Get ready for a game-changer in college football! SMU is taking its home field advantage to a whole new level by moving two highly anticipated matchups against Oklahoma and LSU to the iconic AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. But here's where it gets even more exciting: this isn't just about a change of venue—it's a strategic move to elevate the program's brand and revenue potential. Let's dive into the details.
According to sources, SMU will host Oklahoma on September 11, 2027, and LSU on September 1, 2029, at AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys. This marks a historic return for the Mustangs, who last played in the Cowboys' home stadium during their legendary Pony Express era in the 1980s. Gerald J. Ford Stadium, SMU's on-campus venue, seats just 33,200 fans, while AT&T Stadium boasts a capacity of 80,000—a move that’s as much about spectacle as it is about strategy.
But here's where it gets controversial: Is this shift to a larger stadium a smart business move or a gamble that could dilute the home-field advantage? Critics argue that playing in a neutral-like environment might diminish the intimate atmosphere of a college game, while supporters see it as a golden opportunity to showcase SMU on a grander stage. What do you think? Let us know in the comments!
The SMU-Oklahoma matchup completes a home-and-home series, with the Sooners taking the first game 28-11 in Norman in 2023. Meanwhile, the LSU series kicks off in Baton Rouge in 2028 before heading to AT&T Stadium in 2029—marking the first meeting between the Tigers and Mustangs since 1934. Talk about a throwback!
And this is the part most people miss: SMU’s history with the Cowboys’ former home, Texas Stadium, is nothing short of legendary. From 1979 to 1986, the Mustangs dominated, racking up seven winning seasons, including four straight years with double-digit victories. Led by the unstoppable Pony Express duo of Eric Dickerson and Craig James, SMU reached No. 5 in the 1981 AP Poll and No. 2 in 1982. Those glory days set the bar high, and the program’s recent resurgence under coach Rhett Lashlee is a testament to that legacy.
Under Lashlee’s leadership, SMU has reclaimed its spot among college football’s elite. The Mustangs made their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance in 2024 and posted back-to-back 10-3 seasons in 2023 and 2024—their best stretch since the 1981-84 era. With these high-profile games at AT&T Stadium, SMU is not just revisiting history but rewriting it for a new generation.
So, what’s your take? Is SMU’s move to AT&T Stadium a bold step forward or a risky departure from tradition? Share your thoughts below—we’d love to hear your perspective!
