Be Prepared for Bobcat Game Day

By Jourdan Bazley
Blog Content Contributor

Let’s get ready to rumble! Texas State is being summoned this upcoming weekend to ring in the 2016 football season with the first home game. All of Bobcat Nation will be in attendance to fill up the stadium and support the Bobcats on the field. Game openers are always important, and it is a MUST that you to get to the stadium to take part in the spirit of the hyped up Maroon and Gold crowd.

What exactly happens at the Texas State football games? Well, you can count on a ton people at the Bobcat stadium parking lot pitching tents for an all day tailgate, Boko putting on his jersey and making his way to the field and tons of fans painted and ready to cheer. There is nothing that should keep you from joining this party, so you need to make sure that you are 100% prepared to take on the day.

Game Day Check List:

Bobcat Gear: Hat, Sunglasses, T-shirt, etc.

No one goes to a game without their team’s colors on. You should be preparing an outfit that screams BOBCAT PRIDE. Maybe a shirt that you picked up in the quad and a pair of shorts; a maroon dress with some gold accessories or a pair of jeans with a #PartyInTheEndZone T-shirt and some face paint. Texas State Senior and Co-head Coordinator for the Bobcat Belles, Amber Perkins, shared that the Bobcat Belles have partnered with Texas State Football to promote #PartyInTheEndZone and school spirit by selling #PartyInTheEndZone T-shirts in the quad.

“The attendance at games is really important,” Perkins said. “Getting students to be loud and proud is the goal for #PartyInTheEndZone. Texas State football wants to create a new brand and is trying to start a new trend for a positivity and fun vibes for our games.”

Lastly, but possibly most importantly, make sure that your outfit is comfortable enough for you to stand up in for at least three hours, while still expressing your love for the team.

Water bottle: Stay hydrated, stay healthy.

You need to make sure that you are well hydrated before the game. At Bobcat Stadium, water bottles are not permitted once you enter the gate, but you can get a hot dog, chips and a drink all for a swipe, along with other delicious treats. It is important for you to have enough fluids in your body while you are out in the heat. If you are preparing to tailgate, this is a very important thing to remember so you can avoid becoming sick and having to leave the game early.

Friends and a Plan: Always be with someone on game day.

A roommate, classmate or family member will be a great buddy when the crowds are big and the spirit is high. Also, have a plan and a place to meet incase you get separated and your friends can’t hear their phone ringing.

Get to the tailgate! Tailgating is a classic thing to do for a college football game. If this is your first year, or your last, you are welcome to come and enjoy. Food, friends and fun are all included in this package deal. Bring a water bottle and a great attitude. Be prepared for a lot of people; a lot of different tents playing music, grilling and sharing drinks and a ton of Bobcat Pride. The area will be loud and rowdy and full of fun for you and all involved, so make sure that you make your way to the stadium parking lot a few hours before the game.

Charged cell phone: Snapchats and pictures are essential.

Enjoy Bobcat Charge! Bobcat Charge is a traditional parade that happens an hour before kick off. When the game is about to start, you can find yourself standing anywhere in Bobcat Alley to enjoy the game day parade. The Texas State cheerleaders, Strutters and Bobcat Marching Band will start at Jowers and march to the stadium, cheering and chanting with fans. This is an enjoyable event, and your cue to get to the end zone and get a seat before the game begins.   

A small bag: Have something to keep your things together in.

Male or female, this is equally important. Carrying something to hold your credit cards or phone in will lower the chance of you misplacing something important.

Parking on game day seems to slip the mind a lot of game-goers in the midst of the fun. Transportation is provided from campus to the game, but parking is necessary for those that do not live within walking distance.

“You can’t use your yearly parking sticker as a parking pass for game day,” said Scott Brown, First Assistant Intern for Bobcat Club. “Know that when you go to the game to park, you will have to pay $10 for any parking lot surrounding the stadium. However, if you sign up for the Student Bobcat Club for only a $25 donation to support student athletic scholarships, you will get a free parking spot at Mill Street for every home game.”

You can sign up for Student Bobcat Club if this interests you.

I’ll see you this weekend for the first Texas State home game against the University of Houston. As always, GO BOBCATS!