With the A&M football team’s home opener only 28 days away, A&M officials announced a full schedule of events for the weekend surrounding the first game in the fully renovated Kyle Field Friday. According to a release, special events include fireworks, what is billed as the “world’s largest tailgate,” a free concert and tours of the 102,512-seat stadium.
The three-day schedule of events runs Friday through Sunday, surrounding the Aggies’ contest against the Ball State Cardinals, which kicks off at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12.
The festivities begin Friday afternoon at 2:30 with a rededication of the statue of the late John David Crow, A&M’s first Heisman Trophy winner. The statue, which was previously located at the Bright Football Complex, will now sit outside the west side of Kyle Field.
The unveiling of the new Core Values monument, also located on the west side of Kyle Field, immediately follows at 3:00. According to a release about the events, the monument “calls special attention to the longstanding core values that make Texas A&M and its students unique: loyalty, integrity, excellence, leadership, respect and selfless service.” Later that evening, a fireworks display will provide an extra effect to the traditional Midnight Yell.
The free concert will begin at noon on Saturday, and feature Grammy-nominated artists Pat Green and Reliant K bringing their talents to Simpson Drill Field.
After the game, fans are encouraged to stick around for a free open house with tours of the west side of Kyle Field, which runs from 2-5:00 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13.
Texas A&M System Chancellor John Sharp said these events help demonstrate what message the renovation of Kyle Field was intended to spread.
“For all Aggies – past, present, and future – Kyle Field embodies our culture, our traditions, and our core values, and that is what we will be celebrating,” Sharp said. “To the rest of the world, Kyle Field projects a message not just about football, but about the overall excellence of our great university. Kyle Field is ‘home’ to generations of Aggies and to the Spirit of Aggieland, and it always will be.”
A&M President Michael K. Young said he is excited about finally seeing the finished product following the $450 million renovation.
“Aggies have always been proud of Kyle Field and the many traditions that unfold there, but this amazing facility will shine an even brighter spotlight on the 12th Man, the athletic program and our great university,” Young said. “My wife, Marti, and I are very excited about attending our first Aggie home football game in what will unquestionably be the nation’s very best collegiate sporting venue.”
Sharp said he knows the first weekend in New Kyle Field will be a memorable one for all that attend.
“I can’t wait to hear the reactions from every single fan after opening day,” Sharp said. “More restrooms, better cell phone coverage, terrific food – we hope everyone finds the game day experience even better than ever. Aggies don’t need any added incentive to attend Midnight Yell Practice, but those who turn out to get ready for Ball State will have bragging rights for life, being able to say they were among the very first to view the newly enhanced Kyle Field.”
A&M kicks off the 2015 campaign a week prior to the events when they take on the Arizona State Sun Devils on Sept. 5 at 6:00 p.m. at Houston’s NRG Stadium.
