Interesting idea from University of Memphis

[PlanoStang]

Hate seeing 10,000 empty seats that could go to 5,000 potential DFW kids, giving them a connection to SMU and an opportunity to become a lifelong fan

You and me both.

and Russ Potts too

An empty seat never bought a hot dog, and drink

[smusic 00]

Hate seeing 10,000 empty seats that could go to 5,000 potential DFW kids, giving them a connection to SMU and an opportunity to become a lifelong fan

You and me both.

and Russ Potts too

An empty seat never bought a hot dog, and drink

Neither did any 8 year olds from the hood.

[Topper]

I don't think that this is necessarily a bad idea, but if I'm not mistaken free tickets don't count toward our D 1 attendance requirements.

I'm also amazed when I look back at the data regarding our attendance pre-Cowboys. SMU really had a following among typical Dallas sports fans. Doubtful that we will ever win them back. Too many cultural barriers between most of us. Recent years have shown that the key to attendance increases is to play quality regional opponents and (don't kick me off the board) UNT. When I look at Baylor what I see is a school with no more to offer than we can but they are in a much better conference with some old rivalries that promote good attendance. The attendance, money, and fan interest really does translate into wins.

[East Coast Mustang]

This is why, starting next year, we need to be playing relevant teams OOC every season, every game. No one cares if we beat Arkansas State, MTSU, or an FCS school anymore. And while we all bag on UNT, they are relevant in terms of interest and fan support in the DFW area and will help fill the stadium. They're also not as talented as we are so they should be penciled in as a W every year. Personally I'm a fan of the UNT series, but we better not lose to them (ever).

Starting next year we have:
TCU scheduled through 2017 (hopefully will be extended)
Baylor scheduled through 2019
UNT scheduled through 2025

I've said this before, but the fourth OOC game should be another Big 12 or middle-tier SEC team in my opinion. Think Tech, Mizzou, Vanderbilt, Ole Miss, Miss. State, and possibly Arkansas but they have a series scheduled with TCU so they might not be looking for another OOC trip to DFW. Again, these games will generate interest in the community, with alumni, and with recruits. Our conference slate isn't ideal for this so we need to be relevant with our OOC schedule. I think TCU, Baylor, and UNT is a solid start. You have to imagine that big schools are going to want to come play here for recruiting purposes and they'll view us as an easy W. Bring it on.

Finally, my pipe dream is a matchup with a national power like USC or Notre Dame at Jerryworld or the Cotton Bowl during the State Fair once every five years or something. Why the hell not? If they beat the crap out of us, fine, they're expected to. We're still on national TV getting our brand out there.

[Charleston Pony]

great idea...even if you offer only 1 "free" seat and an offer to purchase addt'l seats at 50% off

[blackoutpony]

ECM, you make a lot of good points which I absolutely agree with, and they only one I will contest is Arkansas. Why would they not want more trips to DFW? If they were smart, the would stagger SMU and TCU every other year and have a game every year in one of the most talent rich areas of the country. I would love to play Arkansas and I think if they are already doing TCU, stagger the home and home series so they play here every year, it would make sense for them too.

The more old SWC rivalries, the better IMO

[East Coast Mustang]

ECM, you make a lot of good points which I absolutely agree with, and they only one I will contest is Arkansas. Why would they not want more trips to DFW? If they were smart, the would stagger SMU and TCU every other year and have a game every year in one of the most talent rich areas of the country. I would love to play Arkansas and I think if they are already doing TCU, stagger the home and home series so they play here every year, it would make sense for them too.

The more old SWC rivalries, the better IMO

Actually, the Arkansas-TCU series is only a home-and-home, I thought it was longer. We should definitely try to get them on the schedule at some point as well.

[blackoutpony]

ECM, you make a lot of good points which I absolutely agree with, and they only one I will contest is Arkansas. Why would they not want more trips to DFW? If they were smart, the would stagger SMU and TCU every other year and have a game every year in one of the most talent rich areas of the country. I would love to play Arkansas and I think if they are already doing TCU, stagger the home and home series so they play here every year, it would make sense for them too.

The more old SWC rivalries, the better IMO

Actually, the Arkansas-TCU series is only a home-and-home, I thought it was longer. We should definitely try to get them on the schedule at some point as well.

Gotcha.

[mrydel]

After this year (or maybe next) the Arkansas/ A&M game goes back to Jerryworld for long term.

[blackoutpony]

After this year (or maybe next) the Arkansas/ A&M game goes back to Jerryworld for long term.

In that case, never mind

[East Coast Mustang]

After this year (or maybe next) the Arkansas/ A&M game goes back to Jerryworld for long term.

In that case, never mind

Still, I'd think a lot of SEC programs would like a free game in Dallas against us. Ole Miss, Vandy, Mizzou, Miss State, etc. I don't necessarily think we could get Georgia or Tennessee or Florida, but the others I think would be worth a phone call

[mrydel]

We should be made for Ole Miss.

[PK]

We should be made for Ole Miss.

It would look like an SMU Red/Blue game.

[East Coast Mustang]

We should be made for Ole Miss.

It would look like an SMU Red/Blue game.

We would probably make it the white out game

[Topper]

After this year (or maybe next) the Arkansas/ A&M game goes back to Jerryworld for long term.

This is another huge problem for us imo. Jerryworld big time oollege game participants have no particular need to schedule a game with us at Ford when they can get DFW exposure at these games in Arlington. Bigger stadium, better tv, and the Cowboys pr people behind the whole thing. Very difficult for us to attract the Arkansas of the world given this situation.