Today marks the start of TCU football, tailgating and “Go Purple” Fridays. During the season, those that wear purple can represent Horned Frog football as well as support local businesses.

Last year, several restaurants and businesses across Fort Worth participated in “Go Purple” Fridays. The list has grown since last year, partnering with more businesses in the TCU community.

Jenny Henderson, a Freebirds World Burrito employee, said they planned to participate again this year. The patrons are given the option of a free dessert and drink with the purchase of a burrito.

Dessert options include cookies, brownies and chips with dip. These perks are free to all burrito-eaters, but not without some purple.

A popular TCU sweet spot is also sweetening the discount deal for purple-wearing people in the community.

Sweet Sammies co-owner  Kelly Close said the shop will continue to support “Go Purple” Fridays.

Sweet Sammies is known for making “Purple Sammies,” ice cream sandwiches with two purple sugar cookies. If customers buy a sammie, they get either a free soda or a free bottle of water with the purchase. As always, all customers must be wearing purple.

The annual event is well-known all over the Fort Worth community, but not as much in the TCU community.

There are a number of students who have never heard of “Go Purple” Fridays. Senior strategic communication major Monica Woodhams said she knew little about the event.

“I’ve heard a few people talk about it,” she said.

However, there are several students who look forward to TCU football Fridays.

Sophomore nursing majors Masey Cummins and Miranda Peterson ,and sophomore strategic communication major Lindsey Moody, all plan to wear their purple and soak up some savings.

They said they heard about “Go Purple” Fridays through an e-mail from TCU Athletics.

Cummins said the three women plan to drive to the game on Friday, but will go out beforehand to take advantage of the deals.

“We love free stuff,” Peterson said.

Students are not the only frogs that love to wear purple.

Laurie Loken, administrative assistant in the department of religion, has been participating in “Go Purple” Fridays for many years.

She said she has been wearing purple for six to seven years. It had become natural to wear purple on Fridays, Loken said.

Although perks and discounts come with the territory, Loken said she wears purple for another reason.

“I just do it because it’s a tradition,” she said.

Other educators in the religion department, like professor David Grant, and instructor Jim Atwood, “religiously” wear purple as well, Loken said.

“Go Purple” Fridays is becoming a tradition across the Fort Worth community.
 

The following participating retailers support those wearing purple on “Go Purple” Fridays:

• Baker St. Pub & Grill
• BoomerJack’s Grill & Bar
• Brownstone
• Buffalo Bros Pizza, Wings & Subs
• Carino’s Italian
• CD Ski & Sport
• Chick-fil-A
• Christian Brothers Automotive
• Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que
• Freebirds World Burrito
• Hoffbrau Steaks
• Jake’s
• La Terre Salon
• Lucky Strike Lanes
• Ol’ South Pancake House
• Olympia Sports Supplements
• P.S. The Letter
• Paciugo Gelato & Cafe
• Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
• Pappas Burgers
• Pappasito’s Cantina
• Pure Bliss Therapeutic Massage
• Rock Bottom Bar and Grill
• Rose Marine Theater
• Sassy Hot Dogs
• Silver Fox Steakhouse
• Simply Fondue Fort Worth
• Smashburger
• Sport Clips
• Sports Authority
• Teskey’s Uptown
• Texas Roadhouse
• The Tavern Bar & Grill
• Toni & Guy
• World of Wellness Chiropractic Center
• YO! Frozen Yogurt Lounge
• Yofé Fresh Fruit & Yogurt Café

Hulen Mall “Go Purple” Fridays Partners:

• aerie
• Aria Bridal
• Auntie Anne’s
• Bellagio Jewelers
• Bloomberg Jewelers
• Chick-fil-A
• Clayton Adams Salon
• Dairy Queen
• Dallas Cowboys Pro Shop
• Diamond Wireless
• Eddie Bauer
• Fanzz
• Godiva Chocolatier
• Lens Crafter
• Mr. Pretzel
• Opah Greek Flavor
• Perfumes International
• Phil’s Philly Grill
• Silver Station
• Sonic Drive-in
• T-Mobile

Find more details about “Go Purple” Friday discounts.

Kristina Rogers contributed to this report.