UTRGV athletics announces enhancements to Vackar Stadium
UTRGV REPORT
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Department of Intercollegiate Athletics on Wednesday announced enhancements to Robert & Janet Vackar Stadium to prepare the facility for the inaugural season of UTRGV football in 2025.
Phase 1 of construction at is already underway, as UTRGV is lowering the field to create improved sight lines for those who purchase the 39 existing field level suites and patios, all of which are being expanded and renovated. Each suite sold will have 400 square feet of outdoor space, allowing suite holders to be right up against the action.
Due to overwhelming demand, UTRGV is adding 184 premium seats, including the addition of 19 loge boxes, each of which contains six seats, in the north end zone.
Also, UTRGV is adding 2,000 bleacher seats in the south end zone. In total, UTRGV is expanding seating capacity to around 12,000.
Due to the additional seating, UTRGV is making moves to remain compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Texas Accessibility Standards through the addition of elevators and widening of walkways in the main seating areas.
After the field is lowered, it will be replaced with synthetic turf, allowing the stadium to become a true multi-use facility that can accommodate a variety of events, including student-driven experiences sponsored by the university.
Extraordinary Generosity
UTRGV’s football stadium was named in honor of Robert and Janet Vackar to recognize their unwavering support of the football program when it was just a vision.
Their longstanding generosity to the university includes a $20 million gift to UTRGV Athletics, announced March 21, which is believed to be one of the top 40 donations in the history of college athletics.
“It is with the support of the Vackars that these stadium enhancements are possible,” UTRGV vice president and director of athletics Chasse Conque said. “Robert and Janet’s generosity is allowing us to greatly enhance the gameday experience for our student-athletes and fans. We look forward to seeing our shared dream of Division I college football in the Valley on Aug. 30, 2025.”
The Vackars’ philanthropy extends to numerous scholarships at UTRGV, and in recognition of their exceptional generosity, the business college was renamed the Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship in 2016.
UTRGV acquired the stadium 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.”
