Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71
Bobcat Ballpark
225 Charles Austin Dr
San Marcos, TX 78666
Year Opened: 2009
Capacity: 2,000
Texas State Scores at Bobcat Ballpark
In 1985, the then-Southwest Texas State University embarked on its inaugural foray into college baseball. Since then, the Bobcats have won three conference championships, and four conference tournament titles, and made five NCAA Tournament appearances.
They currently play in Bobcat Ballpark, which was renovated in 2009, and now includes enhanced seating options, a new brick exterior, a new ticket office, and luxury suites. The improvements have made the ballpark not only a great venue for Texas State fans and alumni but also made Bobcat Ballpark a true home-field advantage.
Food & Beverage 2
The food and beverage situation at Bobcat Ballpark is pretty much on par with similar collegiate facilities. There is just one stand near the main entrance and it offers all of your standard ballparks eats and you can get them all for very reasonable prices.
You’ve got hot dogs and hamburgers, chicken strips, corn dogs, soft pretzels, and bags of popcorn for $5. Nachos and French fries can be had for just $4, assorted candies are $3, and bottled sodas are $2 each. There is a separate beer stand that offers several different brands of bottles and cans for $6. There are no frills at Bobcat Ballpark, but that’s OK. What is offered is enough and it is all very affordable.
Atmosphere 3
When it comes to the atmosphere at Bobcat Ballpark, this is where the renovations are in evidence. The brick facade is a nod to classic ballparks of the past. One of baseball’s allure is its timelessness and Bobcat Ballpark perfectly captures that.
Banners line the main walk in the concourse touting the Bobcats’ accomplishments over the years. You can also pick up on that same history by visiting the retired number of former Bobcat and current MLB All-Star, Paul Goldschmidt in the right field.
Heading into the park, you’ll see tailgaters in the main lot before the game. They come early and stay late. Texas State fans love their team!
Neighborhood 3
San Marcos is, quite frankly, a great college town. The area around the campus is built right into the classic town square. The San Marcos River also runs through the town and it is one of the most popular attractions in the area. When weather permits, it will be packed with water sports enthusiasts.
Bobcat Ballpark itself is located in the school’s athletics complex and is within walking distance of both Bobcat Stadium and Strahan Coliseum. Depending on the time of year of your visit, you might be able to double up on sporting events that you can catch on your visit.
In terms of activities to do either before or after games, San Marcos has plenty of attractions. Classic favorites like Wonder World Park and the glass-bottomed boats at The Meadows Center are among the most popular things for visitors to do.
Fans 3
Texas State fans are passionate about their sports teams. While Bobcat Ballpark only seats 2,000, Texas State often comes close to filling it each time out.
During the 2018 season, the Bobcats averaged just over 1,400 fans per game. Fans of all ages – it is quite frankly great to see fans young and old at the ballpark – come to the games decked out in their maroon and gold colors. The student section, in particular, is usually filled.
Access 3
San Marcos is generally at the halfway point between Austin and San Antonio. It is around 45 minutes from San Antonio and 30 minutes from Austin. You can get to San Marcos and Bobcat Ballpark easily via Interstate 35. There is clear signage marking the way, so you can’t miss it.
Once you get on campus though, there is ample, free parking. There are tailgaters to navigate through, but again, that adds to the atmosphere.
Return on Investment 4
General admission seating for Bobcats games is $6 per person. This is a really good bargain. Texas State schedules some pretty big out-of-conference opponents. If you couple the free parking with the low cost of concessions, you’re getting a great deal on some top-notch college baseball action.
Extras 1
There isn’t much in the way of extras at Bobcat Ballpark. They do play games with the audience in between innings. There is the traditional seventh-inning stretch. The student section keeps track of the home team’s strikeouts by way of the Texas State Strike Zone.
There is also a refurbished train car, the Bobcat Express, along the first baseline that can be used for select seating. Aside from that, it is all about the action on the field at Bobcat Ballpark.
Final Thoughts
Bobcat Ballpark is a small venue, especially compared to some other Division I facilities. However, what it lacks in terms of frills, it makes up for in charm. This is a great place to take the family to see some high-level collegiate baseball. You get a lot of bang for your buck and you get to experience a charming ballpark in a great college town. If you’re a college baseball fan, add this stop to your must-visit list.
Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477.
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