Maroon Out Celebrates 25 Years

A Maroon Out at Kyle Field — The “sea of maroon” at Kyle Field
Courtesy of Maroon Out

Texas A&M University student organization Maroon Out is set to deliver its signature event this weekend at Kyle Field as the Aggies take on the Mississippi State Bulldogs.

Since its founding 25 years ago, Maroon Out has been outfitting Aggies in maroon T-shirts to ensure there’s a “sea of maroon” at least once every season inside one of the nation’s largest football stadiums.

Learn more about Maroon Out and make sure you’re ready for this weekend’s spirited display.

Aggies wearing Maroon Out shirts at Kyle Field — Laura McKenzie/Texas A&M University Division of Marketing and Communications

What Is Maroon Out?

Maroon Out is a recognized student organization founded in 1998 by Class of 2000 Junior Class President Kyle Valentine. The group’s members raise money for A&M traditions and scholarships by selling maroon t-shirts in an effort to fill the stadium with the school’s primary color.

So Long To The Red

Maroon Out was founded in anticipation of a 1998 matchup between the Aggies, who were 4-1 and ranked No. 18, and the Nebraska Cornhuskers, who were undefeated at No. 2.

Valentine “wanted to give the Aggies an extra boost of spirit by matching Nebraska’s famous sea of red with an even bigger sea of maroon.” The group reports that before the game, 31,000 Maroon Out shirts were sold, leading to a national shortage of maroon shirts. The Aggies went on to beat the Huskers in a huge upset and the tradition was born.

Famous Salutes To America

The color red did reappear at Kyle Field in 2001, just 10 days after the attacks on 9/11 with the Red, White and Blue game. Maroon Out recreated the event in September 2021 vs. Kent State.

decks of kyle field filled with fans wearing red white and blue — Scenes from the 2021 Red, White and Blue game.
JP Beato III for Texas A&M University Division of Marketing and Communications

A Worthy Cause

In the past, Maroon Out has helped fund Ring Dance, Elephant Walk, Junior E-Walk, Pull-Out Day and Fish Fest. This year, the group is sponsoring Fish Camp. Over the past 10 years, Maroon Out has raised more than $150,000 and given over 40 scholarships to deserving Aggies. And since 2021, the group has donated more than $75,000 to support the veterinary care of the search-and-rescue dogs that are part of Texas A&M Task Force One.