$2.5M gift funds natural-grass field at Ford Stadium

[PonyPride]

From SMUMustangs.com:

Scharbauer family gives $2.5M for natural-grass field at Ford Stadium

DALLAS (SMU) – A $2.5 million commitment from mother and daughter Karen Johnson Scharbauer and Sarah A. Scharbauer will fund a new grass field in Ford Stadium ahead of the 2025 football season.

"We are incredibly grateful to Karen and Sarah Scharbauer for their generous gift," said SMU Director of Athletics Damon Evans. "Their support is a testament to their commitment to enhancing the student-athlete experience and the overall quality of our athletic facilities. A grass field will not only provide a quality playing surface for our Mustangs but also contribute to the sustainability and aesthetic appeal of Ford Stadium. This gift will have a lasting impact on our program, and we are honored to have the Scharbauer family as part of the SMU Athletics community."

Both Karen ('74) and Sarah ('03) are proud SMU alumnae and Midland natives whose generosity to the University spans several decades. Their support dates back to 1984 with their first gift to the Mustang Club, and their commitment has continued ever since. The Scharbauer Foundation, established in 2010, reflects their family's enduring values—supporting impactful initiatives in education, health, public benefit, and human services, and playing a vital role in strengthening the Midland community.

"I want to thank Karen and Sarah Scharbauer for their generous gift to SMU Football to provide the team with a top-notch natural grass game field," said Head Coach Rhett Lashlee. "Football is best played on natural grass and this gift allowing Ford Stadium field to be natural grass further shows our school's commitment to big-time football at the highest level."

"Our family loves SMU and wants to contribute to the continued success of our football program," the Scharbauers said. "We're excited for the positive impact a new playing surface will have on our Mustangs, and we can't wait to see the finished product in Ford Stadium this fall."

The gift to Ford Stadium supports the goals of SMU Ignited: Boldly Shaping Tomorrow the University's multiyear $1.5 billion campaign for impact.

Fans can own a piece of Gerald J. Ford Stadium history by participating in a LiveSource auction featuring authentic pieces of the previous stadium turf. Additional details about the auction will be available soon on SMUMustangs.com.

[Bergermeister]

Thank you to our friends/fans from Midland. See you at the game!

[Ikus]

Should have been grass all along. This is fantastic, and the change will resonate with recruits.

[Charleston Pony]

Nice to have wealthy alumni who care about sports. Not sure how SMU compares but this list of public schools suggests we are competing against some pretty massive war chests. Pony Up what you can!

https://247sports.com/longformarticle/c ... 2/#2225305

[Hoss]

Oregon's Nike money notwithstanding, it's hard to believe Texas isn't at the top of the list.