Bryan College Station CVB 2011 Visitor Planning Guide : Page 4
How Do You Spell Welcome? H−O−W−D−Y! ore than a greeting, “Howdy” is a spirit-you can feel it as you walk the campus of renowned Texas A&M University. Students and alumni are eager to share the rich history and traditions of their beloved university with you. By the end of your stay, you’ll feel like an honorary Aggie! Start your visit at the Appelt Aggieland Visitors Center, and take behind-the-scenes walking tours. Allow time to watch the heart-stirring videos. Time spent here puts you “in-the-know” on Aggie culture. Now, some background on A&M lore… In 1922, the Aggies suffered an injury-riddled football season. In a last-ditch effort against Centre College, Coach Dana X. Bible called down spectator E. King Gill, a former player, to suit up and stand at the ready in case the team needed him. The Aggies won the game! Gill’s willingness to act as the “12 th Man” became a guiding principle in the Aggie character. The entire A&M student body now acts as the 12th Man and remains standing during the entire game, prepared to go in if the team needs them. Fans proudly wear Number 12 jerseys in honor of this tradition. 4 www.visitaggieland.com
Texas A&M Traditions
More than a greeting, “Howdy” is a spirit- you can feel it as you walk the campus of renowned Texas A&M University. Students and alumni are eager to share the rich history and traditions of their beloved university with you. By the end of your stay, you’ll feel like an honorary Aggie!<br /> <br /> Start your visit at the Appelt Aggieland Visitors Center, and take behind-the-scenes walking tours. Allow time to watch the heart-stirring videos. Time spent here puts you “in-the-know” on Aggie culture.<br /> <br /> Now, some background on A&M lore… <br /> <br /> In 1922, the Aggies suffered an injury-riddled football season. In a last-ditch effort against Centre College, Coach Dana X. Bible called down spectator E. King Gill, a former player, to suit up and stand at the ready in case the team needed him. The Aggies won the game! Gill’s willingness to act as the “12th Man” became a guiding principle in the Aggie character. The entire A&M student body now acts as the 12th Man and remains standing during the entire game, prepared to go in if the team needs them. Fans proudly wear Number 12 jerseys in honor of this tradition.<br /> <br /> A football game at Kyle Field is a must-see. The roar of 87,000+ standing fans chanting in unison is an earthshaking experience. Rather than traditional cheerleaders, Aggies are fired up by “yell leaders.” Join in with the crowd-revving “Whoop!” Goosebumps guaranteed!<br /> <br /> The Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band- the world’s largest military marching band- was formed in 1894, in honor of the first Aggie football game. To learn more about Aggie sports traditions and championships, visit the Texas A&M Athletic Sports Museum.<br /> <br /> Aggie Ring Day in September, November and April packs an emotional wallop. Students are eligible for the deeply symbolic ring after contributing many hours of community service and earning a qualifying GPA. The ring presentation ceremony is among the most glorious moments in a student’s life. The mood is electric- don’t miss it.<br /> <br /> Students’ burning desire to defeat the University of Texas in the annual football game was demonstrated with a massive bonfire year after year, a proud tradition since 1909. Tragically, 12 A&M students lost their lives when the bonfire collapsed in 1999. The Bonfire Memorial, a moving tribute to the 12 deceased students, was constructed on the exact location of the 1999 bonfire, on the university’s polo fields.<br /> <br /> Take a break and eat at an Aggie favorite, the Dixie Chicken, a restaurant/bar on the north side of the campus. Stop in, say “Howdy!” and enjoy a great meal.<br /> <br /> Northgate is the nightlife hot spot. Night owls find a friendly scene with plenty of live music, dancing, and karaoke. Also don’t miss Bottle Cap Alley. This affectionately notorious alleyway between the Dixie Chicken and the Dry Bean Saloon is filled with so many bottle caps, you can’t see the ground. Go ahead–you know you want to! Toss that bottle cap!<br /> <br /> Notice anything quirky here in College Station? (Hint: Maroon!) A city ordinance states that any chain whose main colors include orange must add maroon on its building. Orange is synonymous with the University of Texas, the Aggies’ biggest rivals. Cases in point: Home Depot’s maroon awnings and What-a-Burger’s maroon stripes. Come to town sporting maroon and you’ll be just fine- but leave your orange duds at home!
Publication List
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