Recommended by Fort Worth Moms
ACC football returns to the Hilltop. The Mustangs host UC Davis at Gerald J. Ford Stadium, the on-campus stadium in University Park just off Mockingbird Lane. If you and your group have tickets, this guide covers gameday logistics — including the Boulevard — and how to get there without the permit-parking headache.
Kickoff details: Kickoff is 3:00 PM CT on ACCNX. Gerald J. Ford Stadium is at 5800 Ownby Dr, Dallas. Always confirm the final time on your ticket and at smumustangs.com — ACC TV windows move. Book your QTS gameday ride now and skip the campus lots.
Event Details at Gerald J. Ford Stadium
SMU hosts UC Davis at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Here are the confirmed details for this game.
September 12, 2026
Home Opener| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Venue | Gerald J. Ford Stadium, 5800 Ownby Dr, Fort Worth |
| Doors | Typically ~90 minutes before start — confirm on your ticket |
| Start | 3:00 PM CT |
| Matchup | SMU vs UC Davis Home Opener |
SMU vs UC Davis — What to Know
🐴 Home Opener on the Hilltop
SMU opens the home slate — the first Boulevard of the season and the biggest early-season crowd on campus.
🎉 The Boulevard
SMU's signature tailgate runs down Bishop Boulevard through the middle of campus — tents, bands, and alumni for hours before kickoff. Arrive early and make a day of it.
📺 Live on ACCNX
A 3:00 PM kickoff on ACCNX — a locked-in start time, so your pickup can be planned to the minute.
What to Expect
🎉 A Packed Opener
Home openers draw the biggest, most energetic crowd of the early season. Campus fills hours before kickoff.
☀️ An Afternoon Kickoff
A 3:00 PM start means the Boulevard gets going late morning. Plan your pickup around the tailgate, not just kickoff.
👥 A Group Gameday
Boulevard crews ride together — a Sprinter or party bus keeps the whole group on one schedule and skips the permit lot.
Know Before You Go
The Boulevard Is the Main Event
SMU's tailgate tradition runs down Bishop Boulevard through the heart of campus — tents, bands, and alumni for hours before kickoff. Most groups arrive well before the game, which is exactly why a chauffeur beats parking.
Campus Parking Is Tight & Permit-Based
Gerald J. Ford Stadium sits inside University Park, a dense residential neighborhood. Campus lots are permit-controlled and surrounding streets are heavily restricted — there is no easy game-day street parking.
Respect the Neighborhood
The blocks around campus are residential with strict permit and tow enforcement on game days. Getting dropped off avoids the ticket-and-tow risk entirely.
Mockingbird & US-75 Back Up
Mockingbird Lane and the Central Expressway ramps clog before kickoff and after the final whistle. Your chauffeur knows the approach and stages off the choke points.
ACC Kickoff Times Move
ACC kickoffs are set by TV windows and are often announced only about 12 days out. Confirm at smumustangs.com — QTS re-times your pickup free once the window drops.
Boulevard + Driving Do Not Mix
A full afternoon on the Boulevard is not the prelude to a drive home. One chauffeur covers the tailgate, the game, and the ride back — no designated driver, no DUI risk.
Why Book QTS for SMU vs UC Davis at Gerald J. Ford Stadium
Gerald J. Ford Stadium is easy to reach — University Park is the hard part on game day: permit-controlled campus lots, residential streets with strict permit and tow enforcement, and Mockingbird Lane and the US-75 ramps clogging before kickoff and again at the final whistle. Add a full afternoon on the Boulevard with drinks, and driving yourself becomes the worst part of the day. Rideshare surges hard when the crowd leaves at once.
