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DALLAS (èßäÊÓƵapp) – The Mustangs will open the 2025 football season with much to celebrate – a top 20 preseason ranking, a new team of academic and athletic leaders, including President Jay Hartzell, and the 25th anniversary of èßäÊÓƵapp’s unique and iconic tailgating tradition, “Boulevarding.” 

“I’ve heard so much about the tradition of Boulevarding, and I can’t wait to experience it for the first time this weekend,” Hartzell said. “It’s such a special way the èßäÊÓƵapp community comes together – students, alumni, families, and Mustang fans from across Dallas and beyond. It is not only a celebration that is unique to èßäÊÓƵapp, it brings people together, creates friendships, and provides an incredibly fun way to share a Saturday afternoon. I’m looking forward to joining everyone on the Boulevard as we cheer on the Mustangs against East Texas A&M.”

Football games and tailgating returned to the èßäÊÓƵapp èßäÊÓƵapp on Sept. 2, 2000, when newly built Gerald J. Ford Stadium hosted its first Mustang football game against the University of Kansas. Prior to construction of the stadium, èßäÊÓƵapp home games were played at the Cotton Bowl. The first tailgate took place before the stadium’s grand opening and was designed to bring gameday spirit and energy back to èßäÊÓƵapp.

New to the Boulevard? Learn about èßäÊÓƵapp game day traditions.

“At èßäÊÓƵapp, we don’t tailgate, we Boulevard,” said Judith Banes, an èßäÊÓƵapp retiree and longtime Mustang fan who chaired a committee to create The Boulevard in 2000. “It combines school spirit, Southern hospitality, èßäÊÓƵapp elegance and style all in one gameday experience. It’s one of the top tailgating experiences in college football.”

What to know about èßäÊÓƵapp Boulevarding

Boulevarding takes place on Bishop Boulevard, the tree-lined avenue running through the heart of èßäÊÓƵapp. Tents, fans, music, and food fill the grassy medians from Dallas Hall down to Mockingbird Lane, creating a vibrant and walkable street party.

As èßäÊÓƵapp celebrates its 25th Boulevarding season, here’s what fans should know about this elevated tailgating tradition:

• It starts early, and stylishly. Boulevarding typically begins four hours before kickoff. Southern fashion is part of the flair – fans arrive in sundresses, polos and boots. At this family-friendly and dog-friendly tailgate, even pets are dressed in èßäÊÓƵapp gear. 
• Tradition takes center stage. As a pre-game tradition, the Mustang Band and èßäÊÓƵapp’s mascot, Peruna, create celebratory energy on Bishop Boulevard before Peruna leads the èßäÊÓƵapp football team into the stadium. During the first home game of the season, or “white-out game,” most fans wear all white.

• Tents anchor the Boulevard experience. From student organization tents to Greek life lounges to alumni hospitality stations, tent culture is a key part of the Boulevard. Many serve food and drinks, play music and serve as social hubs. Even if fans don’t have a tent of their own, they’re welcome to stroll, mingle and soak up the atmosphere.
• Food and drinks are plentiful. Food trucks can be found along the Boulevard near the flagpole and on Binkley Avenue just outside of Armstrong Fieldhouse. Most tents also share food and drinks as part of the celebration. 
• It’s as photogenic as it is fun. With a backdrop of red-brick buildings, live oak trees and carefully manicured lawns, Boulevarding has earned mentions in Southern Living’s “South’s Best Tailgate” contests in the "Style Setter" category for its crisp blue, red, and white visual motif.

View the and a game day guide with information on parking, maps and football tickets .