Most important tip?

Before you start planning, honestly, open up a map and look at the scale that is Dallas-Fort Worth. Both are massive cities and, with the stadium smack dab in the middle, you will have to plan accordingly. Public transportation in Texas is lacking at best, so look to Uber or rent a car. The scale of the city has caught everybody I know off guard, so it is important to know the beast you are about to tackle.

Bar scene?

Dallas-Fort Worth bars are plentiful and varied. If you are still a student I can tell you there are plenty of Rick’s-like atmospheres, though their prices will be higher and their bathrooms a lot cleaner. It is all about using the resources you have. Jump on the Dallas-Fort Worth Alumni pages and poke around. Each area of Dallas-Fort Worth has their own watch party bars and they offer a good starting point.

Lodging?

This really isn’t that big of a deal. With Dallas-Fort Worth being such a hub for many major airlines, there are plenty of hotels and very rarely do you find one that is a complete bottom feeder. If the price is too good to be true, use common sense. This isn’t the Midwest, where everything is quaint — you truly get what you pay for down here.

Food?

Barbecue. No joke, it will blow your tiny little head how good that stuff is down here. I don’t care what you say about whatever joint you have in Michigan. I will put any good Texas brisket and macaroni and cheese up against whatever you've got. My stuff will win. Every day. My personal favorite for the barbecue is Pecan Lodge. Get there early and get as much as you can. Go ahead and write off the rest of the day, as you won’t be able to move, but you will be happy and that is what is most important.

Tailgating at AT&T?

Not much, honestly. Find the alumni groups and follow what they are planning. Again, that is why it is important to look at a map — the stadium is massive and the area around it is mostly parking and a few sports bars, but nothing special.

Avoiding traffic to and from the stadium?

New Year’s Eve. In a major city. Coming to and from a college football playoff game. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA. No.

What are SEC fans like?

Really not that bad. Remember, in Texas the only SEC team is Texas A&M University. Other than that, you might bump into a bit of a Big 12 bias. A majority of fans from the Big 12 are respectful of Sparty, especially after our beating of Baylor last year in this very bowl. However, there will be a bias toward the quality of the Big 12 and SEC. Not many Big Ten games are watched here.

Overall experience and advice?

No matter what bar you go to, or what food you eat, if you are going to the game prepare to go to what I think is one of the best stadiums in sports. Yes it is over the top, yes there are TVs and advertisements everywhere, yes Dez Bryant caught the ball, but in the end it is the atmosphere that makes college football so great and there is nothing better than enjoying a playoff game with all the wayward Spartans.