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Gerald J. Ford Stadium - home of SMU in University Park, TX
NCAA FBS

Gerald J. Ford StadiumUniversity Park, Texas

SMU

👥
Capacity
32,000
🏆
Conference
ACC
📅
Opened
2000
🌱
Surface
FieldTurf

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📖About Gerald J. Ford Stadium

Gerald J. Ford Stadium holds 32,000 and is the smallest ACC venue. Named for Gerald J. Ford, a Dallas banker, investor, and SMU trustee, it sits on the beautiful SMU campus in University Park. The Mustangs returned to prominence under Sonny Dykes before joining the ACC in 2024.

🏛️Gerald J. Ford Stadium History

Origins

Opened September 2, 2000 with a 31-17 win over Kansas, replacing Ownby Stadium and Cotton Bowl tenancy. Built for $45 million, it was funded by Gerald J. Ford's $20M lead gift.

Major Renovations

2014Armstrong Commons outdoor plaza added
2019$100M Garry Weber End Zone Complex opened
2024ACC debut enhancements

Notable Moments

Nov 5, 2022SMU beat Houston 77-63 in highest-scoring game in FBS history
Oct 19, 2019SMU beat Temple 45-21 during 10-2 season—best since death penalty
Sep 21, 2024First ACC home game

🎟️Visiting Gerald J. Ford Stadium

Best Seats

The Miller Lites/Club Level on the west side offers premium hospitality. Sections 114-118 provide midfield views. East side has Highland Park skyline views.

Parking Tips

Limited on-campus parking. SMU lots on Mockingbird Lane. Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Red Line stops at Mockingbird Station—walk to stadium. Street parking fills fast.

Game Day

Boulevard tailgating on Bishop Boulevard is iconic. Peruna the mustang mascot leads the team out. "Pony Up!" is the rallying cry. Post-game, explore the shops and restaurants on Mockingbird. Clear bag policy enforced.

🗺️Local Recommendations

🍺Bars & Drinks

The Barley House

$$

Lively pub on SMU Boulevard with plenty of taps, pub food, and live music on Saturdays.

📍 0.5 miles5612 SMU Blvd

💡 Walking distance from the stadium. Great pregame and postgame atmosphere.

Snuffer's Restaurant & Bar

$$

Dallas institution since 1978 on Lower Greenville, originally opened for SMU students. Famous for cheddar fries.

📍 2 miles3526 Greenville Ave

💡 The cheddar fries are legendary. Great for a postgame meal and drinks.

Milo Butterfingers

$$

Dallas sports bar since 1971 with huge patio, 15+ HD screens, and daily drink specials.

📍 2.5 miles4816 Greenville Ave

💡 Famous for cheese fries and tavern-style pizza. Great for catching multiple games.

🍽️Restaurants

Ozona Grill and Bar

$$

Upper Greenville mainstay with a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar and award-winning patio.

📍 1.5 miles4350 Lovers Ln

💡 Perfect for a pregame brunch. Try the Bloody Mary bar and frozen margaritas.

Peggy Sue BBQ

$$

Popular Dallas BBQ spot near campus with smoked meats and classic Texas sides.

📍 1 mile6600 Snider Plaza

💡 Great for picking up tailgate provisions. The brisket is the move.

🏨Hotels

The Highland Dallas, Curio Collection by Hilton

$$$$

Luxury boutique hotel directly across from the SMU campus with walkable stadium access.

📍 0.2 miles5300 E Mockingbird Ln

💡 The closest upscale hotel to Ford Stadium. Book early for ACC home games.

Graduate by Hilton Dallas

$$$

College-themed boutique hotel near SMU with SMU-inspired decor and easy campus access.

📍 1 mile6060 N Central Expy

💡 Fun, stylish stay with a college vibe. Great rooftop bar.

🎭Attractions

George W. Bush Presidential Library

$$

Presidential library and museum on the SMU campus with exhibits on the Bush presidency.

📍 0.3 miles2943 SMU Blvd

💡 Right on campus. A quick visit pairs well with a walk around the beautiful grounds.

Mockingbird Station

$

Mixed-use district with restaurants, shops, and a movie theater next to the DART rail station.

📍 0.3 miles5307 E Mockingbird Ln

💡 Easy DART access and plenty of food and shopping options within walking distance.

Suggest a Tip

Know a great bar, restaurant, hotel, attraction, or parking spot near Gerald J. Ford Stadium? Share it with us.

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References

Content sourced from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) and official team sites. Additional information verified against public sources.