Aug. 6, 2009

DALLAS (SMU) - The SMU Athletic Department today announced an historic initiative, "Sellout 2009", which is designed to generate the largest crowd in Gerald J. Ford Stadium history for the Sept. 5th opener against Stephen F. Austin, surpassing the stadium record of 34,689.

"We will sell out this first game," said SMU Head Coach June Jones. "We have a great plan to fill the stadium and we will get it done. To all the naysayers out there, I say, `Come and see for yourselves.'"

Heading the initiative will be prominent SMU alumnus Bob Beaudine and SMU Trustees Paul Loyd and Carl Sewell. Other members of the Sellout 2009 Committee are Dick Anderson, Roy Bailey, Joe Bays, Pat Bolin, Richard Collins, Greg Gardner, David Hudnall, Bill Jackson, George Killebrew, Ralph McIngvale, George Reynolds, Roger Staubach, Mike Talley, John Tolleson and Tom Yenne.

"To reach our goal, we have created one of the most prestigious committees ever associated with SMU Athletics," said Loyd. "This is a group made up of leaders from across Texas and of individuals who know how to get things done."

"We have two goals for this campaign," said Beaudine. "First, we want to sell out Gerald J. Ford Stadium, and secondly, we want to exceed the stadium record set back in 2004. Fans should get their tickets now for this historic game."

The campaign will focus largely on corporate and group sales to reach its goals, and the game will feature added entertainment with Grammy-winning singer Rudy Gatlin of The Gatlin Brothers singing the National Anthem.

In addition, SMU has launched a season-ticket campaign, led by co-chairmen and Mustang legends Louie Kelcher and Jerry LeVias.

"It's going to be exciting," said Jones. "We will get this done and I'm asking everyone to believe."

Fans are encouraged to get their tickets early, as this game will be a sellout. For tickets for the Sept. 5th opener, call the SMU Ticket Office at 214-SMU-GAME.