Aggies’ plans for Kyle Field taking shape

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COLLEGE STATION – When Richard Box helped celebrate the Aggies' stunning first sprint through the Southeastern Conference this season, Texas A&M's regents chairman told a crowd of thousands on campus two weeks ago, "I've been made a true believer – and I believe it's only going to get better."

A big chunk of that betterment – in addition to the Aggies finishing the regular season 10-2 and quarterback Johnny Manziel winning the Heisman Trophy – is taking shape concerning the $425 million planned redevelopment of Kyle Field.

"Our goal is to build the best stadium there is for the fewest amount of dollars, and so far we're on track for both," A&M chancellor John Sharp said Wednesday.

The Aggies recently announced Manhattan-Vaughn as their construction partner – a combination of Manhattan Construction Group and Vaughn Construction. Manhattan's resume includes Houston's Reliant Stadium and Arlington's Cowboys Stadium. Vaughn owns a long history with A&M, with recent undertakings including the Mitchell Physics Building and the Memorial Student Center.

"They're obviously well-qualified," Sharp said of Manhattan-Vaughn, now set to begin working with architect Populous on a conclusive blueprint.

A&M had hoped to make a recommendation on a final plan to its regents this past fall, but that has been pushed back to later this winter or spring. The project itself, however, is still on schedule to begin in earnest following the 2013 season, and ideally be completed in time for the 2016 season.

Some older buildings close to Kyle – including G. Rollie White Coliseum – are scheduled for demolition this summer. What's clear, too, based on the request for proposal (RFP), is A&M, home to about 50,000 students, does not intend to play its home games away from College Station for a season or two, and the seating capacity likely will be more than 100,000.

A&M plans to pay for the renovation through donations to the 12th Man Foundation. A&M plans to pay for the renovation through donations to the 12th Man Foundation. Photo: Smiley N. Pool, Houston Chronicle Photo: Smiley N. Pool, Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 3 Caption Close Aggies’ plans for Kyle Field taking shape 1 / 3 Back to Gallery

Sharp declined to discuss specifics on those two items, however, in deferring to a recommendation on the final plan from A&M president R. Bowen Loftin, and regents approval. The rebuild includes a demolition of the west side stands, the east side lower stands and the addition of a south side upper deck, in addition to plenty of state-of-the-art amenities and a grand façade.

A&M, which plans to pay for the renovation through donations to the 12th Man Foundation and bonds paid for by future stadium revenue, also intends to capitalize on the Aggies' recent on-field success – and growth.

"When I graduated from A&M (in 1972) there were a total of 14,000 students," Sharp said. "This year we just graduated 12,000. I don't think we'll have any trouble with capacity, whatever is decided upon. And with the lowest interest rates we're ever going to see, it's a perfect time to build."

Meanwhile the Aggies will close out their season against 10-2 Oklahoma in the Cotton Bowl on Jan. 4 in one of Manhattan's projects – Cowboys Stadium.

bzwerneman@express-news.net

twitter: @brentzwerneman