New Stadium, Old Traditions

Corps Cadet at Kyle Field. Source: Texas A&M University

Football season is almost upon Aggieland, and the athletes and fans couldn’t be more excited. One of the Aggies’ prized possessions has received a complete makeover. The pageantry of the game day experience will continue with decades-long traditions.

‘Kyle Field is still the home of the 12th man,’ says Texas A&M University Senior Associate Athletic Director Jason Cook. ‘That is something that can’t ever be taken away.’

Friday Night Before a Home Game

Midnight Yell Yell leaders lead the crowd in ‘Ol Army yells, the singing of the War Hymn, and tell fables of how the Aggies are going to beat the “ever livin’ hell” out of the opponent the next day.

A word of caution to fans, be prepared for the stadium to be loud! From the renovations of lowering the field and moving the seats in closer to the field, Aggie fans will be able to make sure Kyle Field maintains the reputation of one of the most intimidating stadiums in or out of the SEC.

Game Day

One of the best friends fans can have on game days is the Destination Aggieland App. It’s a free app available online through iTunes and Google Play and provides the most current information about parking, traffic, shuttles, and more.

In need of game day apparel? Aggieland Outfitters, the Warehouse, and 12th Man Shop are great places to visit for Aggies to put on their best and show that they bleed maroon.

Getting to the Game

Public Parking and Bus Service Prepay to reserve parking through the Destination Aggieland app or pay upon arrival in cash only at lots designated on the Football Parking Map ($20-$25). On-campus game day shuttles are provided free of charge. Route information is available in the app or online attransport.tamu.edu/transit/game day.

Downtown Bryan Shuttle Service runs two hours pre-game to one hour post-game. For more information, visittransport.tamu.edu/bryanshuttle.

Bus Parking - Located on the west side of Reed Arena off of Penberthy Boulevard. Cost is $40.

RV Parking - Unsold spaces are available online at transport.tamu.edu/football#RV.

Get to the Grid - Ride the free game day express shuttles from Momentum Plaza. Service begins three and a half hours prior to kick-off and ends an hour and a half after the game ends. For more information, visit transport.tamu.edu/grid.

Note: Free shuttles from Post Oak Mall have ended!

Exiting Kyle Field - The free Destination Aggieland App and gameday.12thman.com/ have maps showing the best routes for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles. Some parking lots have designated routes to speed departure times and reduce conflicts. The Go With the Green map illustrates the priority routes; use these, avoid congested areas, and save time.

Once you have arrived on campus, the game day activities officially start!

Alumni Tailgating. Source: Texas A&M University

Countdown to kickoff

Tailgating - Tailgating is a privilege, and one that Texas A&M is pleased to extend to all the fans. For complete tailgating information, visit gameday.12thman.com.

T-Minus 3.5 hours - Aggie Fan Zone Opens

“This year we have made the Fan Zone more fan friendly,” says Cook. “We have created a lot more room and added more trees to give it a more welcoming feel.”

The Fan Zone is located at the North Plaza of Kyle Field. The Zone has tons of food venders and sponsor booths, giving it a festival or carnival feel. This is a place where friends and families can gather, eat some food, and get excited for the game.

2.75 hours - Kids’ Yell Practice

At the Ring Plaza, the Yell Leaders will host a Yell Practice designed especially for kids.

2.5 hours - Team Spirit Walk

The Aggie football team will arrive at the Association of Former Students building and the Aggie Band leads the way as the team walks down Houston Street to its locker room located at Bright Complex. This is an amazing opportunity for fans and kids to shake the players’ hands and show their support.

2 hours - Kyle Field gates open

1.5 hours - Corps step-off from the Quad

This is one of the many unique game day experiences at Texas A&M because it dates back to the military tradition of the school. The cannon will signal the corps departure from the Quad. The band leads the Corps down its traditional route from Joe Routt to Houston St.

“One of my favorite things to do on game day is to stand on the median of Joe Routt,” says Cook. “As the Corps are marching down the street, the band will go on both sides of the median and it makes you feel like you are in the middle of the Aggie Band.”

Once the Corps has completed its route, they will disband and then people have the opportunity to visit the Parsons Mounted Calvary and see the horses before they enter Kyle Field an hour and 10 minutes before kickoff.

45 min - Recommended time to enter Kyle Field

“With all the renovations that have taken place to Kyle Field, people need to make sure they have plenty of time to find their way and get to their seats,” says Cook.

Tailgating BBQ. Source: Texas A&M University

Best Strategy to get into Kyle Field

*There is no re-entry into Kyle Field*

Admission All fans, including infants, must have a ticket for admission. Texas A&M students holding a student ticket must have a valid Texas A&M student ID. Student tickets can be converted to guest tickets on game day by visiting the box office. The fastest way to get to the correct seat is to enter through the designated gate stated on the ticket.

What to Bring

Bags and backpacks are allowed in Kyle Field but will be searched upon entry. For overall safety and security, Texas A&M recommends fans not bring bags into Kyle Field.

Cameras are permitted.

Water, as long as it is an unopened, one-liter or smaller plastic bottle, is allowed.

What Not to Bring

No banners, artificial noisemakers, signs or flags may be brought into Kyle Field.

Pets are not allowed other than service animals.

Ice chests, outside foods, strollers, and umbrellas are not allowed.

30 min - Corps of Cadets March-In

The Corps will march into Kyle Field.

22 min - Spirit of Aggieland

Join in the camaraderie in Kyle Field and sing the Spirit of Aggieland. Also, fans will get to enjoy stadium wide Wi-Fi that can support up to 100,000 connections.

12 min - National Anthem

Please stand and be respectful.

Tailgating is a Time-Honored Tradition. Source: Texas A&M University

GAME TIME!

Join in the celebration after an Aggie victory with the traditional Victory Yell when fans gather at Fish Pond and watch the Corps toss the Yell Leaders into the pond.

Tailgating Tips

One of the most enjoyed Aggie game day traditions is tailgating! This is a time when Aggies from all over join in the pregame merriment with friends and families to get ready to cheer their Ags on. However, even though tailgating is encouraged, it is important to remember some tailgating rules.

Make sure your tailgating spot is within the reserved and designated tailgating areas. Make sure you have not chosen a pre-reserved area, such as an organization or university department’s area.

Claiming tailgating areas prior to noon on “set-up day” (the day immediately preceding a NCAA-recognized campus sporting event) is prohibited.

No overnight occupancy is allowed. Tailgating sites must be vacated by midnight on “set-up day.” Sites re-open at 7:00am game day, and must be vacated by midnight.

Tents or canopies must be secured and are not allowed to utilize stakes that penetrate the ground more than 12 inches.

All BBQ grills should be attended at all times, and all trash must be thrown away.

For a list of complete rules, refer to the Texas A&M Fan Guide orgameday.12thman.com/tailgate.html.