SMU is “studying potential upgrades and expansions” to Gerald Ford Stadium as its athletic department “seeks a revenue boost” in its ACC era, according to Mike Albanese of the DALLAS BUSINESS JOURNAL. SMU AD Damon Evans said that the department is “in the ‘very preliminary stages’ of assessing additional improvements and possible expansion of Ford Stadium.” He added that while “‘nothing is concrete,’ the department is studying how it can ‘elevate the fan experience’ and provide both players and fans with first-class facilities.” Ford Stadium saw renovations as recently as 2024 when the 192,500-square-foot Garry Weber End Zone Complex was finished. Evans called the addition “remarkable” but noted that the department is “now looking at the stadium as a whole.” He said that the “focus is possibly improving or expanding the number of ‘premium areas.’” But addressing facilities is just a “small part of SMU’s growth strategy” ahead of its third year in the ACC. Evans said that leaders are “looking broadly to maximize revenue and exposure and position SMU for success both athletically and educationally.” Evans added that it is “important that ‘resources match expectations.’” Evans also talked about SMU’s plan to play select games at AT&T Stadium, saying he does not want them “to be one-off events” but “part of a larger plan to build relationships with the Cowboys and AT&T that will be vital to growing the SMU program” (DALLAS BUSINESS JOURNAL, 4/16).
