The Daily Gamecock

Gamecock travel guide for fans attending games in College Station, Texas

<p>Kyle Field, located on the campus of the Texas A&amp;M University in College Station, Texas, is home to the Texas A&amp;M Aggies football team.</p>
Kyle Field, located on the campus of the Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, is home to the Texas A&M Aggies football team.

On Oct. 23, the South Carolina football team will travel to Kyle Field and go up against No. 6 Texas A&M. 

Since joining the SEC in 2012, the Aggies have had no problem beating South Carolina, going a perfect 7-0. The Gamecocks will be looking to pull off a massive upset in College Station, Texas.

With this being an important game on the team's schedule, here is everything a South Carolina fan should know before making the trip.

Travel

While making the 15-hour drive is doable, flying into a nearby airport could be an easier option as gas prices continue to rise nationwide.

Roundtrip flights from Charlotte to Easterwood Airport, which is located in College Station, currently range from $365 to $918, but are subject to change. There is not a non-stop flight available, so the trip would include a stop at either George Bush Intercontinental Airport or Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.

Things to do

Unless you are there solely for the game itself, there are plenty of great food options and fun things in the area to partake in. Century Square is a very popular place to eat and shop among the Aggie faithful. For dining, there is Velvet Taco, Canteen Bar & Grill and Piada Italian Street Food.

"There are College Station favorites such as Fuego [Tortilla Grill], which serves some really good tacos," Jenny Streeter, the co-head sports editor of the Battalion Sports, said. "There's also more A&M themed restaurants, such as Gate 12 and Hullabaloo Diner. Those are, like, staples."

If you can't secure tickets but are still interested in going to College Station, Chimy's or The Corner Bar and Rooftop Grill are great places to watch the game.

Hotels

If you are looking to spend a weekend in College Station, there are a variety of hotels that are in close proximity to the campus. There is a Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center, Embassy Suites by Hilton College Station, Hilton College Station & Conference Center and Hampton Inn College Station.

Prices will be more expensive as kickoff approaches, so it might be smart to book a hotel to stay at as soon as possible.

Tailgating

Like any SEC school, tailgating is a hot commodity at Texas A&M. While there are many places to choose from, Spence Park, referred to as "Aggie Park," and Reed Arena are great spots to hang out before the game starts. 

Parking

Just like at South Carolina, parking is going to be a bit difficult and expensive in the surrounding areas of the stadium. There will be parking spots already sold out for the entire season, but there is parking in one of the many pre-pay garages with prices ranging from $20 to $25, according to Texas A&M Transportation Services.

The university provides game day shuttles that begin three hours before kickoff and end one hour postgame. Shuttle routes have changed this year but still take fans to the stadium free of charge.

Kyle Field

Whether it's due to the sheer size or loud atmosphere The 12th Man — a Texas A&M legend — brings every Saturday, Kyle Field is on the bucket list of college football fans everywhere for good reason.

"It's not a, come on game day and leave, kind of experience. It's a get here a few days early, dive into the environment, see what being an Aggie is about," Ryan Faulkner, assistant sports editor of The Battalion, said. "By the time you get to the football game, even if you're here for the opposing team, you're just a part of the environment and of the aura that really surrounds this field."

Gates open 90 minutes prior to kickoff and the stadium has a clear bag policy. As for alcohol, fans are prohibited from bringing any in. However, Kyle Field has expanded the availability of beer and wine this season in accordance with the SEC's policy regarding beer and wine sales at athletic events.

South Carolina and Texas A&M will kickoff Oct. 23.


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