What SMU's Move To The BIG EAST Means For The Mustangs... And Mustang Fans

All SMU sports will benefit from competing in the BIG EAST Conference. Increased quality of competition, a heightened and expanded recruiting base, and national media exposure for SMU are among the initial benefits. Other reasons include:

I. MORE COMPELLING SCHEDULES
Our football team will take on some of the nation's best teams and our men's basketball team will compete in the nation's most tradition-rich and competitive conference, battling teams like the 2011 Men's NCAA Champion, Connecticut. SMU's move to the BIG EAST means fans can expect top 25 opponents playing in Dallas every year. The BIG EAST also is also among the nation's top women's basketball and men's soccer leagues.

II. FINANCIAL BENEFITS
The financial difference in conference distributions between AQ and non-AQ conferences is considerable, and SMU's move will result in $8 million to $13 million more per year for Mustang Athletics. Strategically invested in facilities, staffing, marketing and other areas, those additional dollars will help propel SMU to the next level of athletic success.

III. INCREASED EXPOSURE
In adding SMU and the nation's fifth-largest television market, the BIG EAST Conference further strengthens its media presence. BIG EAST markets already contain almost one-fourth of all television households in the United States. BIG EAST institutions currently reside in four of the nation's top-five media markets, six of the top 10 and 12 of the top 35. Cities like Dallas, Houston, Chicago, New York and Philadelphia all fall in the BIG EAST footprint.

IV. ACCESS TO BCS BOWLS
Specifically for football, the BIG EAST is an automatic qualifier (AQ) to the Bowl Championship Series (BCS), meaning the league champion is assured a berth in one of the five BCS bowl games on an annual basis. Those bowls include the Fiesta Bowl, Orange Bowl, Rose Bowl, Sugar Bowl and the BCS National Championship game.

What does it mean for our 17 sports programs?
Each of our sports will benefit from competing in the BIG EAST. Increased quality in competition, a heightened and expanded recruiting base, and national media exposure for SMU are among the initial benefits.

Specifically for football, the BIG EAST is an automatic qualifier (AQ) to the Bowl Championship Series (BCS), meaning the league champion is assured a berth in one of the five BCS bowl games on an annual basis. Those bowls include the Fiesta Bowl, Orange Bowl, Rose Bowl, Sugar Bowl and the BCS National Championship game.

Both men's and women's basketball will be entering one of the nation's most tradition-rich and competitive conferences. With our $40 million Moody Coliseum renovation, a Dallas-Fort Worth area rich with talent, and an expanded national recruiting footprint, we expect a positive transition into our new conference home.

When will SMU begin competing in the BIG EAST?
An exact date is still to be determined, but no later than July 1, 2013, in time for fall competition. Until then, we remain proud to compete in Conference USA and look forward to continuing our goals of being Top 25 in everything we do.

What can I do as a proud Mustang supporter?
Just as SMU has stepped up and enhanced our national visibility and competitive level in each sport, we need YOU to also step up on this historic occasion. If you are a current Mustang Club donor, please increase your level of support by CLICKING HERE. If you are not a current donor to the Mustang Club, we need YOU!

To become a Mustang season ticket holder in any sport, please CLICK HERE. If you are already a season ticket holder, please consider stepping up just as the Mustangs are doing!

By making a gift or purchasing tickets, you will add to your important priority point totals that could factor in to future ticket opportunities as we move to the BIG EAST Conference.

Finally, please consider forwarding this to all of those in your SMU circle of influence. It will take a true team effort as we transition into our rightful place alongside the top universities and athletic programs in the nation. Without increasing our private support and growing our season ticket base, we will not have a reasonable chance to compete in the BIG EAST. Thank you for being part of our MUSTANG STAMPEDE.

BIG EAST ATHLETIC HIGHLIGHTS
o 31 national team champions and 133 NCAA individual champions
o Two National Championships in football
o Six National Championships and 17 Final Four appearances in men's basketball
o Eight NCAA titles and 18 Final Four appearances in women's basketball
o 10 NCAA women's cross country championships
o Two NCAA men's soccer titles and three NCAA women's soccer titles
o Two NCAA Woman of the Year award winners
o Two consensus National Players of the Year in men's basketball
o Eight women's basketball Wade Trophy winners

Pony Up!