Tradition
One of the most well known and popular traditions at Texas A&M is Midnight Yell Practice. Yell Practice began as a post dinner activity in 1913, when different corps companies would gather together to “learn heartily the old time pep.” However, it was not until 1931, that Yell Practice as it is known today, was held before the t.u. game. It began when a group of cadets were gathered in Peanut Owen’s dorm room in Puryear Hall. Someone suggested that all of the freshmen should fall out and meet on the steps of the YMCA building at midnight. The cadets notified senior yell leaders Horsefly Berryhill and Two Gun Herman from Sherman, who could not authorize it, but said that they may just show up. Well, needless to say, the word spread quickly, and when the freshmen began to arrive, there were railroad flares and torpedoes stuck in flower pots around the YMCA building to light the area. The first Midnight Yell Practice was held!
Today, Midnight Yell is held the night before a home game in Kyle Field and is regularly attended by over 25,000 people. For away games, a site is designated for a Midnight Yell in the city of our opponent on the night before the game. For a yell at Kyle Field, yell leaders lead the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band and the 12th Man into the stadium.
The yell leaders lead the crowd in old army yells and the singing of the fight song (War Hymn), and they tell fables of how the Aggies are going to beat the everlivin’ hell out of our opponent for the next day. Lastly, the lights go out, and Aggies kiss their dates. The purpose of Midnight Yell Practice is to pump up the 12th Man for the next day’s big game.
What To Expect
Yell Practice “Dos”
Visitors to Aggieland love to experience Midnight Yell Practice, and we love hosting you! Follow these steps to have the best experience possible:
- DO arrive early to get a good seat! Kyle Field opens at 11:00 PM and guests can enter through the northeast or southeast activation towers.
- DO respect the protocol and tradition of the event. There are many people involved to make this a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone!
- DO expect loud noises and temporary darkness. Parson’s Mounted Calvary will fire their cannon several times during the event and the lights will briefly go off so Aggies can kiss their dates!
- DO plan on a late night at Kyle Field – the event starts at midnight and last about 30 minutes.
Yell Practice “Don’ts”
Because Yell Practice is such a special tradition in Aggieland, we ask you to respect the following guidelines:
- DON’T consume, possess, or be under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the event. This will not be tolerated.
- DON’T be disrespectful to the security and support staff working the event. Disruptions or interruptions may result in a UPD escort from the stadium.
- DON’T smoke in Kyle Field – smoking is prohibited inside campus facilities.
- DON’T bring bags or purses into the stadium. If you must, only clear bags will be allowed per the Texas A&M Athletics Clear Bag Policy.
Accessibility & Accommodations
For those needing physical accommodations, please use Entry 7 on the east side of Kyle Field for elevator access to the viewing level. Interpreter services are available at all home Midnight Yell Practices. For other accommodations, please contact Jordan Richardson.
College Football’s Most Epic Tradition
Thank you to our friends at Bleacher Report for capturing this unique Aggie experience!
Inside the Century-Old Tradition
Thank you to our friends at SB Nation for sharing the story of the Texas Aggie Yell Leaders!
Reeve Becomes a Yell Leader
Will Reeve from ESPN learns about the tradition and all that is involved with the Texas Aggie Yell Leaders.
