Posted by Dooby:
Cheesesteak, this is way besides the point, but I want to point out that since I started attending SMU I have personally attended the following at Moody: speakers, concerts, basketball, professional tennis and church services. Sorry, no rodeos.
Dooby, you are correct (I have attended a some of the same Moody events) but as each and every year passes Moody's basic architectural design becomes more of an obstacle to attracting a variety of revenue producing events.
People attending contemporary events frequently expect more than an upgraded soon-to-be 60 year old basketball arena...performers certainly do.
If SMU is only/mostly going to use Moody for varsity sports and commencement in the future then a remodeling/adding practice courts is sufficient.
If SMU wants to host a variety of high-profile 6-8,000 person events on the Hilltop, earning revenue and attracting first-time visitors then a new facility should be considered.
Moody's footprint near SMU Boulevard (Central Expressway) combined with existing parking garages and the new 600 car parking garage to be built on the current Letterman Hall site is a convenient location for campus visitors.
Does anyone know if the university (not just the athletic department) has seriously evaluated replacing Moody with a modern and versatile but traditional looking facility?