Lakewood's 1&10

[1983 Cotton Bowl]

I watched the SMU/Tech game at Lakewood's 1&10 on Sunday. It was the first time I've ever been there, despite living in the area for many years. After watching the Ponies, I could only wonder why it took me so long to get there for an SMU game (I realize that the current ownership hasn't been in place all that long).

To add to the experience, an old friend of mine from Oregon was in town for the weekend and expressed an interest in seeing SMU play "at a good SMU hangout." We actually went to the univ. bookstore beforehand and he bought an SMU tee to get into the spirit (despite having no connection with SMU whatsoever except through knowing me). We then headed over to L 1&10, along with my wife (also an SMU grad) and my young son.

We walked in about 1:45 PM and I was blown away. The place was packed with SMU fans. We arrived way too late to get a table, but a good-natured older couple happily let us sit with them. We ordered food, which was excellent. I had the point burger and cottage fries. The crowd was outstanding. My wife and I actually saw some old SMU friends there that we haven't seen in years.

During the game, the atmosphere was great. Despite the Ponies playing poorly early on and spotting Tech the lead, the crowd was very upbeat and cheered enthusiastically for our boys from beginning to end. When Line scored the first TD, the place exploded. It was awesome.

I also appreciated the fact that the crowd was very loud and enthusiastic, but well-behaved. There was none (or very little) of the profanity-laced vitriol and bad behavior that is unfortunately so common among college FB fans when their team isn't winning/makes mistakes (especially when large quantities of beer is being consumed). This left a very positive impression on my friend from Oregon about SMU fans. He thinks SMU fans are great and said he is going to follow the Ponies. I was also very pleased because as a parent it is frustrating to take your kids to a place like that and hear lots of angry F-bombs, etc. Since we didn't have that issue, I was able to relax and enjoy the game.

I generally do not attend road games since I once had a boda-bag of SoCo poured over my head at Royal Memorial and had some A&M folks yell profanities at me for an entire game at Kyle (and I can assue you that I do not go to road games to talk smack or look for trouble. Apparently, just wearing an SMU shirt was enough to get me in hot water). From now on, I'll be watching SMU road games at Lakewood's 1&10. For those Ponyfans who haven't been there yet, I HIGHLY recommend it if the Ponies aren't at Ford.

[DanFreibergerForHeisman]

I agree. The atmosphere was fantastic and enthusiastic with no incidents!

Although, they could have used some more servers. By my count, they only had two waitresses for a FULL restaurant. They had at least five or six for a slightly less-full restaurant when they showed the US-Ghana World Cup match.

All in all though, a fantastic SMU game watching experience.

[1983 Cotton Bowl]

Yes, the servers did seem a bit overwhelmed. I wasn't in a rush though, so it didn't bother me.

[ponydawg]

Atmosphere was great, but.........
I ordered food before the game and it never came. I told the waitress in the 3rd qtr, and told her not to worry about it, but just to make sure she took it off the tab. - wasn't her fault, she was crazy busy, and I bet she turned it in. The food was still on the tab, but she forgot to charge me for a couple of beers, so we just called it even.

[Dutch]

I agree. The atmosphere was fantastic and enthusiastic with no incidents!

Although, they could have used some more servers. By my count, they only had two waitresses for a FULL restaurant. They had at least five or six for a slightly less-full restaurant when they showed the US-Ghana World Cup match.

All in all though, a fantastic SMU game watching experience.

Yes, regrettably we were understaffed because of the holiday weekend. we did only have two, and were able to track down a third right before kickoff.

Thank you all for your kind endorsements (and patience), as we aim to make 1st & 10 a fun environment to cheer on our Mustangs (and any other team who's schedule doesn't conflict with SMU's)

[ponytailgater]

count me in for the e. carolina!

[Junior]

and i'm sure i'll stop by for my weekly pointe burger, cheese fries and a couple of miller lites friday for lunch!

[DanFreibergerForHeisman]

I agree. The atmosphere was fantastic and enthusiastic with no incidents!

Although, they could have used some more servers. By my count, they only had two waitresses for a FULL restaurant. They had at least five or six for a slightly less-full restaurant when they showed the US-Ghana World Cup match.

All in all though, a fantastic SMU game watching experience.

Yes, regrettably we were understaffed because of the holiday weekend. we did only have two, and were able to track down a third right before kickoff.

Thank you all for your kind endorsements (and patience), as we aim to make 1st & 10 a fun environment to cheer on our Mustangs (and any other team who's schedule doesn't conflict with SMU's)

Well they did a great job and I hope everybody tipped them well!

I hope everybody remembers to go back for another great burger on Wednesday for PonyFans Live!

[Special_Delivery_Smu_Fans]

Last year the Tulsa and Marshall away games were crazy fun at the 1st & 10, but I think this year's Texas Tech game even tops those two. It was a great atmosphere at the 1st & 10 this past Sunday. As someone stated the place was packed with enthusiastic Smu fans. Great game, great food. Dutch you throw a nice party.