Garth Brooks "Calling Baton Rouge," from there on the already electric environment crescendoes up to the game.

Guess we'll need to see how good Robert Lee's song is.

[Diamond Girl]

Robert Lee Kobb's song is great! If you had been at the Highland Park 4th of July parade, you would have heard it dozens of times.