Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00
UFCU Stadium
1100 Aquarena Springs Dr
San Marcos, TX 78666
Year Opened: 1981
Capacity: 28,000
Texas State Bobcats – UFCU Stadium
Excitement has reached levels that haven't been seen in San Marcos, Texas, in over a generation – the Texas State Bobcats are experiencing a level of prominence they have not experienced to date as members of the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).
After a historic 2023-24 season, in which they won a program-high eight wins, as well as won their first bowl game, the Bobcats are riding a wave that fans hope can carry them to even greater postseason glory.
After their fantastic campaign last season, investments in the stadium were begun during the 2024 season, including a new multi-year naming rights agreement and expanding the stadium with a new end zone complex, slated to be completed by 2025.
The Bobcats have called their current stadium home since 1981; it was in these early seasons that the team experienced its greatest levels of success, including taking home two Division II national championships (in 1981 and 1982) under Hall of Fame head coach Jim Wacker. The Bobcats are now looking to duplicate some measure of this success with head coach G. J. Kinne – read on to learn what’s got Texas State fans excited in San Marcos.
Food & Beverage 3
The food and beverage options at UFCU Stadium are what I would classify as “fine” – there are plenty of stands where you can get your traditional game day fare (e.g. hot dogs, popcorn, nachos, peanuts, etc.).
The alcohol policy at the stadium changed in 2016 to allow the sale of it during games; now you can buy beer (including some from Texas breweries like Karbach, Ziegenbock, and St. Arnold’s) at multiple kiosks and carts throughout the main concourse.
In terms of other foods to look out for, you can find a barbecue stand, a Chick-fil-A stand, a Pizza Hut stand, and an empanadas cart. There is also a stand selling fresh-squeezed lemonade and carnival fare such as funnel cake, kettle corn, cotton candy, and candy apples.
Atmosphere 4
The atmosphere at the last game I attended at UFCU Stadium was, quite frankly, electric. For transparency’s sake, this was a rivalry game, with a lot at stake, and the contest was being broadcast nationally on one of the 4-letter network channels. The game had one of the largest crowds in the history of the stadium, and that made the atmosphere even better.
For the window-dressing part of this section, UFCU Stadium has several team stores inside for fans to purchase team merchandise. The exterior of the luxury boxes on the home side of the field is also adorned with markers commemorating the team’s successes (i.e. their conference and national championships).
The pregame festivities included the performance of the band (more on them in the Extras section), as well as having the school president and his wife, clad in matching Texas State embroidered leather jackets and cowboy hats), lead the team out onto the field while riding a motorcycle – only in college football, only in Texas.
Neighborhood 3
San Marcos is pretty much the picture-perfect realization of a Texas college town. Halfway between San Antonio and Austin, it has grown considerably over the years in terms of population, but it still retains a lot of what made it arguably the Lone Star State’s best college burg.
The Bobcats are the only game in town, and the interest in the school shows – especially among the student body in the last few years, as the football team’s fortunes have risen. UFCU Stadium sits right on campus amidst Texas State’s athletics complex (Bobcat Ballpark and Strahan Coliseum are within walking distance), so if you plan your visit right you might be able to catch another Texas State game, depending on the time of the year.
In terms of things to do, the absolute main draw to the area is the beautiful San Marcos River. It is a hotbed of swimming, kayaking, tubing (especially tubing), and fishing in the state, as people flock from all around to get a taste of the river when the weather is right. Up until October, visitors to San Marcos looking to take in a game at UFCU Stadium will also be able to get their sample of river life before the temperatures head south.
Since this is a college town, most of the dining options near the stadium are going to cater to the student body. However, a couple of highlights to be on the lookout for include Spud Ranch (gussied-up baked potatoes for the win) and Lucy’s Tacos (you can’t go wrong with Tex-Mex in this part of the world).
There aren’t any lodging destinations (aside from vacation rentals) near the stadium, but there are quite a few within a 10-minute drive of the venue, including Fairfield Inn & Suites Austin & San Marcos and Motel 6 San Marcos.
Fans 3
While it has not always been the case, especially in recent years, the fans are showing out right now for the Texas State Bobcats. The most recent game I attended – again, a rivalry game, but still – was a virtual sellout. Fans were decked out in their maroon and gold in and around the stadium hours before the game. They were also exceptionally loud from my vantage point, which added to their home field advantage.
However, the one caveat I will put out is that this is virtually uncharted territory for Bobcat fans; things were bleak in terms of fan interest in the not-too-distant past. Keeping this interest in the program, if things should slow down on the field, will be a test they’ll need to take at some point down the road.
Access 3
San Marcos is roughly smackdab in between San Antonio and Austin along Interstate 35 and its endless, ongoing construction projects. The campus is about 35 minutes from downtown Austin and about 45 minutes from the Alamo City’s downtown – if you’re flying in from somewhere, Austin Bergstrom International Airport is 41 minutes away.
There isn’t much in the way of public transportation in San Marcos; there are limited bus routes and shuttle buses on campus if you choose not to drive. The only other option is, of course, a rideshare service. Once you get to the stadium, however, parking is plentiful in five full lots open to the public, as well as at numerous businesses nearby that offer their lots for a fee.
Return on Investment 4
Single-game tickets for Bobcats games at UFCU Stadium start at $20 per person, with pre-purchased parking passes starting at $15. Concession prices are also relatively low for FBS/DI football. For the attention that the team is getting these days, this is looking like quite the bargain – I wouldn’t expect these costs to stay this way for much longer if the Bobcats continue this upward trajectory.
Extras 4
Texas State offers up a lot of the pageantry that is unique to college football, and that goes a long way toward making gamedays so special. The festivities start right out of the proverbial gate with the Bobcat Marching Band, aka the “Pride of the Hill Country” – the band performs the school fight song while marching across the field before the game. They also spell out “CATS” and “STATE” as they play “Deep in the Heart of Texas” to the delight of the fans in the stands.
The Texas State Cheer team and their costumed mascot, Boko, also perform throughout the game. In addition, one of the main draws at games is the famous Texas State Strutters. This team, known for their distinctive uniforms, has performed in parades and functions all over the world. The Strutters are a highlight, so plan your halftime trips accordingly.
Final Thoughts
I’ve been to quite a few games at the former Bobcat Stadium over the years. However, what Texas State has going on right now at UFCU Stadium is unlike anything I’ve experienced in the past. There is an energy and excitement around athletics – especially the football team – that hasn’t been seen here before.
College football fans will find a lot to enjoy about the stadium and the program right now. I think visitors will also find San Marcos a nice place to spend a day. While I wouldn’t put them down as bucket list worthy, the Texas State Bobcats and UFCU Stadium are still worthy of a trip if you have the time.
Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on X @EricMoreno6477.
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