Texas A&M University considers bringing back tradition of Aggie Bonfire

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) -Nearly 25 years after the deadly collapse of Bonfire on Texas A&M’s campus, reports have surfaced about discussions of bringing back the tradition.

This comes ahead of the renewed football rivalry with the University of Texas which is set to join the SEC this fall.

Sources confirm to KBTX that one of the regents and a member of the “Rekindling the Rivalry Committee” has proposed bringing back Aggie Bonfire, but nothing is set in stone at this time.

The Aggies and Longhorns are set to faceoff this fall in their first football game since 2011, and the rivalry committee has been tasked with recommending ways to commemorate the occasion.

A source close to the discussions said Regent John Bellinger proposed bringing back the tradition of Aggie Bonfire as a university-sanctioned event.

KBTX reached out to Texas A&M leaders and received the following statement from Susan Ballabina, the Chief of Staff, Office of the President.

“President Welsh charged the Rivalry Committee to explore options and recommend activities as we welcome UT into the SEC. The committee will bring those ideas to President Welsh in May. After the president is briefed, he will share his decisions on ideas that will be implemented.”

The tradition of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Bonfire began to symbolize Aggie’s “burning desire” to beat the University of Texas in football.

That tradition continued until November 18, 1999. Tragedy struck when the stack collapsed, killing 12 Aggies and injuring 27 others.

Since that day, Aggie Bonfire no longer burns and the Bonfire Memorial was dedicated on the exact location of the fallen 1999 Bonfire.

Sources say Bellinger asked families of those killed in the collapse of the 1999 Bonfire for their opinion about the future of Bonfire.

We also reached out to several family members on Monday. While some showed support, it remains a divided issue.

Some people have expressed concerns about honoring the 12 Aggies and their loved ones. Some have also questioned the logistics of who would build the bonfire, how it would be paid for and how safety would be ensured.

A committee member said their top priority is with students, respecting past students and traditions.

They said there are a number of events the committee is evaluating such as flyovers, concerts, or having U.S. Navy Leap Frogs parachuting onto Kyle Field with the game ball.

The committee is expected to share its recommendations next month.

Texas A&M has confirmed the university has not done any work related to the regent’s proposal to return Bonfire to campus at this time.