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It has been discussed many times how 'outsiders', really anyone without a tent they associate with, often feel left out. In traditional tailgating anyone can park, open the cooler, and then venture out. On the Blvd, without a spot you are bringing ever warming beer, or dragging a cooler from your parking spot.....but where do you put it during the game?

What can be done? I've always thought an area of picnic tables is a clear 'public use' area. But what of beer? What do they do at The Grove?

rumor is that a large more public feeling area is on the way for next year. "corral" if you will - that will be targeted for the non-regular spot blvd patron. it will have a reduced price ticket kiosk also hopefully

If they have the right location, just buy one of those $2.00 styrofoam ice chests for your beer and throw it away after you are through.

It sure is nice being a 1%.

They let soft sided coolers into the games, as long as they are empty of course. Last year I started taking beer with me in a soft sided cooler so I did not feel like I was mooching off the various blvd spots as we mingled around, then I just dumped out the ice and took it with me into the game.

That said, a public gathering spot selling drinks and food would be a great addition.

They also should have someone on the Boulevard selling SMU hats, shirts, etc.

I have also told the Athletic Dept. that SMU needs a spot on the Blvd. where Dallas fans, who are buying tickets through Legends etc., have a place where they can meet other Dallas area fans and get discounted food and drinks on the blvd.

I heard they want to move everything to Doak Walker plaza...

I may try to set something like a picnic area up next to the RBA spot...will talk to Althetics about dropping off and picking up the tables. Much needed.

As a "GDI" young alum with season tickets, I find the blvd to be a pretty uncomfortable experience. I didn't buy any friends while an undergrad, I can't afford a spot, and I feel uncomfortable begging random strangers for drinks.

I would love to feel more at home on the Blvd. I'm an older 'gentleman' and have taken several guests (including other alumni) to games but find little connection to the people on the Blvd. I would like to have SMU friends etc. to converse with before the game. I feel a bit out of place when I do walk down the blvd. with guests and I forego it when I go to games alone or with my wife (because of the awkwardness). I also went to the Compass Bowl with my wife but did not see anyone there that I remembered from days gone by. I have a Masters from SMU from the early 70's and this year I rejoined the Mustang Club. So, I hope the school will find ways 'old guys' can reconnect to Saturdays on campus.

Join the Mustang Club. THey have a nice food spread and beer. Good group of folks to mingle with and then hit the Vard. As of late I have seen some drink vendors on the Vard. Perhaps some area could be designated as a first come first serve type area where folks can put their chairs, coolers and such to tailgate. I notice opponents' fans seem at a lose for a place to hang as well. I know there is an area for them but it is usually in an area away from the Vard. No doubt this is a good problem to have. More folks coming to the game (imagine what it is gonna be like with A$M & TCU) requires some adaptations in the Vard experience. Can't wait till September.

BigT3x wrote:didn't buy any friends while an undergrad.

Yeeeesh.

jpe747 wrote:I would love to feel more at home on the Blvd. I'm an older 'gentleman' and have taken several guests (including other alumni) to games but find little connection to the people on the Blvd. I would like to have SMU friends etc. to converse with before the game. I feel a bit out of place when I do walk down the blvd. with guests and I forego it when I go to games alone or with my wife (because of the awkwardness). I also went to the Compass Bowl with my wife but did not see anyone there that I remembered from days gone by. I have a Masters from SMU from the early 70's and this year I rejoined the Mustang Club. So, I hope the school will find ways 'old guys' can reconnect to Saturdays on campus.

Ponyte said it best, join the Mustang Club and sit down to lunch with other members and reconnect. Also, there is an Alumni tent with similar opportunities. However, the best choice is to stop and introduce yourself to the PonyFan diehards who have their tent and great food set up in the green way directly across from the Mustang Club tent and Natatorium. You will run into most members who post on this board there at some point in the pre-game tailgating. Do not wander around, get orientated and introduce yourself.

Stlhockeyguy02 wrote:

BigT3x wrote:didn't buy any friends while an undergrad.

Yeeeesh.

Classic GDI.

After graduation it matters little. I help sponsor a tailgate spot. 40 people throw in $200 and we throw a great party at all the home games and a couple away games. PM me and I'll get you involved.

Unless $200 is also buying friends.