COLLEGE STATION, Aug. 19, 2010 – Texas A&M University is known worldwide for its school pride and traditions and Aggies will get a chance to show their spirit in a big-time way on Friday, Sept. 3, as part of the national celebration of College Colors Day.

The event is an annual celebration dedicated to promoting the overall college experience by encouraging people across America to wear apparel featuring the school colors of their favorite college or university. It coincides nationally with many “back to school” events and the first football weekend of the 2010 season for numerous schools.

Aggies worldwide are encouraged to wear maroon and white Sept. 3 as they prepare for the football season opener against Stephen F. Austin University, set for Saturday, Sept. 4 at 6 p.m. in Kyle Field. Tickets for that game are available by calling the 12 th Man Foundation ticket center at 1-888-99-AGGIE or visiting www.AggieAthletics.com

“I strongly support College Colors Day in this nationwide celebration,” says Texas A&M President R. Bowen Loftin ’71. “I ask Aggies everywhere to wear your favorite Texas A&M attire – be it a T-shirt or polo shirt, a hat, or my personal favorite, a maroon bowtie. We are known for our tremendous school pride and the great tradition of the 12 th Man, and I know Aggie fans across the country will want to participate by wearing maroon and white in their workplaces, schools or communities.”

“I’ve noticed with real amazement the way colleges and universities across the United States have picked up on College Colors Day,” adds Director of Athletics Bill Byrne. “Knowing how proud our Aggies are across the world, I suspect that they will embrace wearing maroon and white every Friday whenever their Aggies are competing. Let’s wear the colors and Gig’Em!”

College Colors Day was initiated by Collegiate Licensing Company in partnership with NCAA Football as an additional means of increasing public awareness about the contributions and achievements of higher education, acknowledging their fundamental importance. Hundreds of colleges and universities participate in the event each year.

“Think of College Colors Day as a dress rehearsal for the kick-off of college football season,” says Jason Cook, Texas A&M’s vice president for marketing and communications. “ It’s a great opportunity for Aggies around the globe to ‘maroon out’ their classrooms, offices, neighborhoods or communities and visually demonstrate the power of the Aggie Spirit, while also rekindling many rivalries with fans of other universities.”

This year, College Colors Day also coincides with the start of Aggie Energy, a unique partnership with Houston-based Champion Energy Services that provides 100 percent renewable energy to Texas A&M fans and former students for their energy needs.

For more information, go to www.collegecolorsday.com