Kyle Field Renovation to Debut at Texas A&M

COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Phase II of the $485 million construction project at Texas A&M University’s Kyle Field should be completed in time for this year’s Sept. 12 home opener. The facility redevelopment is the largest in collegiate history.

Texas A&M Chancellor John Sharp said in a press conference on Aug. 10 that the project is ahead of schedule and on budget. Crews finished installing the grass and drainage system, which will be able to drain 10 to 12 inches of rain per hour, and restrooms and concession stands have already been completed. Carpet, decorative lights and seats are currently being installed. Level 200 of the field is almost finished, while levels 300 through 500 should be done by Sept. 1. The project is slated for total completion on Sept. 5; however, the Aggies football team will have its first practice in the renovated space Aug. 22.

Kansas City, Mo.-based Populous served as the architect, and a joint venture of Vaughn Construction, headquartered in Houston, and Tulsa, Okla.-headquartered Manhattan Construction Company led construction on the redevelopment. While other construction proposals said it would take three years to complete, Manhattan Construction is finishing the project in just two years, reported KAGS News.

Phase II work includes a complete renovation of the west side of the stadium as well as a relocation of the press box to the east side. Other features of the overall stadium project include a brick, glass and limestone façade; two large canopies on the east and west sidelines to provide shade for fans and amplify noise; the 30,000-square-foot Hall of Champions; and numerous plazas and gathering spaces for fans. The renovated facility’s new capacity will be 102,512, compared to the previous capacity of 82,600.

With expanded seating options, the stadium underwent a complete reseating. Approximately 120 suites, a 3,900-seat field box including a private club, and three different types of loge seating were added. Funding for the project came from annual seat licenses, Kyle Field Campaign donations, Texas A&M students and local government agencies.