When Southern Methodist University (SMU) named Damon Evans as its new athletic director just a few months ago, it marked the beginning of a new chapter in Dallas, Texas. Evans took over officially in April, and as the world knows, he comes with some big credentials. Previously, he led the athletic departments at Maryland and Georgia.
Evans has overseen national titles, multimillion-dollar programs, and hundreds of student-athletes. Now, he is locked in on making SMU a sporting destination.
Ford Stadium Shake-Up? SMU AD Damon Evans Drops Major Upgrade Plans
It’s been 25 years since Ford Stadium welcomed football back to the Hilltop. And new SMU Athletic Director Damon Evans seems to think that it’s time that the stadium got a little love and luxury.
In a recent interview with “On The Pony Express,” he disclosed his plans for SMU. “I want it to be like the Four Seasons,” Evans said. And he wasn’t joking.
NEW: SMU AD Damon Evans is ‘absolutely’ looking at options for Ford Stadium, including East side expansion and more.
“I want it to be like the Four Seasons or the Ritz, if that’s what you like.”https://t.co/kTuM6HSb9Z pic.twitter.com/qaunj5IhPi
— Billy Embody (@BillyEmbody) May 30, 2025
After the grand opening of the Garry Weber EndZone Complex last year, SMU fans got a taste of what first-class football feels like. It has everything from suites and clubs to lodges.
But Evans wants to see that treatment and experience across the entire stadium. He’s looking at the west side for touch-ups, especially the suite areas where some of the university’s most generous donors sit.
“We need to match the amenities that are over in Weber,” he said. “We need to change some things there.” But it is not just about the west side. Damon Evans is actively looking at more options for the east side, too. He is studying whether it makes sense to add more premium seating, more clubs, and more exclusive viewing areas. But why do the same?
Well, it turns out there is a demand. SMU’s on-field product is climbing to championship levels, and the stadium needs to follow suit. Evans wants the upgrades to reflect not only the team’s progress but also the sophistication of SMU’s supporters.
“I wanna be luxurious. That’s who we are. We’re SMU,” he said. However, this story is not just about flashy suites. Damon Evans wants to elevate all touchpoints.
“We’re inviting people into our home,” he explained. “Some come to watch the game. Some come to socialize. Some come to Boulevard. Whatever it is, I want them to leave saying, ‘Man, the food was great. That usher was awesome. The service? Unbelievable.” And to get there, Evans is doing his homework.
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Evans has met with the parking teams, the food vendors, and the fan engagement crew to understand every detail of gameday. So that when LSU rolls into town in 2029, Ford Stadium will host an experience. And it could be an experience to remember.
Ford Stadium, which is named after billionaire banker Gerald J. Ford — and surprisingly not the U.S. President, who coincidentally played football at Michigan — has always had a prestigious air.
It stands on the historic site of Ownby Stadium and sits just steps from Doak Walker Plaza, a tribute to SMU’s most legendary football name. And now with Damon Evans, that legacy might get a luxurious refresh.
Buckle up, Mustang fans. The man who once managed over $120 million in athletic budgets is now dreaming up a game day that feels more like a getaway.
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