Texas A&M officials planning to build lake or large pond near Kyle Field

[TexasTowelie]

The $485 million Kyle Field renovation is almost complete, but Texas A&M University already has another project in the works: waterfront tailgating.

Phillip Ray, vice chancellor for business affairs for the A&M system, confirmed for The Eagle Monday that Chancellor John Sharp has been working with a small group of donors who are former students to develop a "significant" pond or small lake at Spence Park across from Kyle Field by 2016.

Ray said Sharp has been working with the group to enhance the tailgating experience and "improve on already the best gameday experience on Earth."

"Chancellor Sharp has directed us to explore all options that would enable us to develop the premier tailgating area in the Southeastern Conference and beyond," Ray said. "The Aggies are about to up the ante."

Read more: http://www.theeagle.com/news/local/texas-a-m-officials-planning-to-build-lake-or-large/article_652555ae-10ed-5547-8203-056351d3362b.html

[CurtEastPoint]

1. Nearly half a billion dollars for a stadium. Jesus.

[Paladin]

2. They'll re-name it for Rick Perry.

Then it'll really be special.....

[Ilsa]

4. You overestimate Aggies' affection

for Perry. I've read the comments by hard-core Ags on Tex-Ags, their forum. Quite a few have been angry and frustrated with Perry's messing with public higher education.

Besides, Kyle Field will always be Kyle Field. Names are not easily changed in a school that hangs on to traditions like Aggies do.

[Travis_0004]

3. Their football program makes about 30 million a year

A nice stadium helps to attract good players, and 20,000 more seats means more tickets sold.

Football revenue (and often basketball), are usually the only 2 programs that turn a profit, which then pays for all the other sports which loose money.