On July 1, 2024, SMU will join the Atlantic Coast Conference, a long-awaited triumph for SMU following decades of hard work, athletic achievement and academic excellence. Building on the accomplishments of generations of Mustang student-athletes, SMU Athletics will take its place among the best programs in the nation — and Dallas fans will have the opportunity to see SMU take on other top-tier athletic programs.
“This is our moment to charge into the ACC confidently,” says SMU President R. Gerald Turner. “Together with the city of Dallas, we will showcase our Mustang strength and pride to the conference and the nation.”
Dallas has increasingly embraced SMU, helping fuel its rise on the national stage. In fact, five years ago, the city and university collaborated to introduce a new logo that celebrates their partnership: the Triple D Peruna. And since the 2020-2021 season, SMU jerseys have been emblazoned with a classic “Dallas” script across the front to communicate the team’s pride in representing the city.
SMU also actively recruits top talent from across the local region, enabling Dallas-area students to stay close to their families and the hometowns that shaped them. With the move to the ACC, SMU now offers local student-athletes the opportunity to stay in Dallas and compete against the best in the country. On the most recent National Signing Day, SMU football signed six of the top 100 players from the Dallas area, equal to the number signed by Texas and TCU.
In 2023, Sports Business Journal named Dallas the No. 1 city for sports business. When SMU joins the ACC on July 1, 2024, the city will further strengthen its visibility through the highest level of collegiate competition.
“SMU’s entrance into the ACC is the culmination of the collective investments made by many over a long period of time,” says SMU Board Chair David B. Miller (‘72,’73). “We are thrilled to have this opportunity and are excited for SMU’s future as it brings ACC Championships home to Dallas.”
The ACC, established in 1953, will include 18 of the most accomplished college athletic programs in the country. The league is also considered the most academically prestigious of the power conferences. Members include Duke, North Carolina, Notre Dame and Virginia — and will add Cal and Stanford starting in August 2024.
While SMU student-athletes prepare to compete against their new peers, sports fans throughout North Texas are demonstrating excitement about the 2024-2025 season. Season ticket sales are already up more than 68% for men’s basketball. For football, new season ticket sales are six times greater than last year. The SMU football schedule includes home games against Pitt, Boston College and current ACC champion Florida State.
“The news has energized our fan base and the Dallas community,” says SMU Director of Athletics Rick Hart. “We are excited to welcome both existing and new Mustang fans to campus with premier facilities and memorable fan experiences.”
Since 2013, SMU has invested over $400 million in championship-caliber facilities, dynamic programming and student-athlete support. These contributions have enabled the university to excel in competition and garner national attention. Over the last two seasons, SMU has won 13 conference championships:
- 2022, 2023, 2024 Men’s Swimming and Diving
- 2022, 2023 Women’s Rowing
- 2022, 2023 Men’s Tennis
- 2023 Football
- 2023 Volleyball
- 2023 Men’s Soccer
- 2023 Women’s Tennis
- 2023 Women’s Golf
- 2023 Equestrian (2023 National Champion)
- 2022 Men’s Golf
Expanded infrastructure improves the experiences of both fans and student-athletes. When the Garry Weber End Zone Complex opens in July 2024, it will increase the functionality, efficiency and overall experience of Mustang football. The new complex will support all 484 SMU student-athletes — plus their coaches and staff — and also offer premium fan experiences on game days.
“It’s time to ‘Pony Up!’” says Hart. “We invite everyone to be part of the next era of athletic excellence at SMU and in Dallas.”