I'm helping with the SMU tailgate this year and am seeking input from y'all ("you all" for outsiders) to make it as positive an experience as possible. Please add your thoughts about food, venue, activities and anything else here. What have you liked that others did? What didn't you like? What would make you more or less likely to show up. I'm sure this info could be helpful to other alumni chapters, not just in Dallas.

A couple notes: it's gonna be on Friday 3 hours before kickoff (so likely at 3pm) and will be a mere 1,000 foot walk from the stadium. That should be helpful. It's also gonna be blasted hot (likely mid 90's to around 100). Parking at the DART station is free but the spots go quickly-attending the tailgate might make it easier to park.

TIA.

Here's my experience:

I've been to a handful of them (Cincy, MTSU, MSU and a couple others) and have mostly had a good time. I've avoided ones that aren't the day of the game or that are too far away from the venue (I personally like to get to the game 2 hours early to explore the stadium, park as close as possible, mingle with the other team's fans, etc). I've never bought a meal or shirt, mostly because I worry the food quality isn't really worth the price. HOWEVER, I never realized til I started working with this committee that much of that price goes towards a scholarship fund for BYU students within the chapter area. Had I known, I likely would have been more willing to buy some sub-prime eats for a good cause.