SMU announces game-day changes

[PonyPride]

From SMUMustangs.com:

NEW LEAGUE! NEW GAMEDAY!
SMU Announces 2024 Gameday Updates & Improvements

DALLAS (SMU) – It’s a new era on the Hilltop as SMU stampedes into the ACC in 2024. SMU has made numerous improvements in and around Gerald J. Ford Stadium this season as part of the push to provide a best-in-class experience for fans.

The first change many fans will notice as they travel to Ford Stadium will be new directional signage and traffic flow improvements. Fans should carefully read the instructions on their parking passes to understand how to access their assigned parking lots. SMU is also coordinating with Google, Waze and rideshare companies to reduce congestion and any confusion about how to access campus as well as where to drop off and pick up riders.

Fans will want to enter Ford early as there will be Happy Hour pricing on beer in the east plaza from gates opening at 90 minutes out until 30 minutes prior to kickoff. SMU will also be hosting surprise celebrities to help with team introductions and new pregame traditions.

Fans will notice additional ticket scanners and metal detectors at gates to speed entry. The footprint of Ford Stadium has been enlarged to create a plaza on the stadium's east side. The east plaza, near Doak Walker Plaza, will be complete with vendors, cooling misters, a beer garden and room to move freely.

Once in the stadium, fans will notice the new $100M Weber End Zone Complex, new videoboard and ribbon boards. In-game, brand new pyrotechnics displays will light-up Ford red and blue at key moments throughout the game and a new DJ booth and student Stampede Leader stands will add even more energy to Ford Stadium.

Fans are again allowed to bring in one sealed, unopened bottle of water into Ford Stadium, and SMU has installed several bottle refilling stations around the concourse.

SMU Hospitality has also made significant improvements and additions for the fall. Twenty self-service "speed lines" have been created for quick pick-ups at concession stands. Three walk-through beverage stations as well as a walk-through market with wine, salads, Antone’s Famous Po’ Boy sandwiches and healthy snack options are also new. Concessions will be completely cashless at all 130 locations and will accept AMEX, Visa, Mastercard and Discover as well as Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and Google Pay plus any other NFC/RFID mobile pay wallets.

SMU-themed Gourmet kettle corn and cotton candy will be available throughout the concourse and a variety of local beer options will be available at all stands throughout the concourse. Mi Cocina’s MiCoRita frozen margaritas will be available at multiple locations on the concourse.

In addition to Mi Cocina, Dallas-centric vendors in stadium will be Ferris Wheelers BBQ, Rudy's BBQ, Frios Gourmet Pops, TeaCo Boba Tea, and Bavarian Nuts. The East Plaza pavilion will house Palmers Fried Chicken, Kona Ice, and others.

Pre-game, the Armstrong Fieldhouse Fan Zone will be open to all and feature special alumni and donor tailgating sections with College Gameday and ACC Huddle on the big screen, a bar and food trucks along Binkley Avenue. Armstrong Fieldhouse will also hold Peruna's Pals Kids Zone with games and bounce houses for younger fans. It opens three hours prior to kickoff and will close 30 minutes before games.

To keep players and staff safe on the field, only credentialed personnel will be allowed on the field after each game. The team will exit the field following the SMU Fight Song, "Pony Battle Cry."

All those attending games at Ford Stadium this season are reminded to revisit SMU's Stadium Policies for an enjoyable gameday experience. Gameday information can always be found on SMU’s Gameday Central.

Tickets to all games are available at SMUMustangs.com/tickets or by calling 214-SMU-GAME.

SMU Football returns to Gerald J. Ford Stadium on Aug. 31 when the Mustangs host Houston Christian for its annual WHITEOUT. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

[Dukie]

Sounds great! But as long as the mambo taxis are cold it’s all good.

[bubba pony]

"To keep players and staff safe on the field, only credentialed personnel will be allowed on the field after each game"

so no Marching Band traditional Shantytown line song? I hope not.

[Peruna Power]

If all of that is true, will go from one of the worst gameday experiences to top notch.

They are finally learning that you need tons of alcohol and other outside entertainment to get fans there early and have them stay past halftime.

Looking forward to seeing this in action. The atmosphere for TCU/FSU should be pretty exciting.

[CA Mustang]

"To keep players and staff safe on the field, only credentialed personnel will be allowed on the field after each game"

so no Marching Band traditional Shantytown line song? I hope not.

I'm pretty sure the marching band qualifies as being credentialed.

[Hop Sing]

SMU is doing EVERYTHING right now, and it’s truly amazing after so many years of frustration. What an amazing time to be a Mustang!

[bubba pony]

"To keep players and staff safe on the field, only credentialed personnel will be allowed on the field after each game"

so no Marching Band traditional Shantytown line song? I hope not.

I'm pretty sure the marching band qualifies as being credentialed.

to clarify, I was referring to the Marching Band Alumni and supporters who take the field and sing to Shantytown.

[malonish]

After all personnel have left the field they have allowed the Alumni line to sing. That has also been at the "pointing out" of the director (yeah they're good, etc.).

Also, doubt that they will be leaving to Pony Battle Cry as it's always Varsity followed by Buzz and Peruna.

[peruna81]

After all personnel have left the field they have allowed the Alumni line to sing. That has also been at the "pointing out" of the director (yeah they're good, etc.).

Also, doubt that they will be leaving to Pony Battle Cry as it's always Varsity followed by Buzz and Peruna.

Aye, this...

[Pony ^]

I'll believe it when I see it. The concessions have been a disaster for a decade. Especially when the stadium is full. Crossing my fingers everything works out

[Dukie]

I'll believe it when I see it. The concessions have been a disaster for a decade. Especially when the stadium is full. Crossing my fingers everything works out

They were a sad disaster for way longer than a decade, honestly. But they were already vastly improved last fall.

[Pony ^]

Perhaps we won't be standing at the urinal in a pool of water with crickets swimming around this year

[Manorwood]

Perhaps we won't be standing at the urinal in a pool of water with crickets swimming around this year

You thought that was water?

[Peruna88]

Supposedly, Pony Pils will be available at 27 stands this year - up from three last year. Cheers to local beer!

[Insane_Pony_Posse]

Mi Cocina’s MiCoRita frozen margaritas will be available at multiple locations on the concourse