Future of Kyle Field Up for Discussion

Reporter: Steve Fullhart courtesy of KBTX.com
Email Address: fullhart@kbtx.com

A six-month study will begin in the next few weeks that will help decide the future of renovations for Texas A&M's aging football home.
At a speech Wednesday at the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce's annual Economic Outlook Conference, A&M President R. Bowen Loftin said the study will look at a wide spectrum of options for Kyle Field, which has major sections that are 90 years old.

Loftin told the room of business leaders that key local stakeholders would be consulted as part of the study, this as fears mount in the business community that A&M football games would move to another city -- possibly Houston -- as Kyle gets a makeover.
The president said he is fully aware of the economic impact a season away from College Station would have on the local community, especially coming off a season with 87,000 packing Kyle on average and with a move to the Southeastern Conference starting next season.
After the study, Loftin said the university would make a "rational decision" about Kyle.
News 3 has learned that earlier this week, top A&M officials met with representatives of the Chamber, the Convention and Visitors Bureau and other local leaders to discuss Kyle's future.
Loftin did not address whether building a completely new stadium was a heavily-weighed option.
The total economic impact A&M had on the region was $3.76 billion in 2011, according to Loftin.
A&M Director of Athletics Bill Byrne will deliver the keynote address at the conference Wednesday afternoon and provide more details on the upcoming study.


A six-month study will begin in the next few weeks that will help decide the future of renovations for Texas A&M's aging football home.
At a speech Wednesday at the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce's annual Economic Outlook Conference, A&M President R. Bowen Loftin said the study will look at a wide spectrum of options for Kyle Field, which has major sections that are 90 years old.

Loftin told the room of business leaders that key local stakeholders would be consulted as part of the study, this as fears mount in the business community that A&M football games would move to another city -- possibly Houston -- as Kyle gets a makeover.
The president said he is fully aware of the economic impact a season away from College Station would have on the local community, especially coming off a season with 87,000 packing Kyle on average and with a move to the Southeastern Conference starting next season.
After the study, Loftin said the university would make a "rational decision" about Kyle.
News 3 has learned that earlier this week, top A&M officials met with representatives of the Chamber, the Convention and Visitors Bureau and other local leaders to discuss Kyle's future.
Loftin did not address whether building a completely new stadium was a heavily-weighed option.
The total economic impact A&M had on the region was $3.76 billion in 2011, according to Loftin.
A&M Director of Athletics Bill Byrne will deliver the keynote address at the conference Wednesday afternoon and provide more details on the upcoming study.