The SMU Track

[Junior]

For as long as I've known, the SMU track has been open for people to use.

My wife is currently in a sprinters group that practices there twice per week. On Saturday, the gate was locked, for the first time ever. They entered through a hole in the fence and commenced with sprint practice.

After a while, SMU police showed up. The shut the practice down and told the group that all of them could be issued a citation for trespassing. The cop said the only reason he was letting them off with a warning was that his boss wasn't there, or something to that effect.

So, my question, is the track really not open to people anymore?

[DanFreibergerForHeisman]

Never heard of it being closed other than during soccer games. Strange.

[couch 'em]

Of course, SMU PD using prickish threats is situation normal

[Junior]

so, is it illegal to run on the track now?

[blackoutpony]

Maybe email brad (SID)?

[Bergermeister]

I've been to a soccer game with people running the track during play. Didn't bother anybody. SMU does crazy [deleted] out of the blue... all the time. Expect the unexpected.

[Grant Carter]

Maybe they closed it temporarily for maintenance

[Digetydog]

Allegedly, the new IPF is going to go at that location.

If any construction related activities are going to start soon (even if it is just pre-construction site work), they may have had to close it for "insurance reasons" even if real construction might not start for some time.

[smusportspage]

It was locked for a period of time back in the 90's when I used to use it. It was due to maintenance. Stayed that way for a while. Obviously it is private property so SMU can do with it what it wants or needs to do. However, for the betterment of the Dallas community as a whole, it is nice to have the track available to the general public. It gets a lot of use.

[tristatecoog]

More traffic for Germany Park.

[SMU Section F]

Strange. I used to run on that track all the time, even after I was no longer a student. It's always been open and I've seen a myriad of groups using it; and all did so responsibly to my knowledge.

[PonyPride]

I've been to a soccer game with people running the track during play. Didn't bother anybody. SMU does crazy [deleted] out of the blue... all the time. Expect the unexpected.

Really? It is school policy that nobody can use the track during games. I have been to just about every home game for a lot of years, and if someone walks on to the track, they usually get asked to leave right away. Thinking back, I can remember someone jogging during a spring exhibition game maybe once or twice, but that's it. Do you remember how long ago the game you're describing was?

[Bergermeister]

I've been to a soccer game with people running the track during play. Didn't bother anybody. SMU does crazy [deleted] out of the blue... all the time. Expect the unexpected.

Really? It is school policy that nobody can use the track during games. I have been to just about every home game for a lot of years, and if someone walks on to the track, they usually get asked to leave right away. Thinking back, I can remember someone jogging during a spring exhibition game maybe once or twice, but that's it. Do you remember how long ago the game you're describing was?

SMU vs TCU girls. About 7 years ago. Last soccer game I went to. I was a TCU fan that game. Last time for that, too.

[tristatecoog]

Track has been open for a while to the outside community. I heard that it was only closed for a short time for athletes training for nationals.

[Junior]

Track has been open for a while to the outside community. I heard that it was only closed for a short time for athletes training for nationals.

Thanks for the update. I'll let me wife know.