THREE-DAY CELEBRATION OF KYLE FIELD REOPENING INCLUDES FIREWORKS, MUSIC, AND STADIUM TOURS

COLLEGE STATION, August 14, 2015 -- An extended celebration of the grand reopening of Kyle Field is set to kick off Friday, September 11, the day before the Aggies’ first home football game this season, and continue through the weekend -- complete with fireworks, what is billed as the "world’s largest tailgate," a free concert, and tours of the 102,512-seat stadium.

"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," said Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp in announcing the three-day series of events. "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."

He said Kyle Field will be the largest collegiate football stadium in Texas and one of the largest in the nation, and unrivaled in amenities. "I can’t wait to hear the reactions from every single fan after opening day," he added. "More restrooms, better cell phone coverage, terrific food – we hope everyone finds the game day experience even better than ever."

The free concert, beginning at noon Saturday on Simpson Drill Field, will feature performances by Grammy-nominated Texas country singer Pat Green and the Grammy-nominated rock band Relient K.

"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," said Texas A&M President Michael K. Young. "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."

The three-day celebration will begin at 2:30 p.m. Friday with re-dedication of the relocated statue of the late John David Crow, Texas A&M’s first Heisman Trophy winner. The huge bronze statue was originally placed in front of the Bright Football Complex, but has been moved to a prominent location outside the new west stands of the stadium so that it can be readily viewed by more fans and other campus visitors.

That ceremony will be followed at 3 p.m. with the unveiling of the Core Values monument, which is also located outside the west stands. 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.

The celebration continues that night with a fireworks show in conjunction with Yell Practice.

Aggie fans and supporters everywhere are encouraged to join in the festivities and longstanding tailgating tradition by bringing food, tents, tables, barbecue pits and grills to the Texas A&M campus to help create the "world’s largest tailgate" before the Aggies take on Ball State at 6 p.m.

An open house and free tours of the West Side of Kyle Field will be conducted Sunday, September 13, beginning at 2 p.m.

"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," Chancellor Sharp stated.

Kyle Field Celebration Schedule of Events

Time	Event	Location
Friday, September 11
3:00 p.m.	Statue Rededication/Unveiling	Kyle Field, West Side
10:30 p.m.	Gates open for Yell Practice	Kyle Field, East Side
Midnight	Yell Practice	Kyle Field, East Side
Saturday, September 12
7:00 a.m.	Tailgating	Various Campus Locations
Noon	Music played by Disc Jockey begins	Simpson Drill Field
1:15 p.m.	Performance by Grammy-nominated band Relient K	Simpson Drill Field
2:45 p.m.	Performance by Grammy-nominated Texas country singer Pat Green	Simpson Drill Field
3:30 p.m.	Kid’s Yell Practice	The Association of Former Students
3:45 p.m.	Spirit Walk
4:00 p.m.	Gates open at Kyle Field
4:30 p.m.	Corps Step-off
6:00 p.m.	Kick-off against Ball State
Sunday, September 13
2 - 5 p.m.	Kyle Field Open House: Free admission to the West Side of Kyle Field - tour the Hall of Champions and All American Club and view the field from the West Side