Texas State Athletics Unveil Summer Facility Projects
Texas State football, basketball/volleyball, baseball, softball all set for significant changes for 2018-19.
SAN MARCOS, Texas – Athletic facilities at Texas State University are currently undertaking numerous renovations that will all be unveiled for the 2018-19 academic year.
Bobcat fans are set to enjoy a plethora of upgrades around the grounds at Bobcat Stadium (football), Bobcat Ballpark (baseball), Bobcat Softball Stadium and the newly-named Strahan Arena at the University Events Center (women’s/men’s basketball, volleyball).
“I know I speak for the rest of the Bobcat Athletics staff when I say how exciting it is to come to work each day and see the changes taking place at all of our facilities,” TXST Director of Athletics Dr. Larry Teis said. “The renovations and upgrades to our facilities will have a positive impact on Texas State and everyone connected to the university.”
BOBCAT STADIUM
The home of Texas State football will see major upgrades in the set of videoboards standing on either side of the End Zone Complex. Two new hi-definition 10mm videoboards will flank the south end zone with dimensions of 36 feet by 61 feet. Each videoboard will stand on three pillars and replace the existing 15mm 14-by-26 feet boards that stood atop just two pillars.
Daktronics and TFL, Inc. Construction are managing the project, and installation is scheduled to be completed for the 2018 home opener Sept. 8 against Texas Southern.
BOBCAT BALLPARK/SOFTBALL STADIUM
The current 14-by-26 feet boards at Bobcat Stadium will transition to the baseball and softball facilities, providing significant upgrades at both parks. Both facilities will also now feature new Field Turf Classic HD 2’ artificial turf that is slated to be installed in the coming months. The baseball mound and softball infield will remain dirt, but the rest of the playing surfaces will be turfed. Inlaid Texas State logos and mow lanes are also included in the design.
Both home dugouts are being renovated and expanded, making more room for staff and student-athletes. Restrooms will also now be available at each visitor’s dugout. New masonry walls, provided by Acme Brick, will wrap the perimeter of each field adding to the new look of Bobcat Ballpark. The right field line at baseball will now be closer and separate the visitor’s bullpen from the field of play, providing an improved fan experience.
Field Turf, Dybaco Base Construction, and Falkenberg Construction Co. are managing the renovation project. The upgrades are slated to be completed in mid-September.
STRAHAN ARENA AT THE UNIVERSITY EVENTS CENTER
The UEC is currently undergoing multimillion dollar renovations, with two major additions being a new court and videoboard. A new Conner Sports VIP court system is set to be installed inside Strahan Arena, which will replace the hardwood court that debuted in 1998. The project is being managed by Turner Construction & Quality Hardwood Floors, Inc.
A new Daktronics hi-definition 1080 6mm 13-by-21 feet four-sided video display now hangs from the rafters inside Strahan Arena. The video display has replaced the 16-by-9 feet 12mm videoboard and scoreboard that once hung on the Coliseum wall. Turner Construction & Daktronics managed this project.
The videoboard is already operational, while the playing surface will be installed prior to the Texas State volleyball home opener Aug. 30 against UTSA. The official grand opening of all UEC projects is slated for Family Weekend on Oct. 6, when Bobcat football hosts Louisiana.
