Alligator Alley

As the Gators head to Aggieland this week, I was asked by Texas A&M University to introduce them, share gameday related information, and most importantly let them get to know Gator fans’ gameday traditions. I need your help in providing info and feedback to their fans on what to expect from us this week. You’ll also get to learn a little bit about the Aggies too...

- What are some of the Gators’ gameday traditions?
- How can Texas A&M University make you feel most welcome on your first visit to Aggieland?
- What is your favorite part about visiting other SEC schools?
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Tailgating: If you're coming to the game this weekend and are still in need of a full-service, reserved, on campus tailgate, please visit tailgateguystamu.com for more information. There are only a few spots left, so please inquire soon if you're interested.

Visit Gameday Central for information on parking, maps, tailgating:[/b] aggieathletics.com/gameday and for a full list of gameday activities and timeline, visit:http://www.aggieathletics.com/ViewArticle.dbml?&&DB_OEM_ID=27300&ATCLID=205238042

Texas A&M University would like to invite all of our Gator fan visitors to First Yell this Friday night. The current and former Yell Leaders are hosting First Yell 2012: Texas Music – Aggie Style at Kyle Field before the traditional Midnight Yell. First Yell 2012 features Texas Country artists who are also Aggies; Robert Earl Keen, Rick Trevino, and Granger Smith performing live at Kyle Field on Friday, September 8pm. For ticket information, visit www.12thmanfoundation.com or call (888) 99-AGGIE.

For additional gameday and tailgating information visit http://tailgating.tamu.edu/

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Here's a snapshot of Texas A&M and a few of their Traditions explained:

Location: College Station, Texas (about 90 miles northwest of Houston)
Colors: Maroon & White
Nickname: Aggies
Founded: 1876 (first public university in Texas)
Enrollment: 49,861 Students
Academic Ranking: 19th in the nation among public universities (U.S. News & World Report, 2011)
Memberships Association of American Universities, Association of Public and Land-grant Universities
Research: Valued at nearly $700 million annually
Designations: Land, sea, and space grant
Alumni: More than 360,000 former students worldwide (Aggie graduates are referred to as former students because the term “alumni” implies that grads are “ex-Aggies.” But once an Aggie, always an Aggie.)

Academic Collaborations: Did you know that the University of Florida and Texas A&M have teamed up to improve road safety with the development of a roadside barrier that would protect both road construction workers and motorists? Read more about our joint efforts here:http://tx.ag/vel3hp

Kyle Field
Texas A&M’s football stadium opened in 1927 on a plot of land purchased by Professor of Horticulture E.J. Kyle. Today, the stadium boasts a seating capacity of 83,000+, but crowds typically average around 87,000. When the crowd sings the ‘Aggie War Hymn’ they “saw” back and forth which, actually moves the stadium from side to side.

The 12th Man
This term refers to the entire student body at football games, which stand 31,000 strong and make up the majority of the stadium’s east side. After several injuries during a football game in 1922, the Aggies were down to just 11 players. Student E. King Gill came from the stands, suited up and stood ready to go on the field if needed. The spirit of this “Twelfth Man” continues, as current students stand during the entire game to support their team. Texas A&M takes the 12th Man so seriously that the term is a protected trademark of the university.

Yell Leaders
Aggies don’t cheer, they yell! Look for Aggie Yell Leaders in front of the student section at athletics events, wearing all white and encouraging fans to show their Aggie Spirit. Listen for the A&M student body doing different Yells during any A&M sporting event.

Midnight Yell
A&M’s version of a 25,000 person pep rally. At midnight the night before each home game, Aggie fans gather at Kyle Field and Yell Leaders get the crowd pumped and ready to support the Aggies in the next day’s contest.

Gig ’em
Aggies will often flash a thumbs up and say “gig ’em.” This started at a yell practice before the 1930 TCU football game, when Aggie Pinky Downs shouted, “What are we gonna do to those Horned Frogs?” He then gave the crowd a thumbs-up yelling the answer, “Gig ’em, Aggies!” A “gig” is a sharp-pronged tool used for hunting frogs.

Corps of Cadets
Texas A&M began as an all-male military institution. While today membership is voluntary, the Corps of Cadets’ makes up about 4% of the total student body at A&M — both male and female — and is the largest uniformed body of students outside the U.S. military academies.

Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band
The nationally acclaimed Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band, which is comprised of members of the Corps of Cadets, is known for its military precision and style. [url=http://goo.gl/M9Je7]Click here for a half time clip[/url] (the Aggie War Hymn starts at 6 minute mark)

Reveille
The official mascot of Texas A&M. Reveille first came to campus in 1931, after a group of cadets found a stray dog on the road. “Miss Rev,” as cadets address her, can be seen around campus, in class or attending a number of events.

We’re working with Texas A&M University on this program in an official capacity. Remember that your replies to this thread will be read by fans at Texas A&M, and officials at the University. Let’s represent Gator fans well as we head into our first conference match up this weekend!

- 247Sports and GatorBait Staff