Texas State Victory Star finds new home at Strahan Arena

The Texas State University Victory Star has a new home on the north side of the Strahan Arena at the University Events Center (UEC).

The new Victory Star was installed on the UEC in 2018 but was not activated at the time because the old star remained in place on Jackson Hall. 

The star is a tradition that dates back to 1936 when it first appeared as a Christmas decoration on a water tower where the chemistry building stands today. In the 1940s the star was found in storage by a night watchman. It was returned to the water tower and dubbed the Victory Star to be lighted when the Bobcats won a game.  

For many years, the Victory Star sat atop the 11-story Jackson Hall — the tallest building in Hays County — where it could be seen for miles. Last year, the star was removed from Jackson during roof repairs and renovations.

 “We didn’t know how unsafe it was until we got it all down,” said Eric Algoe, vice president, finance and support services. “It became obvious that the structure itself was no longer usable and we were going to have to build a new one.”   

The new star features a multicolor lighting system that is programmable for daily use and can be pre-scheduled. The star has varying levels of brightness and appears outlined in white, gold, or maroon.     

The Department of Athletics staff is responsible for the daily configuration as well as lighting for athletic events and championships. The star will also be lighted for student and faculty convocation and commencement. The concept was developed by National Signs of Houston, which is known for designing the Astros' star for Minute Maid Park. Cost of the Victory Star was $120,365, which includes $110,000 provided by Student Government.  

“The main thing is that the Victory Star is still here and is still a tradition,” Algoe said. “We’ve put it in a prominent location, and you can see it from Aquarena Springs Drive, a heavily trafficked street.”