Texas A&M wants to hear from you

#1

Freak

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#1
As you are all aware Texas A&M is joining the SEC on July 1. I was asked by Texas A&M university to introduce themselves and more importantly let them get to know University of Tennessee fans in terms of game day traditions, places to eat while in Knoxville, etc. I need you guys help in providing info and feedback to their fans. You’ll also get to learn a little bit about the Aggies too..


Here's a snapshot of Texas A&M:

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


There are a few questions listed below that they’d like us to answer so they can take that info back to educate their fan base about us.

- What are the best restaurants and attractions to visit when the Aggies are in Knoxville?
- What are some of your game day traditions?
- Who are your most famous/notable alumni?
- What is the University of Tennessee most known for?
- What’s the most important thing you think Aggie fans need to know about the University of Tennessee?


Here are a few of Texas A&M’s Traditions Explained:

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+. When the crowd sings the ‘Aggie War Hymn’ they “saw” back and forth which actually moves the stadium from side to side.

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The 12th Man This term refers to the entire student body. 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.

Howdy “Howdy” is the official greeting of Texas A&M. Students greeting one another, and especially visitors, with a “howdy” has earned the university a reputation as one of the friendliest campuses in the world.

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 their peers 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 days’ 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’s 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. Click here for a half time clip ('Aggie War Hymn' starts at 6 minute mark)

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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.

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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 Vol fans well as we welcome Texas A&M University as the 13th member of the SEC!
 
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#4
#4
Welcome to the SEC and good luck in the years to come. Can't wait to plan my trip to Kyle field to see the "the 12th man".
 
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#5
#5
Our greatest tradition that will help you know who we are? 3 words.

Remember the Alamo
 
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#6
#6
Welcome to the SEC!

I have to to say that I respect the A&M traditions of STANDING the whole game, and YELLING. It's something that seems to have been lost over the years of multiple generations of Volunteers.

Hopefully Aggie fans will experience the same hospitality from UT fans that they show other schools. I like to think we're pretty inclusive (unless, of course, you're from Gainesville, Tuscaloosa, or Athens).
 
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#7
#7
Honestly, I am not too sure about the SEC's additions. I remain a bit skeptical :question:. I feel like our conference and fraternity has been watered down. However, I have no choice in the matter and will have to get used to it. Welcome :hi:.
 
#8
#8
Additionally, we are a PASSIONATE fanbase and full of pride. You'll see that in its own right at some point.
 
#9
#9
The most exciting thing IMO is to visit the Home Of The 12th Man and to welcome yall to Rocky Top. I am proud of our stadium and proud of our fanbase when it comes to having kind words for the opposing fans and clean comepetition from our players.
 
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#12
#12
As far as what we're most known for -

2 things I would say that are well known are the checkerboard end zones and the running through the T formed by the band as they play Rocky Top. Such a beautiful thing that gives me chills.
 
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#14
#14
And Thanks for the info freak i like learning about other schools' traditions. Sounds like A&M has a lot of tradition so they should fit right in. Welcome to the SEC! And thanks for knocking off K-State in 98.
 
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#17
#17
I'll take a pass at some answers...

- What are the best restaurants and attractions to visit when the Aggies are in Knoxville?
On Game Day I would recommend hitting the strip. It's The part of Cumberland Ave that is very close to UT Campus. Get a beer at every bar along the way or pick a bar that you can find seats.

- What are some of your game day traditions?
Personally, my last stop is Gus's Goodtime Deli

- What is the University of Tennessee most known for?
The oldest part of campus know as the Hill was once a Civil War fort.

- What’s the most important thing you think Aggie fans need to know about the University of Tennessee?
I would imagine our fans will be very welcoming to Aggie fans. We tend to welcome fans of teams with which we have no history, and there is no history of hate between our teams/fans...yet
 
#18
#18
If you're coming to a game in Neyland I would definitely recommend getting into the stadium early enough to see the band's pregame. Watching them open up the T and have the team run through is one of my favorite things.

Another unique thing to check out is the Vol Navy on the river. Many Vol fans travel to the game by boat and there are some really nice ones out there.
 
#19
#19
If you're coming to a game in Neyland I would definitely recommend getting into the stadium early enough to see the band's pregame. Watching them open up the T and have the team run through is one of my favorite things.

Another unique thing to check out is the Vol Navy on the river. Many Vol fans travel to the game by boat and there are some really nice ones out there.

Additionally, just checking out the 35K fans that show up for the Vol Walk is pretty crazy. I haven't ever seen that many fans show up for a walk at any other school (but then again, I've not been but to a handful of other SEC stadiums).
 
#21
#21
restaraunts: both of my favorites are in Fountain City of Knoxville. LOUIS' Italian (not your typical spaghetti has a bite to it) and if you just in mood for a burger. Let me rephrase a huge burger and delicious strawberry shortcake. LITTONS restaraunt which actually made Todd Blackledge taste of the town a few years back.
 
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#22
#22
Attractions. Sevierville for Great Smoky Mountains and if so hit White Lightning a moonshine store. We were famous for our moonshine. If you are making a camping trip of it hit Fall Creek Falls which is between Knoxville and Nashville. 2nd tallest waterfall in US I believe. We camp there every summer. They have all kinds of free activities as it is a state park including softball every night. Golf course is beautiful also. We always see a ton of deer and turkey. Leave your guns at home;-) .
 
#23
#23
After reading that I need to go to a home game at Kyle Field ASAP. It sounds like a great experience
 
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