The I-35 Rivalry began in 1991 when UTSA joined the Southland Conference and has been going strong ever since. The two similarly sized Texas-based schools are only 60 miles apart, so there are lots of bragging rights on the line when these two meet. Make sure to get tickets when the Roadrunners come to town as you wouldn’t want to miss Texas State and UTSA battle it out in the I-35 Rivalry.
The two Texas-based teams have met in the Sun Belt Conference Tournament for the last three years sparking an intense rivalry. There are always a lot of bragging rights on the line when these two square off, so you’ll be in for a good one when attending a Texas State - UT-Arlington game.
Texas State Bobcats Stadium Guide
In Game
Strahan Arena is a quaint venue that will put you right at the heart of the action making it one of the best places to take in a college hoops game in the Sun Belt. During Bobcats games, Strahan Arena is rocking as the fans go all out to give the Bobcats as much of a home court advantage as possible. All throughout the game, you’ll hear cheers and chants coming from the Loud Crowd, and the Texas Strutters put on an unforgettable show making a Bobcats game an excellent experience.
In addition to a fantastic atmosphere, Strahan Arena is also home to several tributes to Texas State athletics. The Wall of Honor celebrates all of the best athletes in school history, and if that’s not enough for you, the display case features a variety of trophies and other awards won by the Bobcats over the years. Also, make sure to take in the banners hanging above the court as well.
Finally, San Marcos is one of the best college towns around, so arrive a day before the game to take in all the town has to offer. There are tons of bars, restaurants, and entertainment options here to keep you entertained throughout your trip making San Marcos a great college hoops road trip destination.
If you’re a Sun Belt basketball fan, then you won’t be able to beat a trip to San Marcos where you’ll experience an excellent basketball game and fun college town.
Following Texas State victories, the star on Jackson Hall is lit. Stop by Jackson Hall after a Bobcats victory to see the star illuminated and celebrate the Texas State victory.
The Wall of Honor and display case at Strahan Arena do an excellent job of celebrating the history of Texas State athletics. The two exhibits honor the best athletes and teams in the school’s history, so make sure to check them out.
Hanging above the court are several banners celebrating the Bobcats basketball team’s conference championships and NCAA Tournament appearances. The banners give a good look into the program’s past success and serve as an excellent motivator for every player on the court.
Texas State fans have several unique hand signs, which they display during games. The “Heart of Texas State” hand sign is made by holding up your left hand in the shape of Texas and the “Eat ‘Em Up, Cats” sign is made by holding your right hand in the form of a bobcat paw. Use both the “Heart of Texas State” and “Eat ‘Em Up, Cats” signs to show off your Texas State pride.
You won’t find a louder group of fans at a Texas State game than The Loud Crowd. This group of diehards cheers on the Bobcats win or lose, so make sure to join in on their chants and give Texas State as much of a home field advantage as possible.
Don’t miss the Texas Strutters performance during your trip to San Marcos. The Texas State dance team will dazzle you with their routines, so stay in your seat when these talented dancers take the court.
Go Bobcats all the way,
Keep that maroon and gold on high!
Fight on for every play
until you hear that Bobcat battle cry!
We’re gonna cheer for our team today
Until the whole world knows our name.
No doubt about it,
We’re gonna shout it —
Bobcats will win this game!
Alma Mater
It was written by Jessie Sayers to the tune of “Ancient of Days” in the early 1900s. One unique thing about this alma mater is that the students only sing the first and last verses.
O, Alma Mater, set upon the green hills,
With turrets pointing upward to the sky;
We yield to thee our love and our devotion;
Mother of hopes and aspirations high.
Thy spirit urges us to deeds of valor,
Raising the fallen, cheering the oppressed;
Thy call will echo clearly down the ages.
Dear Alma Mater, mother loved and blessed.
Texas! State!
At Texas State, the fans like to get as jacked up about the game as the players. They do this through a popular game day chant where one side of the arena chants TEXAS, and the other side chants STATE. The chant gets progressively louder until the entire arena is filled with the thundering roars and applause of the Texas States fan. The chant is a great way to amp up the Bobcat players and fans, while simultaneously striking fear into the opponents.
The Tavern is a bar where you can find numerous groups of people from all walks of life, and this makes it's one of the more diverse bars in San Marcos.
The Tap Room has 9 large flat screen tv's so you can catch the game. So bring your appetite and come enjoy what has kept our customers coming back year after year.
Gil’s Broiler & Manske Roll Bakery is the oldest restaurant in San Marcos, and the only place in the world where you can come to get the famous Manske roll.
Saltgrass Steak House recaptures the flavor of the open campfire. Steaks, chicken and seafood, chargrilled to perfection. Complete with breads, soups and desserts, made from scratch daily.
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