Gerald J. Ford Stadium guide: schedule, kickoff times, food, parking and bag policy

Gerald J. Ford Stadium holds 33,200 fans and is home to SMU Mustangs (NCAA FBS (ACC)). This page lists every remaining home game with its kickoff time, and the stadium's gates, food, parking and bag rules.

Capacity	33,200
Opened	September 2, 2000
Home teams	SMU Mustangs (NCAA FBS (ACC))
Address	5801 Bush Avenue, Dallas, TX 75205

When are the remaining home games?

2 home games left, starting Fri Nov 6, 2026. Times are local (Central).

Date	Game	Kickoff	Competition
Fri Nov 6, 2026	SMU Mustangs vs Virginia Tech Hokies	6:00 pm	College football
Fri Nov 13, 2026	SMU Mustangs vs Wake Forest Demon Deacons	time TBA	College football

When do the gates open at Gerald J. Ford Stadium?

Two hours before kickoff. (source)

What has changed at Gerald J. Ford Stadium recently?

The $100 million Garry Weber End Zone Complex enclosed the open south end with premium spaces and team facilities and was completed and dedicated in September 2024, increasing capacity from 32,000 to 33,200. (source)

Where do students sit at Gerald J. Ford Stadium?

SMU's student section, The Stampede, is located in sections 123 through 127 and is general admission, first come first served. Students enter and exit through Gate 5 and must claim their free ticket online, with claims opening Sundays at 5 p.m. during game week. (source)

What are the tailgating rules at Gerald J. Ford Stadium?

SMU's pregame gathering, The Boulevard, runs along Bishop Boulevard and the Main Quad beginning the morning of gameday; it becomes pedestrian-only 2.5 hours before kickoff, followed by the Mustang Walk from Dallas Hall down the Boulevard to Ford Stadium two hours before kickoff. (source)

Is there a sun and shade map for Gerald J. Ford Stadium?

Not yet. The south end was enclosed by the Garry Weber End Zone Complex in 2024, after the newest lidar survey of the stadium. We only publish seat and sun data measured from a survey of the stands as they are now, so this guide sticks to the schedule, parking and stadium policies until a newer survey is flown.

Before you go

Bags: All bags entering Gerald J. Ford Stadium must be clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and may not exceed 12 x 6 x 12 inches. Bags may be one-gallon clear plastic freezer bags. Small clutch bags, approximately the size of a hand, are permitted with or without a strap. Medical and nursing bags are permitted into the venue but require inspection upon entering. Bag policy.
Payment: All concession stands are cashless, accepting AMEX, Visa, Mastercard and Discover as well as Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Google Pay and other NFC/RFID mobile pay wallets.
Getting there: Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) serves the SMU/Mockingbird station near campus. Parking and transit.
Food: Outside food or drink is prohibited, except that fans may bring in one sealed, unopened bottle of water.