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Game day at Texas A&M University is a unique and exciting experience not only for our students, but also for our Aggie parents and family members. Planning your trip to Kyle Field can be a bit overwhelming, so here are 12 tips from our Aggie Parents & Family Advisory Council members to help you get the most out of your visit:

1. Attend Midnight Yell

   The tradition of Midnight Yell officially began in 1931, and the festivities start at, you guessed it, midnight. The night before every home game, tens of thousands of Aggies head to Kyle Field to hear the Aggie Band, participate in yells, and listen to the Yell Leaders tell fables about that week’s opponent. It’s free to attend and open to the public. And don’t be afraid to hump it, saw ‘em off, and whoop with the crowd (ask your student if those terms are foreign to you)!

2. Get there early

   In Aggieland, there is much more to experience on game day than just the football game. Many of our council members suggest arriving on campus a few hours before kickoff to take in all the pregame activities and atmosphere, including Team Spirit Walk, the Corps of Cadets march-in led by the Aggie Band, tailgating, and the Memorial Student Center. Plan to enter Kyle Field at least 30 minutes before game time so you don’t miss Spirit of Aggieland, the flyover, and the team entrance.

3. Plan ahead for parking

   To avoid traffic, take one of the free shuttles, ride the campus buses, or use a rideshare service such as Uber or Lyft. If your student has a campus parking permit, you can carpool and park in their lot (if not reserved for football parking) or an “any valid permit” lot. Paid parking is available on game day for cash only, but a limited number of spots can also be reserved in advance. For more information on game day transportation and parking, download the Destination Aggieland app.

4. Dress for game day

   The weather in College Station can be unpredictable, so keep an eye on the forecast in the days and even hours leading up to the game and dress accordingly. If rain is in the forecast, bring a poncho or raincoat as umbrellas are not allowed inside Kyle Field. You’ll be doing a lot of walking so comfortable shoes are a must, and hats and sunglasses are also highly recommended.

5. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

   If you follow tip #2, you’ll be outside for the better part of 7-8 hours. With all the walking, yelling, and towel waving, you’ll need to drink plenty of water to avoid passing out. Start hydrating the day before, and bring a sealed bottle of water (up to a gallon) to take into the stadium. Bonus tip: You can freeze your water bottle overnight so you’ll have ice cold water to drink on game day. If you forget or run out, you can buy water in the Memorial Student Center or at the concession stands in Kyle Field.

6. Bring a clear bag

   If you’re planning to bring a bag into Kyle Field to carry things such as sunscreen, a wallet, or a 12th Man towel, be sure it’s clear and no larger than 12” wide or tall per the clear bag policy. The only non-clear bags permitted are small clutch bags the size of a hand.

7. Communicate post-game plans

   If you’re not sitting with your student in Kyle Field and want to meet up with them after the game, communicate your plan before arriving on campus. With such a large number of people in one location, cell service can be slow in the hour or two after the game is over, making it difficult to coordinate.

8. Choose your entrance wisely

   Escalators that provide access to the upper levels are available at the northeast and northwest entrances of the stadium. If you enter through the north, southeast or southwest entrances, you’ll have to use the ramps. Premium seating areas have escalators available to ticket holders in those sections only.

9. Keep it cool

   You can cool down before or after the game in the Memorial Student Center and grab a bite to eat or shop in the bookstore for Aggie gear and gifts. During the game, find one of the designated Cool Zones in Kyle Field.

10. Don’t leave at halftime

    While fans at many stadiums may flood the concession stands and bathrooms at the start of halftime, Aggie fans stay to stand and watch the Aggie Band perform. They never lose a halftime, so don’t miss it!

11. Stay till the end

    Aggies never quit, and we never leave a game early. If the team runs out of time (we don’t say lose), you’ll get to sing the Spirit of Aggieland. If we win, you can join the 12th Man in singing the Aggie War Hymn and then watching the freshmen cadets tackle the Yell Leaders and carry them to Fish Pond for Victory Yell.

12. Be patient

    With more than 100,000 fans in College Station for each game, you’re bound to face crowds and delays. Be aware of post-game traffic routes and road closures that may impact your plans. Expect traffic and long lines at restaurants both before and after the game. Some restaurants take reservations ahead of time or allow you to call ahead to get on the waiting list, which can save you some time. Most importantly, try not to rush through the day; you’ll enjoy yourself more if you slow down and soak in the experience.

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