Best of CASE District IV Award
 

Institution: Texas State University

Title of entry: Texas State Bobcat’s First Bowl Game Ever!

About this entry: We invited Texas State Bobcat fans to two days of events surrounding the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl, December 25-26, 2023, in Dallas, TX. The bowl events were a momentous collaboration between University Advancement, Texas State Athletics, and the Office of the President and included a pre-game reception at the team hotel, a tailgate, and a post-game celebration.

On game day, nearly 2,000 Bobcat fans gathered for the largest tailgate in TXST Alumni Association history. The tailgate was a paid event that included a live country band, a Texas barbecue buffet, local beverage options, swag, lawn games, a photo booth, and an 18-foot inflatable Bobcat. Guests enjoyed pep-rally performances by the Bobcat Marching Band, the TXST Strutters, and the TXST Cheerleaders. President Kelly Damphousse closed the tailgate by leading fans in a round of former Bobcat George Strait’s “Amarillo by Morning,” an unofficial anthem of the university.

University Advancement, Texas State Athletics, and the Office of the President collaborated to purchase three VIP suites at the game to host and recognize our most generous Bobcat supporters.

After the game, we invited fans to celebrate the Bobcats’ victory. We partnered with Frankie’s in Downtown Dallas and other nearby bars by providing them with Bobcat swag and décor.

Through these events we were able to connect with alumni and donors in celebration of a milestone achievement for TXST Football, strengthen their connection to the University, and benchmark for future events.