Honestly, if you've ever spent a Saturday night in San Marcos, you know the vibe is just different. The sun dips behind the Texas Hill Country, the humidity finally starts to take a breather, and the lights at Jim Wacker Field at UFCU Stadium start to hum. It’s a place where history feels kinda heavy, even with the shiny new "UFCU" branding that popped up recently.
Most people just see a 30,000-seat stadium off I-35. But for anyone who actually bleeds maroon and gold, this patch of turf is basically the heart of the university.
The Name Change Everyone Is Talking About
Let’s address the elephant in the room first. For over 40 years, everyone just called it Bobcat Stadium. Simple. Classic. Then, in May 2024, Texas State dropped the news: a 15-year, $23 million naming rights deal with University Federal Credit Union.
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Suddenly, it's Jim Wacker Field at UFCU Stadium.
It was the biggest deal in Sun Belt Conference history at the time. Some fans weren't thrilled—tradition is a tough thing to sell—but $1.5 million a year buys a lot of recruitment power. President Kelly Damphousse basically said it was about "Bobcatting now," which is his way of saying the program is finally playing in the big leagues.
The good news? The field itself didn't change names. It’s still Jim Wacker Field. That was non-negotiable for a lot of people.
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Who Was Jim Wacker, Anyway?
You can't talk about the stadium without talking about the man. Jim Wacker wasn’t just some coach; he was a force of nature. He led the Bobcats to back-to-back NCAA Division II National Championships in 1981 and 1982.
His 1982 team? They went 14-0.
Wacker had this legendary "Unbelievable!" catchphrase and a reputation for being the most ethical guy in a sport that isn't always known for it. When he later moved to TCU and found out his players were getting paid under the table, he turned his own program in. He lost his job for it, but he kept his soul. He came back to Texas State (then Southwest Texas State) as the Athletic Director in the late 90s before passing away from cancer in 2003.
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Renaming the field after him later that year was the only move that made sense. Every time a player hits that grass, they're literally running on his legacy.
More Than Just a Football Field
If you think the stadium is only for the fall, you're missing out. This place has seen some weirdly cool stuff over the years.
- Hollywood Fame: Remember the NBC show Friday Night Lights? Or that Johnny Knoxville movie The Ringer? They filmed scenes right here.
- Special Olympics: For decades, it’s been the home of the Texas Special Olympics Summer Games. Seeing thousands of athletes compete on this field is arguably more inspiring than any touchdown.
- The Upgrades: In 2025, the university finally finished the Johnny and Nathali Weisman Football Performance Center. It’s a massive 85,000-square-foot expansion in the south end zone. We're talking hydrotherapy pools, a barber shop for players, and a new "Fan Tunnel" where you can feel the energy as the team runs out.
The capacity has fluctuated a bit. It peaked at 30,003, then dropped slightly when they added more comfortable chair-back seats on the east side in 2024, and now sits around 28,388. Honestly, it feels bigger than it is because the fans are right on top of the action.
What to Expect on Game Day
If you’re heading to Jim Wacker Field at UFCU Stadium, don’t just show up at kickoff. That’s a rookie move.
The tailgating at Texas State is elite. Because the stadium is nestled in the hills, the "scenic views" aren't just PR talk. It's beautiful. Inside, the video board is huge—crystal clear, actually—and the food is a mix of standard hot dogs and actual Texas-inspired stuff.
Pro tip: if you aren't sitting in the premium Jerry and Linda Fields West Side Complex (the fancy seats with the suites), bring a stadium cushion. Those bleachers get cold—or hot—depending on the month.
Why This Place Still Matters
The Pac-12 (well, the new-look version) is on the horizon for the Bobcats. The stadium is evolving to keep up. But even with the corporate naming rights and the fancy new cold-plunge pools, the soul of the place remains.
It’s about that 1982 championship. It’s about Wacker’s integrity. It’s about the way the "Texas! State!" chant echoes off the hills.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
- Check the Parking: Construction is a constant in San Marcos. Check the latest maps on the TXST Athletics site before you drive in, or you'll end up stuck on Aquarena Springs Drive.
- The South End Zone: If you can get access to the new South End Zone Terrace, do it. The views of the field from there are probably the best in the stadium.
- Visit the Hall of Honor: Take ten minutes to look at the history displays. Understanding Jim Wacker’s impact makes the experience way more meaningful.
- Weather Proofing: It’s Texas. If it's a day game, stay hydrated. If it's a November night game, that Hill Country wind will bite.
The rebranding to UFCU Stadium might have felt like a shock to the system, but the spirit of the Bobcats is still exactly where it belongs: on Jim Wacker's field.