Pack your bags and your Mustang spirit for a weekend full of energy, connection and unforgettable SMU pride. Kick things off with the Chicago alumni reception, hop on the Mustang motor coach to South Bend, Indiana, on Saturday, meet up at the SMU tailgate at Notre Dame and cap it off by cheering at the SMU vs. Notre Dame football game.
Chicago alumni reception
Kick off the weekend alongside fellow Mustangs, University leaders and SMU Spirit in the heart of Chicago. Reconnect with old friends, expand your network and celebrate the incredible momentum at SMU.
Date: Friday, November 20, 2026
Time: 3–5 p.m. CT
Location: Official Mustang Fan Hotel & Headquarters
Westin Michigan Avenue Chicago
909 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60611
Ride the Mustang motor coach to Notre Dame
Leave the driving (and time zones) to us and ride the Mustang motor coach from Chicago to South Bend and back for the biggest road game of the season. Enjoy a hassle-free trip filled with SMU spirit and game day excitement.
Why attend?- Travel stress-free with round trip transportation, food and beverages.
- Take home commemorative SMU swag.
Register by October 30 to guarantee your seat on the Mustang motor coach!
Date: Saturday, November 21, 2026
Departure time: 1 p.m. CT
Location: Official Mustang Fan Hotel & Headquarters
Westin Michigan Avenue Chicago
909 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60611
SMU tailgate at Notre Dame
Bring the Boulevard energy to South Bend! Rally with fellow Mustangs, fuel up for the game and get game day-ready together at our official SMU tailgate.
Why attend?- Join 500-plus Mustangs for the official SMU pregame celebration featuring BBQ, drinks, entertainment, lawn games, SMU Spirit and Peruna.
- Show your school pride, connect with alumni from across the country, and be part of one of the largest SMU away-game gatherings ever.
Date: Saturday, November 21, 2026
Time: 4:30–7 p.m. ET*
*Please note that South Bend is in Eastern time zone
Location: LaSalle Council, Scouting America
1340 South Bend Avenue, South Bend, Indiana 46617
SMU @ Notre Dame football game
Date: Saturday, November 21, 2026
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET*
*Please note that South Bend is in Eastern time zone
Location: Notre Dame Stadium
2010 Moose Krause Circle, South Bend, Indiana 46556
Plan your stay in Chicago
Make the most of your weekend by staying at the Westin Michigan Avenue Chicago, our official Mustang fan hotel and headquarters, to stay connected, energized and immersed in the weekend’s fun.
Why book?- Stay at the official SMU headquarters hotel and keep the Mustang spirit going all weekend long.
- Enjoy convenient access to the Chicago alumni reception, motor coach transportation, and opportunities to connect with fellow alumni throughout the weekend.
Location: Official Mustang Fan Hotel & Headquarters
Westin Michigan Avenue Chicago
909 North Michigan Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60611
Last day to book is October 30
FAQ
Questions? smualum@smu.edu
Support SMU
Can’t make it to South Bend? You can still champion our student-athletes. Make your gift to the Student-Athlete Benefit Fund and help our Mustangs thrive on and off the field.