Can SMU be the Notre Dame of Dallas?

[numero_uno]

Made my 2nd trip to South Bend Sat, for ND vs Navy. Here are a few take aways that I think SMU could pull off to be more South Bendy...btw, did you know Notre Dame's 1st game in their new stadium, in 1930, was against SMU? ND won 20-14.
Anyways... students get 1/2 price on all concessions in the stadium. The concessions prices in general, were super cheap (2.50 waters, 4.00 popcorn, 3.00 sodas, 6.00 gourmet pretzel). I know there's nothing to do in South Bend, compared to Dallas, but we can start small with getting students in seats. This might be one way.
Our tickets are already reasonably priced, but we need better marketing of games. Get families there, offer season ticket holders 2 extra tickets for every 4 bought, to give away or invite friends. Have a real tailgate area for people who aren't about the BLVD that's close to the stadium. The ND tailgates were inviting, shared so much, and were not upity. Most of my friends and colleagues that didnt go to SMU, view it like that. And, students at ND dont dress up for games to show off the latest fashion...they're there for the team!

[NavyCrimson]

Not until we're in a P-5 conference & a few other matters that need to be taken care of that will place us on equal ground with our competitors. Until then - 'no'.

Besides, it'll take 5 to 10-years to be a consistent winner.

[DanFreibergerForHeisman]

We could be something similar, but Notre Dame embraces the Catholic Church while SMU continues to distance itself from the Methodist Church.

[Black Horseshoe]

Do Scientologists have a school affiliation?

And I do like the op’s suggestions

[sbsmith]

Nope, Notre Dame is a CFB blueblood and national brand synonymous with the pageantry of the sport. Best we can hope for is being the TCU of Dallas, which is at least two decades away even if we start now and do everything right.

[HarvCrimYaleBlue]

And we don't have Rudy.

[footballdad]

Seriously

[One Trick Pony]

ecstasy
ˈɛkstəsi/Submit
noun
1.
an overwhelming feeling of great happiness or joyful excitement.
"there was a look of ecstasy on his face"
synonyms: rapture, bliss, elation, euphoria, cloud nine, seventh heaven, transports, rhapsodies; SMU Notre Dame
2.
an emotional or religious frenzy or trance-like state, originally one involving an experience of mystic self-transcendence.

[dcpony]

Made my 2nd trip to South Bend Sat, for ND vs Navy. Here are a few take aways that I think SMU could pull off to be more South Bendy...btw, did you know Notre Dame's 1st game in their new stadium, in 1930, was against SMU? ND won 20-14.
Anyways... students get 1/2 price on all concessions in the stadium. The concessions prices in general, were super cheap (2.50 waters, 4.00 popcorn, 3.00 sodas, 6.00 gourmet pretzel). I know there's nothing to do in South Bend, compared to Dallas, but we can start small with getting students in seats. This might be one way.
Our tickets are already reasonably priced, but we need better marketing of games. Get families there, offer season ticket holders 2 extra tickets for every 4 bought, to give away or invite friends. Have a real tailgate area for people who aren't about the BLVD that's close to the stadium. The ND tailgates were inviting, shared so much, and were not upity. Most of my friends and colleagues that didnt go to SMU, view it like that. And, students at ND dont dress up for games to show off the latest fashion...they're there for the team!

If SMU is going to emulate a school, The U, USC, TCU or even UH should be the model.

[SoCal_Pony]

What is wrong with the reading comprehension of the posters on this thread?

Numero Uno makes good suggestions.

Make concessions reasonably priced - good idea
Further concessions discounts for students - good idea

(FWIW I’ve wondered if they should offer 2nd half concession discounts)

Ticket giveaways for purchasers of 4 or more season tickets - good idea that is implemented in some form.

Separate area on Blvd for non-alumni to make them feel welcome - this idea has been discussed many times and has merit.

Have students not dress like they are on Rodeo Dr - impossible

Overall a good post.

[AustinPerson]

I'm so glad that somebody finally figured out what SMU's problem has been all of these decades: over-priced concessions. Most of the SMU students are working multiple jobs just to stay in school. Many of the SMU students, especially those in the Greek scene, come from blue collar families.

If we immediately lower the price of popcorn, we should see a surge in attendance right off the bat. This should probably do the trick.

[SoCal_Pony]

I'm so glad that somebody finally figured out what SMU's problem has been all of these decades: over-priced concessions. Most of the SMU students are working multiple jobs just to stay in school. Many of the SMU students, especially those in the Greek scene, come from blue collar families.

If we immediately lower the price of popcorn, we should see a surge in attendance right off the bat. This should probably do the trick.

That’s an idiot comment. OP never said that.

[gostangs]

There are many elements of these suggestions already underway, although I think the half price concession thing is a good idea that should be thought about. I really like the second half idea.

People respond when you ask them - especially if you do it repeatedly. We need to ask Dallas to our party. And do it through all the advertising we tried this year plus more - but also bring back the "Dallas team" slogan and stick with it for several years.

The tailgate area for new fans is a must.

I dont think the dress is all that big a deal . The first game gets some attention from the girls who seem to want to dress up for that one. Other games are pretty basic preppy college attire - no different than Vanderbilt, USC or similar private schools in big cities.

The best thing we can do is win more games, and then start upping the schedule. That will produce some butts in seats results.

[Topper]

FREE BEER !!!!

[gostangs]

FREE BEER !!!!

What could go wrong???