Texas A&M President unveils plans for renewed rivalry with Texas, including Aggie Bonfire decision
COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) – Texas A&M and Texas will meet on the football field as conference opponents in the 2024 season, the first time since Texas A&M left the Big XII for the Southeastern Conference.
Texas A&M President Mark Welsh directed a special exploratory committee last fall to recommend ways to appropriately commemorate the return of the football rivalry for the first time since Nov. 24, 2011.
On Tuesday the president released a letter outlining what events will occur.
“Among the committee’s recommendations were several proposed celebratory events leading up to the game — including a golf tournament and a “Rivalry Run” to carry the game ball from the State Capitol to College Station, with proceeds benefiting military veteran resource groups at both universities — as well as several other pre- and in-game plans that will be sure to add to the camaraderie, spirit and friendly competition of one of the greatest sporting rivalries of all time,” the letter reads.
The committee also recommended bringing back the Aggie Bonfire. “However, after careful consideration, I have decided it is not in the best interest of Texas A&M and the Aggie Family to bring Bonfire back to campus,” the letter reads. “Among those who supported bringing Bonfire back, most highlighted the bonding experience and leadership and organizational skills learned by student body participants during the cut and build phases of Bonfire. Therefore, if students weren’t organizing, leading and building the Bonfire, then they didn’t think we should bring it back.”
“After careful consideration, I decided that Bonfire, both a wonderful and tragic part of Aggie history, should remain in our treasured past.”
Texas will visit Kyle Field on Saturday, Nov. 30.
