Regents approve $16 million Bright Complex upgrade

Below is Texas A&M's Thursday release regarding upgrades to the Bright Complex:

COLLEGE STATION — Texas A&M’s Bright Football Complex will undergo a $16 million renovation of the Aggies’ locker room, athletic training facilities, meeting rooms and coaches’ offices, following today’s approval by The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents.

The comprehensive project will significantly upgrade and modernize the first- and third-floor areas of the 11-year-old building. Last fall, Texas A&M opened the new Lohman Center, which serves as the entryway of the Bright Football Complex, and the R.C. Slocum Nutrition Center, located on the second floor of the facility.

“We appreciate the support of the Board of Regents, University administration and Aggies everywhere,” Texas A&M Director of Athletics Eric Hyman said. “The sincere commitment to excellence from everyone associated with Texas A&M is apparent. This project will continue to help us recruit outstanding student-athletes, as well as provide a first-class experience for our current student-athletes and coaches.”

The renovation will be funded entirely through gift funds from the 12th Man Foundation. Encompassing 48,600 gross square feet, the project includes new finishes, graphics, office space, furniture and the latest technology throughout the facility. In addition, Hagner Auditorium, where the Aggies’ full-team meetings are conducted, will be updated and refurnished.

Construction is expected to begin as soon as possible, with an anticipated first-floor completion date of fall 2014. The third floor, which primarily includes the coaches’ offices, is scheduled to be complete by summer 2015.

Texas A&M is currently in the midst of a $450 million redevelopment and expansion of Kyle Field. Renovation of the Bright Complex, while separate from the Kyle Field project, will occur simultaneously in order to maximize construction efficiencies.