Kyle Field – stadium description

In early 20th century the Texas Agricultural and Mechanical University wasn’t even contemplating building a stadium of their own. But horticulture professor Edwin Jackson Kyle stood against that policy and used some of his farming areas to create a football field. He bought a covered grandstand with his own funds ($650) and ordered some wooden bleachers to be added. The University accepted his “guerrilla” move and later on the stadium was named after Kyle.

What may be considered as the actual beginning of today’s stadium was the construction of the western terrace in 1927, later accompanied by northern curve and east stands in 1929. The investment was prompted by very good progress by Aggies. The local team already had one season without a lost point (!) in 1919. With these investments it was 33,000 in terms of capacity, including a running track that was used until 1999.

During the years 1953-1980 second and third decks were added on both west and east sides, defining the stadium’s shape for years. Last major change in the former century came in 1999, when the running track was removed and new north end was built, matching the sides in terms of height. Capacity was already 82,300 then despite the south end being almost empty (only temporary bleachers)!

The 21st century began without further changes, but by 2013 the University approved the grandest project in Kyle Field’s history. Initially estimated at $450 million, the project eventually proved more expensive, but was either way the largest pursued by the Texas A&M.

As part of the changes the east stand’s lower deck was redone, partial roof added and brand new south end was built in 2014. Once this phase was done, the west side was torn down to the ground and rebuilt. All these works were accompanied by massive expansions of corporate facilities and infrastructure, together enveloped with elegant brick façade.

While already at nearly 103,000, the stadium still has room to grow to over 110,000 in the future. In fact, first game with such attendance was already held here in October 2014!