Tarleton addresses Memorial Stadium, football and the Stephenville Yellow Jackets.

Dear Tarleton and Stephenville Family and Friends,

University and high school football have been part of our town’s DNA for decades, with generations thrilling over tackles and touchdowns at Memorial Stadium since it opened in 1951. Standing-room-only rivalry matchups; district, state and conference titles; and All-American athletes are hallmarks of the long legacy enjoyed by the Texans and Yellow Jackets.

Yet even with all of the memorable wins and rich traditions, Tarleton’s move to NCAA Division I means we must now see some things through a new lens.

From academics to athletics, our conference peers and the NCAA have expectations that we must meet, on and off the field. Given that, Tarleton will reserve Memorial Stadium for Texan sports following the 2024 football season.

It’s never easy making a shift of this magnitude. We acknowledge the nostalgic loss that some will experience as this chapter closes. However, our commitment is unwavering to keep working in tandem with the Stephenville Independent School District as we expand educational opportunity and access in our community.

The relationship between Tarleton State and Stephenville ISD has never been stronger. Providing guaranteed scholarships for qualified Yellow Jackets; our yearlong teacher residency program; collaborative research — they embody a healthy synergistic partnership.

That’s not going away.

Just as Tarleton Texans deserve an NCAA FBS-level facility, so do our Yellow Jackets deserve a state champion-caliber facility.

Our deepest gratitude for your understanding.

Tarleton State University