SAN MARCOS, Texas – The Texas State home football season is here as Texas State fans are getting ready for the home opener, presented by H-E-B, on Saturday at 7:30 pm against Jackson State. Below is information for fans on what they need to know as they gear up for the new season.
 
Clear Bags and Thunder Sticks Giveaway, presented by H-E-B
The first few thousand fans will receive a free H-E-B clear bag and thunder sticks upon entry at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday. The special items will be given away at Gates 1, 2, 3 and 6.
 
Digital Parking
A new feature in 2023, parking passes will be all digital this season. Fans can access their prepaid digital parking passes through their TXST Account at TXST.com/tickets. Parking passes are encouraged to be purchased in advance and allow fans to scan their passes with their mobile devices at the parking lot entrances on game day.
 
On game day, parking passes can be purchased via credit card, debit card or digital wallet. Cash will not be accepted.
 
The best way to ensure a smooth entry to the Bobcat Stadium parking lots is for fans to log in to their TXST Account and download their parking passes before the day of game. This will help all fans be ready for entry and prevent any issues with downloading or accessing them at the parking lot entrances.
 
For more information about digital parking passes, please visit TXST.com/Gameday.
 
Cat Walk in Tailgate Central
With the relocation of Tailgate Central, the Texas State football team will take part in its Cat Walk in a new location in 2023. The Bobcats will arrive in Lot 5 along Aquarena Springs Drive (the triangle lot near Strahan Arena and to the west of Bobcat Stadium) and walk through Tailgate Central before entering the stadium. Fans are encouraged to line the Cat Walk and cheer on the Bobcats upon arrival around 5 pm.
 
Relocation of Kids Fun Zone
Due to construction of the William Trevillion IV Weight Rom Complex and Johnny and Nathali Weisman Football Performance Center, the Kids Fun Zone will spread out along the concourse of Bobcat Stadium to offer families more attractions for kids during their gameday experience. Balloons, bubbles, poster making, face painters and fun games will be stationed behind sections 104 and 114 before and during the game.
 
Back the Bobcats
After the weeklong spirit campaign across San Marcos, spearheaded by the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce, the winner of the Back the Bobcats Decorating Contest will be recognized on the field during the first quarter.
 
Here is a look at some of the San Marcos community painted in maroon and gold during game week.
 
Recognitions for Women's Basketball, Track & Field and Softball
To celebrate conference championships, postseason appearances, and All-American seasons, Texas State will recognize the its women's basketball, softball and track and field teams on the field during the first half. The women's basketball team captured a share of the Sun Belt Conference regular season championship and made an appearance in the WNIT under Sun Belt Coach of the Year Zenarae Antoine in 2022-23. The softball team, meanwhile, made the Austin Regional of the NCAA Softball Tournament and won 35 games last season. Track and field will be represented by its All-Americans from 2023: Chris Preddie, Elisabet Runarsdottir and Sedrickia Wynn.
 
Band and Strutters at Halftime
The world-renowned Strutters and Bobcat Marching Band will return once again with halftime performances.
 
Tickets for the home opener are available at TXST.com/tickets, by calling 512-245-2272, or visiting the Texas State Athletics Ticket Office Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm.
 
The Texas State Athletics Ticket Office and Will Call will open six hours before kickoff at 1:30 pm on Saturday. Gates open 90 minutes before kickoff at 6 pm.