Texas A&M Approves $205M in Athletic Facility Renovations

The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents approved several items last Thursday, including improvements to an aging academic building, personnel moves at some of the highest levels within System as well as adding a large project for student-athletes to the capital plan.

The largest capital project on the regents’ agenda is a plan to improve the Bright Complex at Texas A&M University. The project is expected to include a new academic center that will provide student-athletes with educational support programs. The facility also is expected to be equipped to help students with their training for intercollegiate competition, and it is planned to have nutritional and mental health support facilities, too.

The multi-faceted project also is slated to bring a new indoor football building, modernized locker rooms, and a few new premium suites at the south end of Kyle Field.

A new training and competition venue for the indoor track program is also part of the plan. The updated venue could be central for Texas A&M as it continues to produce world-class track and field athletes, like the 12 current and former ones who competed in the Tokyo Olympics.

“This project will re-establish Texas A&M as a leading host site for the highest levels competition,” John Sharp, chancellor of the Texas A&M System, said. “But perhaps even more important than boosting Texas A&M’s exposure on the national scene, this project will provide our student-athletes with the tools they need to achieve their goals in the workplace after college.”

The total cost of the Bright Area Development is $205 million, much of which will come from gifts and licensing fees. The Regents will need to vote for final approval once the designs for the project are completed.

Texas A&M Athletic Director Ross Bjork was also on the board’s agenda. Regents approved an item authorizing a new employment contract for Bjork, who began his position on July 8, 2019. Since Bjork will be overseeing an aggressive facilities renewal program over the next five years – and the board noted the importance of maintaining a sense of continuity in the Athletic Department – regents approved a measure to boost Bjork’s salary to place him in the top three among athletic directors in the Southeastern Conference.