Lamar Hunt - Dallas Burn

[smu'06]

Why don't we have the Burn play at Ford Stadium - it would bring 22,500+ a game to the hilltop and mean some new athletic revenue.

[Eddie P]

Not gonna happen in this lifetime...and I'm fairly young.

[Boston Pony]

Most pro teams look to have beer sold at their games, which can't happen on the Hilltop. My guess is that unless we get into very tough times and UP allows it, beer won't be sold at Ford Stadium, thus no soccer. Also, does Lamar Hunt own the Burn? I thought he was involved in another team.

[Eddie P]

We have been in tough times but that will still not get the Burn over to Ford. And beer is not the primary reason this will never happen. I wish I was wrong. I hope I will be one day.

[Recruiting Guru]

I like '06's idea! Surely after the $$$ Lamar Hunt contributed to the stadium and the athletic department overall, he could arrange for a beer vendor somehow. They allow beer on the Boulevard before our games, why not at Burn games? And Ford has a much better playing surface for the players than the Cotton Bowl.

[Corso]

Not so fast my friend! Do you really think Carl Bussey wants to play his Burn games at Ford Stadium? He played his last college game there - and SMU lost to St. John's. Ford is the most beautiful stadium in Texas, but he might vote against reliving that nightmare.

[Eddie P]

Gentleman, gentleman please.
A few things...

1) Carl Bussey has exactly squat to say about where the Burn will play...he's a rookie and even if he's Jason Kreis, that is not something the players would go into the locker room and have a literal vote on.

#2 Lamar Hunt, in and of himself, is not going to force University Park to allow beer at Ford, nor do I think that is even in the scope of the possible. Realize that SMU is not the same as University Park and our influence in all things reflect this to a greater or lesser degree.

#3 Nobody denies that Ford would be better in every manner than the Cotton Bowl. I would love for beer to be served OUTSIDE the club seating. (Please do note the gargantuan battle that was fought and won which allowed us to have the Boulevard) And of course it would be great for revenue...wonderful, actually. But it is not going to happen. Recruiting Guru is correct in stating that it is a good IDEA, but then reality has to step into the equation, which is when an idea either becomes a viable option or wishful thinking. This, unfortunately, is wishful thinking of the highest order.

[SMUrebel]

Anybody notice how during the Women's NCAA soccer tournament, the north corners of the field were so close to the wall, they had to put some pads up. Plus, the space from the wall to the corner was really tight. Maybe another reason why Ford will never see the Burns.

[JasonB]

The real reason the Burn wil never play at Ford is because, by contract, SMU is limited to allowing a certain number of non-SMU events at for stadium per year.

That is why the Burn will never be able to move there, but they have talked about having an MLS Cup or MLS all star game there.

[smu'06]

It was just an idea -
have Lamar Hunt run for Mayor of UP and the beer problem is solved...
Maybe Rogers and the frat boys can run a Pro-Beer candidate and pro-smu candidate in UP.

[TheSkelf]

I have to side with Rebel on this one.

I was on the field for some of the soccer games played in Ford. There is absolutely no way that there is room for soccer. IN the corners there is less than 6 inches between the stick and the astroturf. I know what you are going to say, "SMU is holding 2 of the next 3 Men's College Cups!" Too bad, they scheduled that before they knew what they were doing. Also, did anybody ever think what a season of soccer would do to that precious field. You might say that the increased revenue from the Burn games wouldhelp cover that cost, but it is not reasonable. The turf manager would need more than money to keep that field in shape for a season of soccer, then have it in tip top shape for football. I remember how much many of you whined when the field was not perfect for some of the games. Sorry '06, I know you are just trying to get the juices flowing, but ask yourself if the question you are asking is realistic. All that has been accomplished here is a bunch of people second guessing what is going on at SMU. They will get it right soon. Hopefully after this season we won't have to worry about htis anymore. Give the new people a chance. Another point to consider: There aren't 22.5K at Burn games. I am pretty sure they average 7-10K. Furthermore, I don't think they are banging down the door to come here. It is probably cheaper to play at the Cotton Bowl.

[This message has been edited by TheSkelf (edited 03-22-2002).]

[BillBored]

I'm pretty sure there is a NCAA rule about pro teams playing in college stadiums.

[smu'06]

Bill -
I am 100% that you are wrong.

Before the Columbus Crew built their own and the only soccer only stadium in the nation - they played at (You Guessed It) Ohio State.

In the NFL, as the Seattle Seahawks are building their own football only stadium, since the demolition of the King Dome, they have been playing at Huskie Stadium which is the University of Washington's on campus home...

I can think of about 25 other situations - exhibition basketball etc...