The overriding takeaway from the entire experience was just how friendly the Aggies are.  And on a side note, I wouldn't mind it a bit if they were to become our permanent SEC West opponent instead of LSU.

In more or less sequential order:

1. I'm glad we got to the stadium early - the Corps of Cadets marching into the stadium is something not to be missed.

2. The A&M P.A. announcer introduced our pep band pre-game to play our Alma Mater.  A&M fans were respectfully quiet during it.  We should have sent the full band - probably a function of lack of tickets, but we couldn't hear them at all the entire game over the crowd noise.  And speaking of bands, the A&M band at halftime was precision marching at its finest.  360 members strong, they are part of the Corps of Cadets and live as a unit.

3. President Machen was honored pre-game with a game ball and glowing introduction, highlighting his role as SEC President last year in A&M joining the SEC.

4. There is no piped-in music at Kyle Field. Jeremy, PLEASE take note.

5. Howdy!  Everywhere, it's "Howdy!"  Even at the concession stands.  Where they did a little dance routine and WHOOP! when I gave them exact change (they said they get bored). 

6. Have I mentioned yet how friendly everyone was?

7. The student center....Hats Off.  The center is a memorial to the A&M students who gave their lives in combat for their country.  Hats off is enforced - a great tradition that is a never-ending reminder of the sacrifices made by others so that we have the freedom to do things like go to great college football games.

8. Then there was the game.

9. And then the icing on the cake - we ended up eating at a BJ's Restaurant (the chain) in the mall parking lot where the shuttle was (free and extremely well-organized BTW).  We're enjoying our dinner in a sea of Aggies, the manager comes over to see how our meals are, asks if we've ever been to the BJ's in Gainesville (which I have), and gave all of us a gift card for our next visit that's worth anything from $5 to $500.  Did I say anything about how friendly everyone was?

The total gameday and game experience was the most fun I've had at a Gator game in years, probably since a certain game in Glendale, Arizona.

Welcome to the SEC Aggies.  We're glad to have you.