After a controversy involving their fight song during the 2019 season followed by COVID-19 halting Spring workouts and 7on7 play, you would think there isn’t much the Refugio Bobcats could face in terms of distractions going in to the 2020 season. However, with a stadium issue it’s possible that Refugio may face a 2020 season in which not a single game will be played in their home stadium.
A falling chunk of concrete caused damage to the facility early this year causing the stadium to be closed to the public. Built in 1954, Jack Sportsman Bobcat Stadium is 65 years which is considered “midrange” for the expected life of the facility. “These type of stadiums have a 50- to 75-year lifespan with constant exposure to the elements,” said Daniel Grant- a structural engineer- in a February interview.
Refugio faced similar adversity in 2017 when Hurricane Harvey displaces the Bobcats. Refugio was forced to play all but two games on the road while their stadium was being patched. Even though it was patched, it was still exposed to elements causing water to allow deterioration.
As one of the largest stadiums in Class 2A football, Jack Sportsman Bobcat Stadium may be closed for the 2020 football season while being repaired seeing 7,500 empty seats. Refugio won a state title in 2019 and looks to add another to their well-decorated program in the 2020 season.
