Bobcat Nation,

We're excited to welcome you back to UFCU Stadium for our football home opener this Saturday as we take on UTSA in the I-35 Showdown. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m., and we need Bobcat Nation there early, wearing WHITE, and ready to create an incredible home-field advantage.

With a big crowd expected and an afternoon kickoff, I wanted to personally share a few important reminders and updates to help everyone have a great experience.

HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR SATURDAY:

• WEAR WHITE! Saturday is a WHITE OUT at UFCU Stadium. With an afternoon kickoff and warm temperatures expected, we chose white to help our fans beat the heat while creating an incredible atmosphere inside UFCU Stadium. Wear white and encourage everyone in your group to do the same! Need some new white Bobcat gear?

• STAY COOL & HYDRATED. With a 2:30 p.m. kickoff, please begin hydrating well before you arrive at UFCU Stadium and continue throughout the game. Fans are permitted to bring one unopened bottle of water into the stadium. We have prepared approximately 35,000 bottles of water for Saturday and will have Water Monsters available on the concourse for fans to refill water throughout the game. In addition, 10 cooling misters will be located throughout the concourse, and we have increased our on-site EMS staffing to ensure additional medical support is readily available throughout the stadium. Our game day staff and public safety personnel will also be available throughout the stadium to assist fans as needed.
   
• ARRIVE EARLY. We have a great pregame show planned, and you will not want to miss it. Arriving early also gives you time to navigate parking and stadium entry before the last-minute rush. 10,000 UFCU Rally Towels and white pom-poms will be given away while supplies last, so get to your seats early and help us create an electric atmosphere before kickoff.  Gates open at 1 p.m. on Saturday.
   
• BUY YOUR TICKETS IN ADVANCE. We expect a great crowd for the I-35 Showdown, so if you haven't purchased your tickets yet, don't wait until Saturday. Single-game tickets and season tickets are available now through the Texas State Athletics Ticket Office. Before heading to the stadium, please download your game tickets and parking passes to your Apple Wallet or Google Wallet while you're still at home. Having them saved to your phone in advance will help ensure a quicker and easier entry experience on game day.

• PLAN YOUR PARKING IN ADVANCE. With a large crowd expected, please purchase parking and review your options before game day. Allow additional time to get to campus and UFCU Stadium.

• CONSIDER SHUTTLES & RIDESHARE. Fans are encouraged to consider game day shuttles and rideshare as alternatives to parking immediately around UFCU Stadium. Rideshare pickup and drop-off is available in Lot 5. Also new this year, shuttles will drop fans off on the feeder road close to Gate 6 at UFCU Stadium, providing convenient access to the stadium. Please plan your arrival and departure before heading to campus.  Shuttles pick up from several convenient parking garages on campus.

• KNOW BEFORE YOU GO — CLEAR BAG POLICY. UFCU Stadium has a clear bag policy.  Planning ahead will help make your entry into UFCU Stadium as quick and easy as possible.

• MAKE BOKO'S BACKYARD PART OF YOUR GAME DAY. Come early and enjoy Boko's Backyard before heading into UFCU Stadium. Located across from the stadium on the Campus Recreation grass fields, Boko's Backyard features food and beverages, entertainment, the Bobcat Football Catwalk, kids' activities and more. Fans can join the community tailgate or reserve their own tailgate experience.

• UFCU STADIUM IS CASHLESS. Please plan accordingly and have a credit/debit card or mobile payment option available for purchases inside the stadium.
   
• STUDENTS — YOUR ADMISSION IS FREE. All home Texas State Athletics events are free for current TXST students. Download your tickets to your wallet in advance of arriving to save time! Get there early, fill the student section and bring the energy!

• ASK US FOR HELP. If you have a question or need assistance on Saturday, please find one of our game day staff members or use our Text Assist service, with information highlighted throughout the stadium. We will have staff positioned throughout UFCU Stadium to help with directions, seating questions or other needs.
   
• BE LOUD. BE PROUD. BE GREAT HOSTS. This is one of the best rivalries in college football, and we want UFCU Stadium to be an intimidating place for our opponents while remaining a welcoming environment for everyone. Cheer hard and celebrate responsibly and respect the game and those around you. Above all, represent Texas State with pride, integrity, and help create a great atmosphere for college football fans! 

START THE WEEKEND WITH US FRIDAY NIGHT!
Before Saturday's game, help us kick off the weekend at the Back the Bobcats Block Party on Friday night in downtown San Marcos. Come out, show your Bobcat pride and help us get San Marcos ready for a huge football weekend.
We have worked hard throughout the offseason to make our game day experience even better, and we can't wait for Bobcat Nation to experience it Saturday.

Wear white. Come early. Stay hydrated. Be loud.

And most importantly- LET'S BEAT UTSA!
Eat 'Em Up, Cats!

Don Coryell
Director of Athletics
Texas State University