[September 9, 2025] The San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 “Back the Bobcats” Decorating Contest, a community-wide campaign held in August to rally support for Texas State University Bobcats ahead of the first home football game.
Businesses across San Marcos showed off their Bobcat spirit by decorating storefronts, offices, and windows in maroon and gold, creating a festive atmosphere to welcome back students, alumni and visitors.
“Through this campaign, businesses make it visible how much they love and support the university,” said Page Michel, president and CEO of the San Marcos Area Chamber. “The creativity they put on display celebrates Bobcat icons and traditions, and it creates a warm welcome for the thousands of people who come to town for game day.”
Stop by these locations to see the Bobcat pride at this year’s winning businesses, including:
Best Exterior: Hays County Outfitters, 690 Centerpoint Rd.
Best Interior: First-Lockhart National Bank, 2507 Hunter Rd.
Best Window Display: The San Market, 114 E. San Antonio St.
Spirit Award: McNabb & Co. Real Estate and Edward Jones–Jason Dixon, 1920 Corporate Dr.
First Timer Award–Exterior: Little Leaders Childcare Center, 400 Uhland Rd.
First Timer Award–Interior: San Marcos Academy, 2801 Ranch Rd. 12
Honorable Mention Exterior: Amber Leighe Armer State Farm, 460 W. Holland Rd.
Honorable Mention Exterior: Mano Amiga, 174 S. Guadalupe St.
Honorable Mention Interior: Chick-fil-A at Aquarena Springs
Honorable Mention Window Display: Texas Regional Bank, 310 Wonder World Dr.
Honorable Mention Window Display: Corridor Title Company, 133 W. San Antonio St.
Four other noteworthy businesses include: KnD’s Boutique at 312 N. LBJ Drive, myDental at 1430 N I-35, Sadler House Apartments at 1271 Sadler Drive, and Kdamp’s Pizza (Gumby’s Pizza) at 312 W. Hopkins Street. All of these businesses won prizes and were recognized on-field at the Bobcats home opener football game and on social media.
“Back the Bobcats” is in its third year and has quickly grown into a San Marcos tradition, encouraging community pride while spotlighting the strong bond between the university and local businesses.
The Chamber extends special thanks to the volunteer judges who visited each location, Beth Damphousse, Summer Kinne, Marci Coryell and Blair Trout; plus Chuck Nash Auto Group for providing transportation; and Texas State Football Coach David Bailiff for driving judges across the route.
Area businesses are encouraged to get ready to promote San Marcos CISD in the weeks leading up to the Homecoming football game in the annual “Rally for the Rattlers” Decorating Contest, Oct. 20-24. For details on this and other Chamber programs and events, visit www.SanMarcosTexas.com.
# # #
About the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber provides ADVOCACY and CONNECTIONS for businesses to THRIVE. The Chamber mission is to improve the economic prosperity and quality of life of its members through leadership, education and business advocacy. The Chamber’s vision is to be the leading membership organization that collaborates with stakeholders to develop an environment where businesses thrive, leadership is encouraged, students excel, housing is ample and attainable, all members are active, and quality of life is a priority. More Chamber information is available at SanMarcosTexas.com.