Visit Gerald J. Ford Stadium

Gerald J. Ford Stadium
#100 of 100 things to do in Dallas

Dallas, Texas is home to a premier college football venue that combines tradition, modern amenities, and an electric atmosphere: Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Located on the campus of Southern Methodist University (SMU), this state-of-the-art facility has been the home of the SMU Mustangs since it opened in 2000. With a seating capacity of over 33,000 and more than $120 million in upgrades, it offers an unforgettable game-day experience for fans of all ages.

Whether you’re a die-hard college football fan, an SMU alum, a family looking for a fun Saturday outing, or a visitor wanting to experience Texas football culture, this guide provides everything you need for an unforgettable visit.

Key Details at a Glance:

• Address: 5800 Ownby Drive, Dallas, TX 75205

• Opened: September 2, 2000

• Seating Capacity: 33,200 (expandable)

• Owner: Southern Methodist University (SMU)

• Home Team: SMU Mustangs Football

• Ticket Office: 214-SMU-GAME

A Crown Jewel of the SMU Campus

Gerald J. Ford Stadium opened on September 2, 2000, with a football game against the University of Kansas. The $57 million stadium was the most significant facility addition to SMU’s campus in years and remains the crowning jewel of the university. It is the last on-campus stadium in NCAA Division I (Football Bowl Subdivision) to open in the 20th century.

Architectural Design

The stadium’s architecture is consistent with the Collegiate-Georgian style of the entire SMU campus, featuring traditional yet state-of-the-art design concepts. The playing surface is 25 feet below ground level, with half of the stadium’s seats sunk below grade, ensuring a smooth transition into the surrounding neighborhood and the remainder of the SMU campus.

Recent Upgrades: The Garry Weber End Zone Complex

In August 2024, SMU opened the **$100 million Garry Weber End Zone Complex** at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Sparked by a $50 million commitment from the Garry Weber Foundation—the largest gift in the history of SMU Athletics—this new three-level complex increases the functionality, efficiency, and overall experience of Mustang Football and its fans. The project added premium seating, improved fan amenities, and enhanced the game-day atmosphere.

In 2025, the Scharbauer Family gave $2.5 million to install a natural-grass field at Ford Stadium, further enhancing the playing surface.

The Game-Day Experience

Seating and Views

Gerald J. Ford Stadium features a bowl-style layout with clear sightlines, keeping fans close to the field and creating an energetic atmosphere. The stadium includes:

• Nearly 2,100 club-level seats

• Nearly 2,000 seats in 41 spacious luxury suites split between the loge boxes, three-level tower, press box, and the Weber End Zone Complex

• A three-story press box accommodating more than 125 working print, digital, radio, and television media

Best Seats:

• Lower-level sideline sections provide the best views of the field

• End zone sections offer a more dynamic fan experience

• Premium club seats and suites offer additional comfort and amenities

• Upper-level seats provide a more affordable option with solid sightlines

Activities for Adults & Children

👨‍🖥️ For Adults: College Football & Premium Experiences

1. SMU Mustangs Football: Experience the pageantry of college football with the Mustangs. The stadium hosts games from September through November, featuring matchups against ACC opponents like Boston College, Virginia, California, Virginia Tech, and Wake Forest.

2. Premium Seating: Enjoy the game from the comfort of a club seat or luxury suite with access to premium amenities.

3. Boulevard Tailgating: Before the game, experience the legendary SMU “Boulevard” tailgating scene, one of the best in college football.

4. Campus Tours: SMU offers campus tours that include stops at Gerald J. Ford Stadium, Dallas Hall, and other iconic campus landmarks.

👧 For Children & Families: A Fun Game-Day Experience

1. Free Admission for Young Children: Children two and under are admitted free to SMU football games.

2. Family-Friendly Atmosphere: The stadium offers a welcoming environment for families, with clear sightlines and affordable upper-level seating options.

3. Stroller Parking: Strollers may be left at the gate or with Guest Services, though they are not permitted inside the stadium.

4. Holiday Events: The SMU campus, including Gerald J. Ford Stadium, is part of festive holiday walking tours during the winter season.

2026 SMU Mustangs Football Schedule

Tickets & Box Office Information

Box Office Hours

• Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

• Game Days: Football – three hours prior to kickoff

Ticket Information

• Purchase: Tickets are available through the SMU Ticket Office and Ticketmaster.

• Will Call: Regular game-day tickets can be picked up at the main ticket office three hours prior to kickoff at the northwest corner of Ford Stadium. Photo identification is required.

• Player Will Call: Located at Gate 1

• Visiting Team Will Call: Located at Gate 7

Payment Methods

Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express are all accepted.

Parking & Getting There

🚗 Driving & Parking

Address for GPS: 5800 Ownby Drive, Dallas, TX 75205

Parking Options:

• On-campus parking is available

• Reserved parking lots: Seven reserved lots range in price from $72 to $150 per season

• Cash lots: Several cash lots are available on game day

• General parking: $10 – $20 per vehicle

• Disabled Parking: Available in all seven reserved parking lots with a valid disabled parking permit

Parking Lots Open: Four hours prior to kickoff

Nearby Parking:

🚆 Public Transportation

• DART: Mockingbird Station is approximately 1 mile from the stadium, offering an easy transit option.

♿ Accessibility

• Disabled Parking: Available in all reserved parking lots with a valid permit

• Accessible Seating: Available throughout the stadium

• Service Animals: Welcome

Stadium Policies & Prohibited Items

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all fans, the following items are prohibited:

Note: Diaper bags may be larger than restricted measurements but are subject to search. Flags are permitted only if the pole is less than 2 feet long and the flag is not obscene or in bad taste.

Tips for Your Visit

1. Buy Tickets in Advance: Popular games, especially ACC matchups, can sell out. Purchase tickets early through the official SMU Ticket Office or Ticketmaster.

2. Arrive Early for Tailgating: The SMU Boulevard is one of the best tailgating experiences in college football. Arrive at least 3-4 hours before kickoff to enjoy the full experience.

3. Check the Bag Policy: Bags larger than 14″ x 14″ x 8″ are not permitted. Plan accordingly.

4. Use DART if Possible: Mockingbird Station is about a mile from the stadium, and DART is a convenient way to avoid game-day traffic.

5. Dress for the Weather: Texas fall weather can be unpredictable. Check the forecast and dress in layers.

6. Bring Sunscreen: The stadium has limited shade, especially in the upper levels.

7. Explore the Campus: SMU’s beautiful campus is worth exploring before or after the game. Don’t miss the iconic Dallas Hall and the Boulevard.

Nearby Attractions

Gerald J. Ford Stadium is located on the SMU campus, near several Dallas attractions:

Stay Connected

Follow SMU Athletics for the latest news, schedules, and ticket information.

• Official Website: https://smumustangs.com/

• Ticket Office: 214-SMU-GAME

• Instagram: @smumustangs

• Facebook: SMU Mustangs

• X (Twitter): @SMUMustangs

If you have any experience with this place, please share it with us in the comments below!

Gerald J. Ford Stadium, 5801, Bush Avenue, University Park, Dallas County, Texas, 75205, Statele Unite ale Americii