Firstly, to each of you wonderful folks who recommended the Hilton Garden Inn, Roosters and Jupiter, thank you! Absolutely excellent on all fronts.
Secondly, parking at Fouts went smoothly and Apogee looked outstanding. This being my first time to see any of this, I was surprised at the density of committed tailgaters. I saw couches out there for goodness sake.
Positives: Everyone was friendly and respectful, even to SMUt fans. Pyrotechnics, the cannon, the sound system, cleanliness etc were all terrific. The band was outstanding and impressive because of course they were. The score didn't end up nearly as embarassing as I worried it might after the 1st half.
Negatives: Far too little green in the crowd. We need to work to make a sea of green a given. Also, apart from the east side/west side north/texas thing, it appeared no one knew what else to do when prompted or that they didn't care to participate. Could we scatter leaders or boosters about the stadium to help with that? Fans need to be called upon and required to engage and get loud with different yells and such. Finally, we need to win or get dang close. We got pretty handily smacked and a sparse few can watch that and return, certainly not with zeal and hope.
Campus looked great. Everyone in Denton is wildly laid back. Loved it.
I'll be back soon.