Last season, the Texas State Bobcats took the field in a newly renovated stadium with more seating options for fans.

Wednesday, university officials announced the next phase in their expansion. It includes "bowling-in" the north end of the stadium and adding thousands of new seats.

"Football, we know, is a driving point. The stadium [is the key] we need to get to another level, and so, that's what we're working on right now," Texas State Athletic Director, Larry Teis said.

The stadium expansion is part of university’s drive to move up to the football bowl subdivision, the highest level of college football.

"It's an unbelievable time to be here," football Coach Brad Wright said.

In order to move up, Texas State will need to be invited to a new conference. Their plans for expansion include improvements to all the athletic facilities, but the football stadium attracts the most attention.

"When you drive down [Interstate] 35, you see our football stadium. People flying in airplanes see our football stadium. It's a great showcase and something we need," Teis said.

Once completed, Bobcat Stadium's seating capacity would jump to 28,000.

University officials said this will make the Bobcats more attractive in whatever conference they may play in.

"All we're doing is building facilities and winning games and winning championships, graduating student athletes. If we do our job, people outside will notice Texas State," Teis said.

Stadium expansion should start after the 2011 season, and be ready for the beginning of the 2012 season. That’s also when the NCAA will allow teams to move up the to the football bowl subdivision.

TO learn more about the stadium expansion click here.