Texas Rio Grande Valley Athletics

Robert & Janet Vackar Stadium will serve as the home of the Vaqueros Football program and host a variety of other university events.

In 2024, UTRGV purchased the stadium and announced future enhancements to prepare the facility for the inaugural season of UTRGV football in 2025.

Phase one of construction includes lowering the field to create improved sight lines for those who purchase the 40 existing field level suites and patios, all of which are being expanded and renovated. The field will be replaced with synthetic turf to allow the stadium to become a true multi-use facility.

212 premium seats are being added at Robert & Janet Vackar Stadium, including the addition of 23 loge boxes, which contains six seats and a cocktail table, in the north end zone.

The seating capacity at Robert & Janet Vackar Stadium is expanding to have around 12,000 seats including the addition of 2,000 bleacher seats in the south end zone for students.

The addition of elevators and widening of walkways in the main seating areas will allow UTRGV to remain compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Texas Accessibility Standards.
 

Robert & Janet Vackar Stadium Timeline

Feb. 28, 2024: UTRGV announced the acquisition of the stadium formerly known as H-E-B Park, designating the venue as the primary home for UTRGV Football.

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Mar. 21, 2024: UTRGV names the stadium after Robert and Janet Vackar in recognition of their unwavering support of the football program when it was only a vision and their longstanding generosity to the university, including a new $20 million gift that was announced on that day.

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Sept. 25, 2024: UTRGV announced a number of enhancements to Robert & Janet Vackar Stadium to prepare the facility for the inaugural season of UTRGV Football in 2025.

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Aug. 30, 2025: UTRGV makes history with inaugural football game.
 

Enduring Legacy and Unrivaled Generosity

Robert and Janet Vackar, both natives of the Valley and the owners and principal dealers of the Bert Ogden Auto Group, were raised by parents who owned local businesses, instilling in them the values of hard work, volunteerism and giving back to the community.

United by a shared commitment, they are passionate about empowering students to achieve their educational goals. The Vackars' contributions to UTRGV extend beyond the football field as they provide numerous scholarships for students at UTRGV.

UTRGV President Guy Bailey expressed his gratitude for the Vackars' contributions that started nearly 10 years ago as UTRGV opened its doors for the first time in 2015, in a press release from UTRGV Athletics on March 21, 2024:

"Their visionary contributions, which started just a few months after our university's opening, not only provided financial support but also bestowed instant credibility upon our institution. Their early investments helped put UTRGV on the map and set the stage for our ongoing growth and impact. Their ongoing dedication continues to shape the trajectory of our university."

In 2016, the UTRGV College of Business was renamed to the Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship as a recognition of their exceptional generosity.

On March 21, 2024, UTRGV announced the naming of Robert & Janet Vackar Stadium, in perpetuity, for their longstanding generosity, including a new $20 million gift.

Robert Vackar was quoted on a press release from UTRGV Athletics that day saying:

"Supporting the establishment of a college football program isn't just about the game; it's about investing in the future. By pouring into the lives of young people through both education and athletics, we ensure they have the tools to succeed and a college experience that attracts new talent to our area and encourages residents to stay here. Retaining students in the Rio Grande Valley not only builds up our community but also fosters major growth and opportunity for generations to come."