ESPN talks SMU attendance (or lack thereof)

[BIGHORSE]

We need to all spread out a little, have at least a foot or two space between

each person instead of having such big empty sections.

[MustangStealth]

We just need fatter fans. 16K would completely fill the stadium if everyone beefed up to 500 lbs. Come on guys. Do it for the team.

[CenTXpony]

We have to establish a real connection with Dallas, I think everyone that doesn't go to SMU or have graduated from the university (with the exception of me and a handful of others like me) kind of feel that SMU isn't really their environment. If you look at the highlights from the 80's when we were really good, you'll notice that the attendance and spirit was right there with any other programs. We played in the Cotton Bowl/Cowboy Stadium, two venues that were iconic to Dallas, something that most people in Dallas could relate to. Highland Park is not something that everyone can relate to, it gives off that "exclusive" vibe, and I feel that shy's away a lot of people that don't have a connection with the school. I'll be one of the first to admit, I personally love everything about the university, in my opinion, there isn't one other campus in Texas that has the appeal that SMU does. I even love Ford Stadium, even though it's small and probably will always be that way because of HP/UP ordinances, I think that the horseshoe bowl shape is symbolic to SMU (given the Mustang as the mascot). However I can assure you that people like me (ones that do not attend SMU or have graduated from there) do not see the same picture as I do. I don't think you're going to see student body making that much of a significant impact on attendance given that the enrollment is around 11,000, not to mention a significant portion of that number doesn't even know what football is (international students). We just have to find a way to grow with Dallas in order to get a significant attendance. I know though that I'm just reinventing the wheel though, however I'm just sort of expressing it from more of an outsiders view and the comments I hear people say when I talk football and SMU around my peers. Don't get me wrong though, as I said I love the university, plan to attend for my masters, love everything about the campus and location, but SMU does get stereotyped by those that aren't as ble($$)ed as many of us and others are.