Aug. 26, 2008

SAN MARCOS - The start of another sports season is always an exciting one and the 2008 year is no different. Texas State fans can look forward to a victorious season by keeping optimism at an all-time high. This year, fans attending games at Bobcat Stadium can also look forward to several improvements and additions not only to facilities, but to the game-day atmosphere that will make Bobcat sporting events more than just a game.

New Event Management Staffing

To create more of a professional collegiate atmosphere and provide fans with greater event management services Texas State Athletics has begun final contract negotiations with Contemporary Services Corporation (CSC) for event staffing services at Bobcat Stadium. CSC is a full-service guest services and event staffing company that has over 41 years experience and 36 branches across the country. CSC provides ticket scanners, ushers, directors, peer security, event staffing, metal detector operators, parking staff and venue management. "We contracted with CSC to provide more professional event management at Bobcat Stadium," said Assistant Athletic Director of Facilities and Game Operations, Derek Grice. "We want to provide fans with the best security and services to create a wonderful collegiate atmosphere and game experience." CSC will specifically provide ticket-taking, ushering and security at all six home football games this season. CSC currently provides services for venues such as Sunset Station and the Alamodome in San Antonio, TX.

Student ID Validation System

Beginning in August, as students enter Bobcat Stadium and Strahan Coliseum, they will be met with validation measures seen in several other areas on campus. Texas State students will need to present a valid Texas State ID to enter Bobcat athletic events. Current student entry will remain free, the measure merely allows the Texas State Athletic Department to keep an accurate account of student attendance. "We are very excited about being able to track the students at our events. This will be a great tool in building our fan base for the future and will give us greater knowledge of the specific students attending out events," said Associate Athletic Director, Don Coryell. The tracking system is currently being used in the student recreation center, dining halls, and residence halls.

Promise of Pride Student Rewards System

Texas State Athletics would like to reward students who attend Bobcat events throughout the year. Starting August 29th when the Bobcat Volleyball team takes on Louisiana-Monroe at 11:30 a.m., current Texas State students will receive points for attending the event. Once students receive a specific amount of points per event, they will be awarded prizes. T-shirts, free food coupons, chances to travel with their favorite team, and shopping sprees are all obtainable, depending on the point level students achieve. For more information, go to www.txstatebobcats.com.

Opening Night at Bobcat Stadium

The Bobcat Athletic Department would like to make opening night at Bobcat Stadium one to remember. On August 30th, fans are encouraged to attend the largest tailgate party of the year featuring Texas Country band Reckless Kelly. Tailgaters can prepare for the event at the 1st annual "Tailgating 101" session Monday, August 25th at Bobcat Stadium from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm. There, fans can learn what it means to tailgate Bobcat style and get ready for the season opener Saturday when the Bobcats take on Angelo State. For more information on "Tailgating 101," contact the Student Association for Campus Activities (SACA) office at 512.245.3219 or saca@txstate.edu.

On Saturday, August 30th, beginning at 10 a.m., students and fans can begin their set-up for a full day of tailgating. Check-in with SACA to obtain your spot in Bobcat Alley. At 2:30 p.m. Reckless Kelly will take the stage and perform before the season opener. The first 5,000 fans to enter on the general admission side of Bobcat Stadium will receive a FREE Texas State t-shirt, courtesy of game sponsor H.E.B., the University Bookstore, Texas State's Campus Association and Student Activities (CASO) office, and the Non-Traditional Student Organization at Texas State. The shirts serve as an appreciation to the students who passed the athletic fee referendum in the spring, and with 5,000 white shirts present in the student section, we hope to "White Out" the stadium and start the season off right. Kick-off is set for 6 p.m.

CenturyTel Premier - Bobcat Volleyball

Bobcat Volleyball will open the 2008 season with a round-robin volleyball tournament starting August 29th, featuring Louisiana-Monroe, Sacramento State, Texas-Pan American and the University of Miami. The Bobcats play their first match against Louisiana-Monroe at 11:30 a.m. on Friday.

Tuesday, September 2nd, the Bobcats will face Baylor and the first 1,000 fans inside Strahan Coliseum will receive a rally towel courtesy of the University Bookstore.

Bobcat Soccer

The Bobcat Soccer team continues its season on Friday, September 12th with a match versus Centenary. The game kicks-off at 7:00 p.m. at the Bobcat Soccer Complex. Throughout the year, fans can look forward to tickets discounts, youth soccer days and giveaways at the door. To view upcoming Texas State Athletics game night promotions, please visit www.txstatebobcats.com.

The Drive

As we continue the Drive campaign, we want fans to have a great experience at Bobcat events. We invite all supporters of Texas State to become part of this exciting and historic moment in Texas State's history. We want to thank you for the support you have shown in the past and encourage you to get involved. To move forward we need every alum, booster, community member, faculty, staff, and student to be passionate Bobcat fans.

For more information on upcoming events and promotions, please visit www.txstatebobcats.com or contact Texas State Athletics at 512.245.2114.