2018 Texas A&M Football Game Day Enhancements & FAQs
As part of its continuing effort to provide the best college football game day experience in the country, Texas A&M Athletics has announced numerous enhancements to the game day experience at Kyle Field.
More than 20,000 Aggies were surveyed and a questionnaire was distributed to all season ticket holders, a random, representative group of student sports pass holders, high frequency single-game ticket buyers and some lapsed season ticket holders.
Respondents of the survey were 71% male and 29% female. The highest percentage of responders were over 50 years old, while over 15% were younger than 30. Analysis was segmented based on age so that the results could be accurately analyzed.
To keep the 12th Man informed on all pregame and in-game initiatives, fans are encouraged to review the information closely, as it could potentially impact the game day experience.
Thirty minutes prior to kick off, Kids Zone will close to the public and become attached through fencing to Kyle Field. Fans inside the stadium will then be able to access the Kids Zone through the bottom of the North East Activation Tower for their children to play during the game. Since Kids Zone will be connected through fencing to the stadium, fans re-enter back into Kyle Field without violating the SEC re-entry rule.
Recreational generators can now be utilized anywhere on campus, including Aggie Park. The noise level for a recreational generator should not exceed 80db.
The 12th Man Foundation, in coordination with the Athletics Department, created the Game Day Experience Task Force (GDETF) in 2017 as a multi-year initiative to evaluate every aspect of football game day and come up with recommendations for the Athletics Department. It's a huge undertaking, involving a lot of people, including many from our extended Aggie family – donors, fans, former students, University and Athletics Department staff, etc.
More than 20,000 Aggies were surveyed and a questionnaire was distributed to all season ticket holders, a random, representative group of student sports pass holders, high frequency single-game ticket buyers and some lapsed season ticket holders.
Respondents of the survey were 71% male and 29% female. The highest percentage of responders were over 50 years old, while over 15% were younger than 30. Analysis was segmented based on age so that the results could be accurately analyzed.
To keep the 12th Man informed on all pregame and in-game initiatives, fans are encouraged to review the information closely, as it could potentially impact the game day experience.
Gameday.12thMan.com / Countdown to Kickoff
2018 Game Day Enhancements
- Fans with a valid ticket are allowed to enter Kyle Field 90 minutes before kickoff.
- Live streaming of pregame events such as the Spirit Walk, Corps March and Step Off will be live streamed on Texas A&M Athletics social media channels on Facebook (www.facebook.com/AggieAthletics), Twitter (@12thMan) and Instagram stories @AggieFootball and @12thMan.
- Two Tailgate Towers, located on Level 7 in the northeast and northwest corners of Kyle Field, have been added, giving all ticket holders access to premium areas. The towers offer shade, games and access to exclusive food and beverage options including beer and wine. The cost to enter these areas is $5 per person (regardless of age) and availability is limited. Entrance is sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
- In addition to the two premium Tailgate Towers, a Pepsi Marketplace has been built on the southeast activation tower and outside vendors will continue to be offered.
- The Ford Hall of Champions, located inside entry 3 on the west side of Kyle Field, is open to all fans 3.5 hours prior to kickoff and features historical and interactive displays. The air-conditioned space will have an energetic and lively feel with live music, other college football games on multiple TVs and autograph signings for select games. The space features a concession stand that will serve beer and wine to anyone over the age of 21 with a valid ID. The Ford Hall of Champions will be cleared two hours before kickoff and reopen 90 minutes before kickoff as a ticketed entrance to the stadium.
- The Pepsi Fan Zone is located on the north side of Kyle Field and opens 3.5 hours prior to kickoff. It features food, fun and new this season, live music. Food trucks can be found the north side of the stadium with picnic tables and umbrellas available in the Pepsi picnic area.
- Additionally, families can enjoy the Kids Zone, which features 2-4 inflatables and face painters, on the east side of the stadium. Charging stations will be located in the Fan Zone to help keep your devices charged and ready to go on game day.
- Thirty minutes prior to kick off, Kids Zone will close to the public and become attached through fencing to Kyle Field. Fans inside the stadium will then be able to access the Kids Zone through the bottom of the North East Activation Tower for their children to play during the game. Since Kids Zone will be connected through fencing to the stadium, fans re-enter back into Kyle Field without violating the SEC re-entry rule.
- Both Reed Arena and Blue Bell Park will be open to tailgaters for restroom use. There will also be four nursing areas for mothers in first aid rooms in both venues.
