Texas State seeks community suggestions to bolster football tailgating

Posted by Jayme Blaschke
University News Service
January 15, 2009

Officials at Texas State University-San Marcos are seeking public input on ways to expand and improve the tailgating experience at Bobcat football games beginning next fall.

The university will hold a public meeting from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 26, in the Sac-N-Pac Room at Bobcat Stadium to begin gathering ideas and suggestions regarding the future of tailgating at Texas State. The meeting is open to the public and attendance is encouraged. Students, faculty, staff, alumni, members of the local community and Bobcat fans in general are encouraged to attend.

“Over the past few years, we have seen tailgating grow in popularity at Texas State. It is a valuable part of the game-day experience, but we think it is time to take that experience to the next level,” said Kim Porterfield, Texas State’s director of community relations. “We know we have large numbers of students, faculty, staff, alumni and San Marcos and Central Texas citizens who are passionate Bobcat fans, and we want to see those numbers grow. We also want their help and their ideas as we move forward.”

Texas State recently announced plans to elevate its football program from the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (FCS – formerly Division IAA) to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS – formerly Division IA, and the highest level of collegiate football competition). The university has dubbed this initiative “The Drive to FBS.”

Porterfield said the goal is to use tailgating parties to create and promote an atmosphere that will turn football game days into festive events that will generate enthusiasm throughout the community and beyond. Activities currently under consideration include concerts, cook-offs, games and children’s play areas.

The growth of tailgating may mean the need to consider expanding to new locations, and options for future tailgating venues will also be a topic of discussion at the Jan. 26 meeting.

“Our primary goal at this meeting will be to build the vision of Texas State tailgating. We seek good ideas and big ideas. We want Texas State tailgating to become better, but we also want it to become the best. All stakeholders in Bobcat athletics are encouraged to attend, and anyone who wishes to become a stakeholder in Bobcat athletics should attend,” she said.

Following the meeting, university officials will compile suggestions and ideas and use them to develop a plan for the future of tailgating at Texas State.