Moody Coliseum

Moody Coliseum is a legendary multi-purpose arena located in the heart of University Park in Dallas. Built in 1956, it has become a true symbol of sports traditions in the USA and the state of Texas. The arena has a capacity of 7,000 spectators, which creates a unique, almost family-like atmosphere that fans call "Moody Magic."

This facility is the "home nest" for the SMU university teams — the Mustangs. It hosts exciting basketball and volleyball matches that bring together students and city residents. Thanks to a major renovation in 2013, which cost over $40 million, the historic building was transformed into an ultra-modern venue with luxury suites, LED panels, and high-speed Wi-Fi.

In addition to sports, Moody Coliseum plays an important role in the cultural life of the region. It is a venue for graduation ceremonies, major concerts, and community exhibitions. The combination of rich history, modern comfort, and that very "magic of victories" makes visiting the arena a must for any sports fan in Dallas.

For more information about upcoming events, tickets, or venue rules, you can use the official communication channels. Please note that phone lines may be busy during major match days.

The main reason to visit Moody Coliseum is the vibrant energy of college sports. By attending an SMU Mustangs men's or women's basketball game, you can witness the famous "Moody Magic" — the incredible crowd support that, according to local lore, helps the home team win. Volleyball matches are also held here with a special drive, drawing full houses of dedicated fans.

History buffs and fans of sporting achievements should definitely stop by the local Hall of Fame. Following the recent renovation, the arena's interiors have become truly stylish: you can admire the updated hardwood court with the signature Mustangs logo and giant video boards. For those who appreciate extra comfort, there are modern club areas and VIP suites with excellent views of the court.

Outside of the game season, the arena frequently hosts cultural events: concerts, lectures by famous speakers, and formal ceremonies for Southern Methodist University. In the summer, the arena transforms into a training center, hosting basketball and cheerleading camps, and even Boy Scout conferences. If you are looking for the place where the pulse of Dallas sports life beats, this is the venue you shouldn't miss.

Moody Coliseum is conveniently located in the prestigious University Park neighborhood, right in the heart of the Southern Methodist University campus. If you are driving from downtown Dallas, the trip will take very little time. Approximately 2,000 parking spaces are provided for visitors, but it is recommended to arrive early on game days as lots fill up quickly.

For those who prefer public transport, the most convenient option is the DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) system. You should exit at the station serving the SMU campus and walk or take a local shuttle. The arena is also easily accessible by taxi or through Uber and Lyft services.

Distances to major transportation hubs are: about 7 kilometers (10–15 minutes) from Dallas Love Field airport, approximately 24 kilometers (20–30 minutes) from DFW International Airport, and about 10 kilometers from the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center. For precise navigation, you can use the coordinates: 32.8403905, -96.7807306.

The history of this iconic venue began on November 5, 1954, when the cornerstone was laid for what was then the "SMU Coliseum." The official opening took place in 1956, and on December 3, the local Mustangs team triumphantly defeated their opponents from McMurry with a score of 113–36. The arena received its current name, Moody Coliseum, in 1965 in honor of philanthropist William Lewis Moody Jr.

The stadium walls remember many great moments. It was here during the 1956–1957 season that the university's men's basketball team advanced to the legendary NCAA Final Four. Over the years, victories in Southwest Conference and C-USA tournaments were forged under the arena's roof. Besides college sports, Moody Coliseum served as the home court for professional clubs such as the Dallas Chaparrals (the future San Antonio Spurs).

Beyond sporting achievements, the stadium is known as a platform for prominent figures. Presidents of the USA — Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush — have all spoken here. The arena has hosted prestigious tennis tournaments featuring legends like Arthur Ashe and John McEnroe, as well as exhibition matches by Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi.

In 2013, the facility underwent a massive renovation costing over $40 million. Thanks to generous donations from the Moody Foundation and the Miller family, the historic building received ultra-modern upgrades while preserving its unique atmosphere, which fans affectionately call "Moody Magic."

When planning a visit to Moody Coliseum, focus primarily on the format of your event. If you are going to a basketball or volleyball game, you should set aside 2 to 3 hours. This is enough time to comfortably pass through security, find your seats, enjoy the game, and leave the arena without rushing after the final whistle.

For those visiting the stadium for formal ceremonies, graduations, or brief tours, 1–2 hours is usually sufficient. If you want to take a detailed look at the local Hall of Fame and the renovated interiors, add another 30–40 minutes to your schedule. Keep in mind that on sold-out days, time for parking and passing through turnstiles can increase significantly.

The operating hours of Moody Coliseum are not fixed and depend entirely on the schedule of events. The arena opens its doors to visitors only on days of matches, concerts, or official ceremonies. Generally, doors open for spectators 1–1.5 hours before the start of the event, as indicated on the tickets.

If you wish to visit the facility for informational purposes, it is recommended to check the event calendar on the official SMU website in advance or call for details. On days without scheduled events, public access to the interior may be limited.

The arena's location in the university quarter allows tourists to combine a sporting event with visits to other interesting sites. A walk through the SMU campus itself can be a pleasant addition to your itinerary, offering views of classical architecture and well-kept park areas.

If you have time, it's worth checking out nearby museums and entertainment centers that offer leisure for every taste — from botanical gardens to exciting theme parks in the surrounding areas.