COLLEGE STATION, Texas -- Phase 2 of construction at Kyle Field is nearing completion, and officials are positive it will be ready for the first game.
Texas A&M Chancellor John Sharp said Monday during a press conference the project is ahead of schedule and on budget. Crews have finished installing the grass and drainage system on the field--the system will be able to drain 10-12 inches of rain per hour. Restrooms and concession stands have also been installed.
Crews continue to work on putting in carpet, decorative lights and seats. Level 200 is expected to be completed within the next week, while levels 300-500 should be done by the first of September.
"My confidence comes from the team," said Vice Chancellor Phillip Ray. "What I see in our weekly meetings--our daily interact with them--what they're doing and the degree of detail that these professionals go about their business (is impressive)."
Ray said Sharp deserves credit on the final design of Kyle Field, which will hold 102,512 people.
A total of 1,200 men and women have been working seven days a week on the $485 million project since 2013.
Photos: "I really think the Aggies are going to be excited," said Craig Kaufman, the senior architect on the project from Populous. "They're going to know that this is the top of the line--the best that they can ever expect--and they're going to love it. They're going to love watching you all beat the hell out of whoever you happen to be playing."
When the university first started looking at construction proposals for the field, many firms told officials that the project would take three years to complete. Manhattan Construction is doing it in just two years, with work expected to be completed on Sept. 5.
The Aggies first practice in the renovated space will be on Aug. 22.
