Guide to Midnight Yell

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Guide to Midnight Yell

What you need to know about one of Texas A&M's most loved traditions
Olivia Garza, Texas A&M University Division of Student Affairs

Image that sats "guide to midnight yell" with images of yell leaders

Natalya Abrahamian ‘23, Texas A&M University Division of Student Affairs

Are you getting ready to attend your first Midnight Yell as a student? Whether it’s your first yell practice ever or if you’ve been countless times before, here are some things to know about Midnight Yell!

What is Midnight Yell Practice?

Midnight Yell Practice is held the night before home games at Kyle Field. The goal of Midnight Yell is to get the 12th Man pumped up for the following day’s game. The Yell Leaders lead the crowd in yells and the singing of the War Hymn.

Yell Practice originated in 1913 but was held after dinner until the 1930s. The first Midnight Yell Practice was held before the 1931 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.

Who are the Yell Leaders?

The Yell Leaders are a team of five upperclassmen, three seniors and two juniors, that is elected by the student body.

What are Yells?

Yells are a collection of chants that the 12th Man yells during sporting events and practiced at Midnight Yell. Yells are initiated by the five Yell Leaders.

Graphic that reads "The Passback. Hand signals that signal the start of a Yell. The signal is passed through the crowd to communicate which Yell is to be performed
Graphic that reads "Hump it Ags! A signal after the passback that tells the crowd to lean forward and put their hands on their knees. The intention behind this posture is to maximize each Aggie's voice."
Graphic that reads "The Yell. Each yell has its own history, meaning and unique hand signals"
Graphic that reads"The Wildcat. An expression of class pride that follows each Yell. Each class has its own wildcat"

Natalya Abrahamian ‘23, Texas A&M University Division of Student Affairs

Things to know before heading to Kyle Field for Midnight Yell

  • Kyle Field opens at 11:00 p.m. Guests can enter through the northeast or southeast towers.
  • Expect loud noises and temporary darkness. The lights will briefly go off and the Parson’s Mounted Calvary will fire their cannon several times.
  • Midnight Yell, of course, starts at midnight and lasts around 30 minutes.
  • A clear bag policy is in effect at Kyle Field.
  • The Yell Leaders, Aggie Band, and selected Juniors march into Kyle Field from the Southeast Tower.
  • UPD, Best Security, Emergency Management, EMS are all on site to assist for safety and security.
  • The Yell Leader advisor is the lead for Midnight Yell Practice and coordinates with all constituents in case of severe weather or emergencies.

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