- Recreational generators can now be utilized anywhere on campus, including Aggie Park. The noise level for a recreational generator should not exceed 80db.
- The Corps of Cadets will march in to the stadium on four occasions and outside the stadium three times.
- An anthem-type song will be utilized on a trial basis at the end of the first quarter.
- The “Home of the 12th Man” lettering will be backlit for greater effect at night.
- The singing of “The Spirit of Aggieland” will be moved closer to kick off to allow more fans in the stadium to experience it.
- While we strive to make Kyle Field the most intimidating atmosphere in college football, we must adhere to a Code of Conduct to ensure safety and sportsmanship. Four in-stadium guest services locations have been permanently placed throughout Kyle Field, allowing fans inside the stadium to address any needs. Fans can also conveniently report any issues or concerns by texting “AgAssist” to 99000.
FAQs
How can I stay up-to-date throughout the game day?
Fans are encouraged to visit www.12thManLive.com to stay up-to-date on all things happening throughout the day. The mobile-friendly site features live scoring, updated stats, scores from around the country, interactive polls and contests, as well as a suggestion box and live chat with stadium service and security staff.When will gates at Kyle Field open?
Fans with a valid ticket are allowed to enter Kyle Field 90 minutes before kickoff.How can I be a part of pregame events if I am unable to attend?
Live streaming of pregame events such as the Spirit Walk, Corps March and Step Off will be live streamed on Texas A&M Athletics social media channels on Facebook (www.facebook.com/AggieAthletics), Twitter and Instagram (@12thMan).Where can I go if I have an issue inside the stadium?
While we strive to make Kyle Field the most intimidating atmosphere in college football, we must adhere to a Code of Conduct to ensure safety and sportsmanship. Four in-stadium guest services locations are permanently placed throughout Kyle Field, allowing fans throughout the stadium to address any needs. Fans can also conveniently report any issues or concerns by texting “AgAssist” to 99000.Are there any new pre-game festivities this year?
The Ford Hall of Champions, located inside entry 3 on the west side of Kyle Field, is open to all fans 3.5 hours prior to kickoff and features historical and interactive displays. The air-conditioned space will have an energetic and lively feel with live music, other college football games on multiple TVs and autograph signings for select games. The space features a concession stand that will serve beer and wine to anyone over the age of 21 with a valid ID. The Ford Hall of Champions will be cleared two hours before kickoff and reopen 90 minutes before kickoff as a ticketed entrance to the stadium.What can I expect at the Pepsi Fan Zone?
The Pepsi Fan Zone is located on the north side of Kyle Field and opens 3.5 hours prior to kickoff. It features food, fun and new this season, live music. Food trucks can be found the north side of the stadium with picnic tables and umbrellas available in the Pepsi picnic area. Additionally, families can enjoy the Kids Zone, which features 2-4 inflatables and face painters, on the east side of the stadium. Charging stations will be located in the Fan Zone to help keep your devices charged and ready to go on game day.Thirty minutes prior to kick off, Kids Zone will close to the public and become attached through fencing to Kyle Field. Fans inside the stadium will then be able to access the Kids Zone through the bottom of the North East Activation Tower for their children to play during the game. Since Kids Zone will be connected through fencing to the stadium, fans re-enter back into Kyle Field without violating the SEC re-entry rule.
Have there been any upgrades to tailgating?
Both Reed Arena and Blue Bell Park will be open to tailgaters for restroom use. There will also be four nursing areas for mothers in first aid rooms in both venues.Recreational generators can now be utilized anywhere on campus, including Aggie Park. The noise level for a recreational generator should not exceed 80db.
About the Game Day Experience Task Force
The 12th Man Foundation, in coordination with the Athletics Department, created the Game Day Experience Task Force (GDETF) in 2017 as a multi-year initiative to evaluate every aspect of football game day and come up with recommendations for the Athletics Department. It's a huge undertaking, involving a lot of people, including many from our extended Aggie family – donors, fans, former students, University and Athletics Department staff, etc.Task Force Goals
- To create the best Football Game Day Experience in college football.
- To create the most intimidating environment of any stadium in college football.
- To maintain and amplify Texas A&M's existing game day traditions.
- To enhance the game day experience by incorporating new initiatives to maintain a high-energy atmosphere in Kyle Field from the moments leading up to kickoff through to the game's conclusion.
- We want to not only find what is working well, but what areas could use improvement and what that improvement might be.
