UTRGV Announces Upgrades to Stadium in Advance of Inaugural Season

Rendering courtesy of UTRGV Athletics

On Wednesday September 25th, the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) announced upgrades and enhancements to Robert & Janet Vackar Stadium, previously a soccer-only venue, in advance of the Vaqueros inaugural football season beginning in 2025. The stadium was named in honor of area philanthropists Robert and Janet Vackar, who donated $20 million to UTRGV Athletics.

Construction at Vackar Stadium is already underway, with UTRGV lowering the field to improve sightlines, and expanding the existing field-level suites and patio areas. Once the field lowering is completed, new synthetic field turf will be installed, with the goal of making Vackar Stadium available for events year-round.

With interest at a fever-pitch in advance of the Vaqueros impending football debut, 184 premium seats – including 19 loge boxes – are being added to the facility’s north end zone. Also, 2,000 additional bleacher seats will be added to the south end zone; these additions will bring the stadium’s capacity to nearly 12,000. Elevators and other accommodations are also being added to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

“It is with the support of the Vackars that these stadium enhancements are possible,” UTRGV Vice President and Director of Athletics Chasse Conque said in a news release. “Robert and Janet’s generosity is allowing us to greatly enhance the game day experience for our student-athletes and fans.”

UTRGV acquired the stadium from the city of Edinburg this past February.

“We greatly appreciate the City of Edinburg and the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation for facilitating the acquisition of this stadium,” Conque said. “It was their shared vision that made this a reality, and we are looking forward to helping to create a transformative impact on Edinburg and the entire Rio Grande Valley.”

The Vaqueros are scheduled to kick off their first season of football in August 2025, as members of the Southland Conference – the team’s first game, at home, is scheduled for August 30th against the Sul Ross State Lobos.

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Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477.