Texas A&M; Sports Museum

No school can match the athletic traditions of Texas A&M; University. The superior athletes together with the famous Aggie Spirit combine to tell a story that is one of the most exciting and compelling in the nation.

The tradition of the 12th Man, the excitement of Kyle Field, the revelry of the historic Aggie Bonfire, and the resounding yells of the student body will come to life in a sports museum unlike any other in the nation.

It is fitting, too, that the new museum is located in the Bernard C. Richar dson Zone at Kyle Field. The story of A&M;'s men's and women's varsity sports is presented using photos, film, artifacts and computer databases for interactive displays for all visitors to the campus to enjoy free of charge.

The Texas A&M; Sports Museum has the distinction of being the nation's only all-sports museum funded primarily by former athletes.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for all Lettermen to honor their teammates who deserve special recognition in a space such as the Sports Museum of Texas A&M; University," said Jim Singleton, Museum Committee Chairman.

Museum Areas

When visitors enter the "Zone" they will step into a large lobby area, shared by both the museum and the 12th Man Foundation, that will feature rotating exhibits focusing on sports at Texas A&M; University. From the lobby, visitors will enter the museum. First, they are greeted with the Spirit of Aggieland including a donor wall and introductory exhibits to the Sports Museum. Visitors will experience several different exhibits in the Museum including the Timewall, Legends Gallery, Sport-by-Sport Perimeter Displays, and Interactive Computers.

Timewall

The timewall occupies a corridor at the north end of the museum space. Black and white pictures of the earliest days of the university remind visitors of the founder's efforts while bright forms of life and color celebrate a prosperous present and foretell an unbridled future. Large panel size graphics are punctuated by significant artifacts and highlighted by a sequence of programmed light and audio.

Legends Gallery

The core of the exhibit is a gallery that celebrates and reinforces tradition and achievement which are also the core of the university itself. Concrete gray walls and columns create an arena for the display of the university's most treasured symbols of sports success in photographs and memorabilia that recall those uniquely gifted individuals who came before.

Perimeter Displays

The perimeter displays exhibit the different sports, as well as the Aggie Band, Yell Leaders, and each of the traditions that instill Aggie Spirit. These displays capture the spirit of sport and present the vitality of the on-going programs, teams and traditions of A&M; Athletics.

Computer Interactives

Database terminals and video interactives are positioned throughout the Museum. Visitors can peruse the photos of athletes or review famous films of great plays and memorable moments.

Donor Wall

The Sports Museum project was several years in the planning stages and is now a reality. The museum opened in August of 2001, in time for the first home football game in early September. The museum was built without the benefit of state or University money. The Lettermen's Association in cooperation with the 12th Man Foundation raised those funds.

Each sport has its own area which is named in honor of a team or letterwinner. Those interested in contributing to the sports museum sustaining fund are encouraged to contact the Lettermen's Association office at 1-800-310-3272 or the 12th Man Foundation at 979-846-8892. Current tax laws make the gift of appreciated stock very attractive.