COLLEGE STATION, Texas (August 28, 2018) – Rising on the legendary campus of Texas A&M University, the new Doug Pitcock ’49 Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center (www.TexasAMHotelCC.com) officially debuted today with a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house.
The ribbon cutting ceremony included a special guest, and the property’s namesake, James D. “Doug” Pitcock, Jr., and it highlighted remarks from Chairman Charles W. Schwartz, Chancellor John Sharp, President Michael K. Young, Vice Chancellor for Business Affairs Philip Ray and Benchmark CEO Alex Cabañas.
“Today marks a significant milestone for the University and the culmination of a twenty-two month project,” said Chairman Schwartz, who leads the Board of Regents of The Texas A&M University System. “Thanks to top-notch engineering, design, construction and project management teams, gracious and unwavering community support, and significant hard work by so many incredible individuals we are thrilled to celebrate the opening of the Doug Pitcock ’49 Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center.”
The striking, eight-story hotel and conference center is positioned a mere 96-yards from Kyle Field, home of the Texas A&M football team, and steps from the Memorial Student Center, serving as a gateway to the university’s exceptional academic, research, cultural and athletic resources.
Named for Aggie Business Owner and Philanthropist, James D. “Doug” Pitcock, Jr., the property is a celebration of Texas A&M’s storied history, treasured traditions and university values. A maroon and white color scheme with soft accents of gray lays the foundation for unique design elements that highlight artistic takes on iconic Aggie events and landmarks. Meeting room names such as ‘Star,’ ‘Eagle’ and ‘Shield’ pay homage to the symbols of the time-honored Aggie ring.
“Imbued with the Aggie spirit, the Doug Pitcock ’49 Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center represents a strong sense of place,” said Texas A&M University System Chancellor Sharp. “It is the true ‘guesthouse’ of the university, providing a one-of-a-kind experience for visitors to our campus, and serving as a catalyst for attracting internationally recognized faculty, top-tier conferences andstudents with a passion for intellectual pursuits.”
Members of the Corps of Cadets, Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band, Yell Leaders and Reveille were on hand to join in the celebrations. Following the ceremony, students and the local community were invited to tour the property.
“The Doug Pitcock ’49 Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center is a world-class facility that offers unrivaled conference facilities, exceptional accommodations and gracious hospitality. Students will play an integral role in the success of the property with more than half of the hotel’s 170-member opening team being comprised of current students, former students or those with direct ties to the university. This property truly represents Aggies serving Aggies,” Texas A&M University President Young said. “It is a fitting monument to Mr. Doug Pitcock, one of the finest Aggies that our great institution has ever seen.”
Under the management of BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, the property is operated as part of the Benchmark Resorts & Hotels brand.
“As a former student of this great university, today’s opening brings along with it a significant amount of pride,” Benchmark CEO Alex Cabañas said. “We aim to fully embrace the Howdy Hospitality spirit, to truly ‘Be The Difference,’ and commit to providing all guests of our property with an exceptional experience unlike any other.”
The contemporary and spacious accommodations of the hotel include 250 guest rooms with two penthouses and 11 suites. The hotel and conference center opening also marks the opening of three new food and beverage venues. Brazos – Proper Texas Kitchen, the property’s full-service restaurant, elevates traditional Texas flavors with a modern twist. The Junction Market and Café is the property’s grab and go option. Block T Bar is a two-story bar with a terrace overlooking Kyle Field featuring local beers, wines and spirits, hand-crafted cocktails and bar bites. Additional on-site amenities include a rooftop pool with cabanas, a well-equipped fitness center and gift shop.
Of the property’s 252,500 square feet, the conference center includes 35,000 square feet with meeting and event space that offers a soaring 8,300-square foot ballroom and twenty-two flexible meeting rooms to accommodate presentations, board meetings, private dinners and receptions.
The conference space meets the exacting standards of IACC, formerly known as the International Association of Conference Centres, providing a productive learning environment with ergonomic furniture, top audiovisual equipment and state-of-the-art built-in technology throughout the center.
The hotel and conference center will welcome its first official overnight guests and open its dining outlets to all patrons on Wednesday, August 29.
Click here to view a video of Chancellor Sharp touring the property.
