The Texas A&M system board of regents on Wednesday approved one of the largest college football stadium redevelopments in history when they decided to spend $450 million to expand the capacity of Kyle Field to 102,500.
The expansion and renovation of Kyle Field will start immediately following the 2013 football season and is scheduled to be completed in time for the 2015 season, according to a press release issued by university officials.
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The Aggies will continue to play at the historic stadium, which dates back to 1927 and has a current capacity of 82,589 during the construction process.
The expanded stadium will be the largest in the SEC.
"Today, we celebrate Texas A&M and our many partners coming together to make history," said John Sharp, chancellor of the Texas A&M University System. "We have committed to making Kyle Field the premier college football stadium in the country, as well as an incredible facility to showcase our flagship university, our unique traditions and the incomparable spirit of the 12th Man. This stadium will reflect the dominant prestige and power of Texas A&M University."
According to the university statement, a new façade will envelope the stadium with new exterior plaza/mall areas that will enhance tailgating and stadium access and demonstrate Texas A&M's core values and significant moments in Aggie football history.
Inside the stadium there will be increased chair-back seating and additional suites, loge boxes and premium seating with club areas.
Other amenities will include the latest game-day technology, wide concourses, additional restrooms and enhanced concessions areas.
The construction will be done in three phases starting with Phase 1 in November 2013, which will include the demolition of the first deck on the east side of the stadium, re-construction of the first deck, and construction of the south end zone.
Phase 2 will begin in November of 2014 and will include the demolition of the entire west side of the stadium, complete construction of the south endzone, and re-construction of the west side leading up to the grand opening in August of 2015.