Reed Arena

Reed Arena. A multi-purpose indoor arena located on the campus of Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. It serves as the primary home for the Texas A&M Aggies basketball and volleyball teams, replacing the historic G. Rollie White Coliseum. The facility is named in honor of Dr. Chester J. "Chet" Reed, a prominent orthopedic surgeon and longtime supporter of Texas A&M Athletics.

History

The arena's development was part of a broader expansion of athletic facilities at Texas A&M University during the 1990s, driven by the growth of the Southeastern Conference and increased demand for modern venues. Groundbreaking occurred in 1996, with the project led by the architectural firm HKS, Inc. and constructed by the Manhattan Construction Company. It officially opened in November 1998 with a dedication ceremony attended by university officials, including then-President Ray Bowen, and members of the Reed family. The first official event was a women's basketball game against the University of Texas. The construction, which cost approximately $36.5 million, was funded through a combination of private donations, student fees, and university bonds, reflecting a significant investment in the 12th Man tradition.

Facilities and features

The arena's primary design accommodates a variety of configurations for NCAA athletics, concerts, and university ceremonies. The main bowl features a permanent seating capacity of 12,989 for basketball, with chair-back seats throughout the lower bowl and bleacher seating in the upper sections. For volleyball, the court is centered on the main floor, with temporary seating bringing capacity to over 8,000. The venue includes 24 luxury suites and the Aggie Ring of Honor club area, which offers premium amenities. The playing surface is named "Nellie and John R. "Doc" Harrington Court" in honor of major donors. Other key features include a state-of-the-art Daktronics video board, dedicated locker rooms for the Aggies, visiting teams, and officials, and extensive practice facilities for the men's and women's programs. The building also houses the administrative offices for Texas A&M Athletics.

Events

Beyond its role as the home of Aggies basketball and volleyball, the arena hosts a wide array of events that draw significant crowds to College Station. It is a regular stop for major concert tours, having featured artists such as Elton John, Taylor Swift, and George Strait. The venue is also the site for the university's large-scale commencement ceremonies for the College of Engineering and other colleges. It has hosted NCAA Tournament games, including first and second-round contests for the men's basketball tournament. Other notable events include the Big 12 Conference women's basketball tournament, high school state championship games sanctioned by the University Interscholastic League, and community events like the Brazos Valley Fair. The arena floor is also configured for large-scale expos, such as career fairs and the annual Parents' Weekend activities at Texas A&M University.

See also

* Kyle Field * Blue Bell Park * G. Rollie White Coliseum * List of NCAA Division I basketball arenas

References

External links

Category:Basketball venues in Texas Category:Texas A&M University Category:Buildings and structures in College Station, Texas Category:NCAA Division I basketball venues