The Independent Voice of Southern Methodist University Since 1915

The Daily Campus

The Daily Campus

The Independent Voice of Southern Methodist University Since 1915

The Daily Campus

The Independent Voice of Southern Methodist University Since 1915

The Daily Campus

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SMU Announces Reduced Capacity at Ford Stadium for ‘At Least A Portion’ of Football Season, Continues Selling Season Tickets

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Image courtesy of SMU Athletics.

SMU announced it will limit capacity at Gerald Ford Stadium this fall in an effort to “socially distance fans.”

In an email sent to season ticket holders and students, the athletic department released a partial outline for what a fall gameday would look like. It did not disclose the exact percentage of fans who would be allowed entry into the stadium.

The plan, that was circulated on Wednesday morning, states the university is preparing for “at least a portion” of home games to feature reduced capacity as the coronavirus spikes in Dallas County. It did, however, leave open the possibility for games later in the season to have full attendance.

“SMU Athletics is developing a ticketing and seating plan for a socially-distanced Gerald J. Ford Stadium that adheres to local and state guidelines. We expect that capacity will be reduced for a least a portion of the home season and that seating accommodations from previous years will need to be altered in an effort to promote and protect the health and safety of our fans,” the email reads.

The same email states that season tickets are still available for purchase despite the adjustments to capacity. Season ticket holders, students, faculty and staff will likely be the only fans allowed into the stadium, according to the email.

“Additionally, all 2020 football season ticket holders who have renewed by August 1, will be eligible to participate in a seat-selection process for the 2020 season in a socially-distanced Gerald J. Ford Stadium,” the email said.

The athletic department also noted it would be digitizing tickets to ensure the gameday experience would be largely contactless. Parking, too, will be digital.

Over the past week, multiple Power Five conferences have altered the season schedule, moving to conference-only games. The American Athletic Conference has not canceled any non-conference football games to this date.

SMU made no mention of possible cancellations in the email. The memo highlighted TCU, a non-conference opponent, in the list of games to attend for people still purchasing season tickets.

“The 2020 slate is one fans will not want to miss, as home games against AAC Champion Memphis, AAC East Division Champion Cincinnati and in-state rivals Houston and TCU highlight the schedule,” the email said.

There was an option for fans to cancel season tickets if they had already purchased them by contacting the Mustang Club or the Ticket Sales Office.

Fans who do purchase season tickets, the email states, will pick their seats in the middle of August.

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