SMU Mustangs Football Stadium

The SMU Mustangs football team represents the Southern Methodist University (SMU) in University Park, Texas. Competing in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), the Mustangs have a rich history dating back to their inception in 1915. They are members of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), joining it in July 2024. Previously, the team was competing in the Southwest Conference.

The Mustangs have claimed three national titles (1935, 1981, 1982) and won 12 conference championships. The team's colors are red and blue, and their mascot is Peruna, a spirited black Shetland pony that has become a beloved symbol of the school's athletic spirit. SMU's fight song, "Pony Battle Cry," is a staple at games.

What is the name of the SMU Mustangs’ football stadium?

The SMU Mustangs play their home football games at the Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Located on the campus of Southern Methodist University in University Park, Texas, the stadium opened in 2000, according to the SMU Mustangs official website.

Gerald J. Ford Stadium construction and cost

Gerald J. Ford Stadium was constructed on the site of the former Ownby Stadium, which was SMU's home field since 1926. Construction work for the new stadium took place on September 10, 1999, and it officially opened on September 2, 2000. The construction cost was approximately $42 million, which is approximately $74.3 million in 2023. The stadium was designed by architect Ellerbe Becket and built by contractors Huber, Hunt & Nichols.

Gerald J. Ford Stadium seating capacity

Gerald J. Ford Stadium has a seating capacity of 32,000 as of 2024, according to the official website of the SMU Mustangs. The stadium is primarily used for SMU Mustangs football team home games.

The stadium had a seating capacity of 30,000 when it opened in 2000 until the renovations and expansions in the early 2020s. These expansions included the addition of luxury suites, club-level seating, and the Garry Weber End Zone Complex, contributing to the capacity.

The stadium features a bowl-shaped design with stands on the west, east, and north sides. It also has a FieldTurf playing surface and is known for its state-of-the-art amenities, including nearly 2,100 club-level seats and another 2,000 seats in 41 spacious luxury suites, according to the SMU Mustangs website.

Gerald J. Ford Stadium renovations

Since its opening in 2000, Gerald J. Ford Stadium has undergone several renovations, with total spending exceeding $120 million, as per the SMU Mustangs' website. In 2012, additional luxury suites and infrastructure upgrades were made to the Paul B. Loyd, Jr. All-Sports Center, enhancing the stadium's overall functionality and fan experience.

On July 26, 2016, SMU officials announced a comprehensive facilities project that included a new indoor performance center for the Mustangs football team and an outdoor natural grass football practice field. This addition was part of the initial phase of SMU's $150 million comprehensive facilities upgrade, aimed at modernizing and enhancing the athletic infrastructure.

As per the SMU Mustangs' website, another renovation project began in January 2022 with the construction of the Garry Weber End Zone Complex, a $100 million project. The Garry Weber Foundation gifted $50 million to the project, the biggest fund received in the history of SMU Athletics, as of December 2024. This complex includes new locker rooms, a weight room, position-specific meeting rooms, a full-team auditorium, and a kitchen and training table to support all of SMU’s 484 student-athletes.

Gerald J. Ford Stadium seating chart

Here is the Gerald J. Ford Stadium seating chart, as of December 2024:

Gerald J. Ford Stadium attendance record

The attendance record at Gerald J. Ford Stadium was set during the 2010 Armed Forces Bowl, with a crowd of 36,742 on December 30, 2010. SMU played against the Army Black Knights Football team, with the game ending in favor of the latter. The second-highest attendance was 35,569 on September 24, 2022, during the Battle for the Iron Skillet game against TCU, with the Horned Frogs winning the match 42-34.