Choose Your Ride — The QTS Fleet
Executive SUV
GMC Yukon XL or Cadillac Escalade — up to 6 passengers. The go-to for couples, date nights, and small groups. Details →
Mercedes Sprinter
Executive-configured Sprinter — up to 14 passengers. Ideal for friend groups heading to Fort Worth together. Details →
Stretch Limousine
Classic night out — up to 8–10 passengers. Perfect for birthdays, date nights, and VIP evenings. Details →
Party Bus
Up to 45 passengers — make the ride to the Boulevard part of the tailgate, there and back. Ideal for big groups. Details →
Executive Minibus
24–36 passengers in executive comfort. The right call for large families, teams, and office or church groups. Details →
56-Passenger Motorcoach
Full-size charter motorcoach for the largest groups and corporate or church outings. One vehicle, everyone together. Details →
Pickup Times to Gerald J. Ford Stadium from DFW
| City / Suburb | Distance | Normal Drive | Gameday (Est.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas (Downtown / Uptown) | ~6 miles | ~12 min | ~20–35 min |
| Highland Park / Preston Hollow | ~3 miles | ~8 min | ~15–25 min |
| Plano | ~18 miles | ~25 min | ~35–50 min |
| Frisco | ~28 miles | ~35 min | ~45 min–1 hr 5 min |
| Irving / Las Colinas | ~15 miles | ~22 min | ~30–45 min |
| DFW Airport | ~20 miles | ~28 min | ~40–55 min |
| Arlington | ~28 miles | ~35 min | ~45 min–1 hr 5 min |
| Fort Worth (Downtown) | ~38 miles | ~45 min | ~55 min–1 hr 20 min |
Verified by QTS Dispatch Team. Gerald J. Ford Stadium is at 5800 Ownby Dr on the SMU campus in University Park, just off Mockingbird Lane. Gameday estimates account for Boulevard traffic; the postgame exit adds time for self-drivers.
Book Your SMU vs UC Davis Ride
Tell us your pickup city and group size. We'll handle the round trip to Dallas — pickup, gate drop-off, and a chauffeur staged to bring you home after it ends on September 12.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly is SMU vs UC Davis at Gerald J. Ford Stadium?
SMU vs UC Davis takes place at Gerald J. Ford Stadium, 5800 Ownby Dr, Dallas, TX 75205 — the open-air, 32,000-seat stadium on the SMU campus in University Park. QTS provides door-to-door service from anywhere in DFW.
When is it?
SMU vs UC Davis is Saturday, September 12, 2026. Kickoff is 3:00 PM CT on ACCNX. Gates typically open about 90 minutes to two hours before kickoff. Verify official times on your ticket and at smumustangs.com.
How much is parking, and how does it work?
SMU campus lots are permit-controlled and University Park streets are strictly enforced and actively towed on game days. Book QTS and skip it: we drop you at the Boulevard.
Is Gerald J. Ford Stadium indoors or open-air?
Open-air — it's an open-air stadium, so plan for the forecast rather than for indoors. Check SMU's clear-bag policy before you leave.
Can a limo or party bus drop off at the venue?
Yes — your QTS chauffeur uses the best drop-off for your vehicle and stages at a nearby legal spot; the dispatcher confirms the exact location when you book. SUVs and Sprinters can drop closest to the gate.
How do I get there without driving or parking?
Book QTS Black Car & Limo for door-to-door round-trip service from anywhere in DFW. Your chauffeur drops you at the gate, waits, and brings you home — no paid parking, no surge, and no DUI risk. Call (945) 212-1412 or book online.
When is kickoff, and can QTS adjust if the time changes?
Kickoff is set for 3:00 PM CT. QTS times your pickup to the confirmed kickoff plus Boulevard tailgate time. If the network moves the window, call (945) 212-1412 and we adjust your booking free.
More Gerald J. Ford Stadium & DFW Ride Guides
Headed to another event at Gerald J. Ford Stadium or at anywhere else on the SMU campus? QTS runs it all season — here are more DFW ride guides:
Don't Fight University Park Parking
"An SMU home game against UC Davis should be about the Boulevard and the Mustangs, not a permit lot in University Park. I personally guarantee your QTS chauffeur will drop your group at the tailgate and be staged when the clock hits zero, ready to drive you home. No permit, no tow risk, no DUI risk."
— Michael Varrone, Owner