Notched among Texas Hill Country, San Marcos absorbs the energetic spirit of Austin and San Antonio – the two iconic cities it lies between. It’s a historic town with a party atmosphere, the ideal spot for Texas State University. Home of the Bobcats, Texas State was founded in 1899 and sometimes gets lost amongst the wide swath of FBS schools in the Lone Star State. Visiting gameday in San Marcos, however, leaves an indelible impression.
Football Saturdays often begin with a dip in the San Marcos River. This clear spring-fed stream keeps warm year round and is popular for tubing, kayaking, and swimming. Celebratory river jumps typically occur for significant victories and especially for graduation. Downtown San Marcos is highlighted by the historic courthouse surrounded by a square of restaurants, shops, and bars. It fuels the best of what college campuses are all about.
Tailgating picks up speed as gameday progresses. With music blaring and drinks flowing, the pregame festivities are frenetic. The Cat Walk is a supremely anticipated event. Buses release the team strategically at the onset of the overflowing tents. Led by cheer squads and Boko the Bobcat, the Texas State football team ventures toward the stadium through the long stretch of tailgate parties and receives encouraging whoops and hollers along the way.
Built like a long octagon with an open end and double decks, UFCU Stadium provides an imposing look with an intimate feel. Bobcat supporters clad in maroon bring the heat for opposing teams making it a tough environment to leave victoriously. The Bobcat Marching Band (The Pride of the Hill
Country) adds the soundtrack to gameday while fans in unison belt out “TEXAS! STATE!” and “Eat ‘Em Up! Eat ‘Em Up! Go Cats Go!”
Prominently featured are The Strutters – the largest precision dance team in America. Donning traditional cowboy hats and boots, this high-kicking choreographed group dazzles the crowd amassing wild cheers. They are famous nationally having performed at presidential inauguration parades and Macy’s Thanksgiving Parades. The Strutters are quintessentially Texas and add the perfect touch to gameday in Hill Country.
San Marcos is a fast growing city that embraces its university. It’s a vibrant town with proud fans who celebrate the pageantry and traditions that make Texas State distinctive. With a gameday win, the Texas-sized star atop the J.C. Kellam Building vividly glows maroon instead of its standard white. This Victory Star represents more than a gridiron triumph, it’s a beacon of pride that punctuates the passion of the Bobcat faithful and contributes to Texas State’s collective definition of the essence of college football.
