The rivalry between Sam Houston State and Stephen F. Austin is the second longest continuous running rivalry in the FCS dating back to 1923. In 2007, a 21-pound cedar trophy depicting pistols and a tombstone was added to the rivalry. Head down to Huntsville to watch the Bearkats take on the Lumberjacks in the annual Battle of the Piney Woods.
Sam Houston State Bearkats Tailgate Guide
Atmosphere
In Texas, tailgating is a huge part of the gameday experience, and it’s no different at Sam Houston State. Bearkats fans arrive at Bowers Stadium bright and early to get the tailgate started as the lots surrounding the stadium open six hours before kickoff for tailgating. Everywhere you look, you’ll see fans in orange, white, and blue tailgating with friends and family.
The festive atmosphere is an excellent way to pump up the fans before the game. Although, nothing will do a better job of getting you ready to cheer on the Bearkats than the pregame pep rally. The pep rally is a must-see part of any Bearkats game, so don’t miss it during your trip.
While tailgating, you’ll be surrounded by plenty of friendly Bearkats fans who cook some incredible barbecue. Bring something to share, and you’ll make friends quickly giving you the opportunity to enjoy some of the best barbecue you’ve ever had.
Tailgating is a big part of the game day culture at Sam Houston State, so arrive early and take part in the fun tailgating atmosphere outside Bowers Stadium.
Make sure to see the pregame pep rally outside Bowers Stadium before the game. The pep rally is the perfect way to get into the Bearkats spirit and a must-see part of any Sam Houston State tailgate.
Lot P5 and P7If you want to set up a tailgate before the game, then arrive at Lot P5 or P7 six hours before kickoff. You’ll meet lots of Bearkats fans here and tailgate side to side with some of the best tailgates Sam Houston State has to offer.
Bearkat AlleySam Houston State students will have a fantastic time tailgating at Bearkat Alley. A variety of student groups camp out on the north side of the stadium preparing food before the game creating a fun atmosphere. Best of all the food is free to anyone with a Bearkat OneCard.
Sam Houston State Bearkats Stadium Guide
In Game
Bowers Stadium is one of the toughest places for opposing teams to play thanks to the incredible support of the Bearkats fans. All throughout the game Sam Houston State fans cheer and chant to get into the heads of the opposition.
No group of fans is louder than the Kat Krazies. The Kat Krazies sit near the 50-yard line and give the opponents a hard time by cheering and chanting, as well as banging mallets and drums. If you want to sit with the most die-hard Bearkats fans out there, then make sure to get a spot in the east stand near the 50-yard line.
It’s not just the great fan support that makes attending a Bearkats game a fun experience. The band and spirit squads also put on excellent performances. The Bearkat Marching Band’s shows are great and will get everyone ready to cheer on the team throughout the game. You also won’t want to miss the performances of cheer squads, Orange Pride Dance Team, or Sammy Bearkat during the game either.
A Bearkats game is an excellent road trip for any FCS football fan, so start planning your trip to Huntsville for a Sam Houston State game today.
Get to your seat early, so you don’t miss the Bearkats entrance. Before the game, the Bearkats enter the game by running through an inflatable helmet working the crowd into a frenzy. The entrance is an incredible part of any Bearkats game making it a must-see.
Sam Houston State installed a new 32 ft 4 in by 79 ft 6 in video scoreboard in 2015 giving you a fantastic view of every replay. The new video board makes a world of difference, so enjoy it when taking in a Bearkats game.
The Bearkat Marching Band’s pregame and halftime shows are both excellent performances, so don’t leave your seat when you see them take the field. The band also provides a great atmosphere throughout the game with their in-game music as well making them a fantastic part of any game.
You can spot the Kat Krazies in the first few rows near the 50-yard line cheering on the Bearkats. The Kat Krazies are the wildest and craziest fans at Sam Houston State games, so keep an eye out for them and their antics at the game.
Get up and cheer along with the Bearkats cheer teams during the game. The cheer teams do a fantastic job of pumping up the crowd, so join in and show your support for the Bearkats.
You won’t want to miss the performances of the Orange Pride Dance Team. The Orange Pride will dazzle you with their dance moves making them a can’t miss part of any game.
Fight, fight you Bearkats!
Fight on through!
We’re here in back of you!
You know again we’re here to win
So fight until the end.
FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!
Loyal we’ll ever be and true to SHSU
We’ll fight and fight with all our might
For Sam Houston’s Orange and White!
Repeat
SHSU Alma Mater
Hail to Sam Houston, school we love best.
Mighty in battle, true to the test.
Bearkats so loyal, Ever we’ll be,
Orange and white will lead us to victory.
Hail Alma Mater, hats off to you.
Ever you’ll find us, loyal and true
Firm and undaunted, ever we’ll be.
Here’s to the school we love,
Here’s a toast to thee.
Character, charm and southern hospitality abound in our downtown Huntsville location serving fresh, made from scratch home cooking and homemade desserts.
Faithful fans knew Mr. Hamburger for its never-frozen, hand-formed beef patties, handmade onion rings, homemade chili, and, of course, the KILLER BURGER.
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