SMU invests $150M into athletic facilities

SMU is looking to improve the quality and experience for its student athletes by announcing a $150-million upgrade, but it may also be pitching to the Big 12 as well.

The university released a statement Tuesday that outlines the entire plan to create a brand new indoor performance center, outdoor natural grass football practice field, as well as a new soccer stadium. According to the statement, SMU athletics were able to bring in more than $191 million in gift commitments during its Second Century Campaign.

The SMU football program will see benefits of the new performance center, as it will include a full-sized indoor football field along with a new outdoor natural grass practice field adjacent to the center.

SMU athletic director Rick Hart praised the help of donors in achieving the athletic departments goal of upgraded facilities.

"Our commitment to competing for championships and enhancing the student experience requires continued investment in student well-being and our people as well as or infrastructure," Hart said. "SMU and its donors and fans have made huge investments in athletics in recent years, and these projects are yet another step forward for our department."

With the storm of Big 12 expansion brewing, the investment in facilities is sure to be a feather in the cap for SMU, who has made it known that it has a keen interest in becoming one of the conference's newest members.