Bryan College Station CVB 2011 Visitor Planning Guide : Page 5
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 fi red up by “yell leaders.” Join in with the crowd-revving “Whoop!” Goosebumps guaranteed! The Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band-the world’s largest military marching band-was formed in 1894, in honor of the fi rst Aggie football game. To learn more about Aggie sports traditions and championships, visit the Texas A&M Athletic Sports Museum. 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. Students’ burning desire to defeat the University of Texas in the annual football game was demonstrated with a massive bonfi re year after year, a proud tradition since 1909. Tragically, 12 A&M students lost their lives when the bonfi re collapsed in 1999. The Bonfi re Memorial, a moving tribute to the 12 deceased students, was constructed on the exact location of the 1999 bonfi re, on the university’s polo fi elds. 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. Northgate is the nightlife hot spot. Night owls fi nd 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 fi lled with so many bottle caps, you can’t see the ground. Go ahead–you know you want to! Toss that bottle cap! 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 fi ne-but leave your orange duds at home! 800.777.8292 5
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