Texas A&M University, Bright Football Complex and Academic Center

College Station, Texas

Firm

O’Connell Robertson

Client

Texas A&M University

Area

125,000 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$20,000,000

Completion Date

11/2003

Texas A&M University challenged the design team to design a football complex and academic center that would help “build champions,” not just players. The new facility was designed to make a commitment to the game as well as the quality of education of all student athletes. The football program area is about 95,000 square feet, including a training area, 130-player locker room, players’ lounge, more than 10 meeting rooms, storage, physical training/rehab, display areas and offices.
The 35,000-square-foot academic center is the nation’s largest student athlete education center. The academic center includes classrooms, computer labs and study rooms for groups of two to 200. It has a separate entrance to welcome all student athletes, who often have later hours of study. The football complex required separation from all other areas during special events and game days. A shared 200-seat auditorium also is included.
The building was designed at the south end zone of Kyle Field Stadium, adjacent to other athletic areas and fields, to provide physical training and academic support to all athletes. The second-floor roof terrace, an ideal spot for pre-or post-game festivities, was designed to tie into the second deck concourse of the future stadium expansion. The space between the first and second floor is used for equipment. The curved metal roof and arched windows are reminiscent of the original 1920s design of Kyle Field.