Bus 12 Serves Up Aggie Pride for Texas A&M

The rally cry of the Aggies from Texas A&M can be heard for miles from the top deck of Bus 12. Before you can even catch a glimpse of the two story tailgate machine, you can hear the sounds of its powerful speakers blaring the music of the nationally famous, Fightin' Texas Aggie Band from blocks away. In fact, it was noted that a woman in Lincoln, Nebraska dragged her husband from their 14th story hotel room believing that would catch a glimpse of the Aggie Band. Yet, once you get a view of this rally masterpiece, you are convinced you are in the presence of Aggie greatness!

Bus 12 actually started off as a pretty simple idea. Its makers wanted to create a rallying point for the Aggie Spirit. They wanted to build something that could be used to welcome visitors to Aggieland, as well as, returning Aggies. At the core of its purpose lies one simple value held dear through Aggieland: hospitality.

Bus members take great joy in watching people smile, pump their fists, direct the music, and even dance as they proudly drive by. Cars passing on the highway slow down to wave, flash a "gig'em" hand signal, or take photographs. The bus is even driven around campus before each week's “Midnight Yell Practice” as a way of adding to the exciting atmosphere. Folks around town say that they know something exciting is happening when they see and hear Bus 12 making its rounds.

On board, the tailgate bus carries three flat screen televisions; two are on the inside, and a larger one is attached to the rear of the bus for viewing while tailgating. Inside, the bus flaunts a bleacher seating area built on turf made to look like Kyle Field. And it goes without saying, the bus boasts perhaps the most well planned and built bus deck and patio we have ever seen!

The bus is often seen at events sponsored by the Association of Former Students, student orientations, student charity events, and fundraisers. Bus 12 even participates in parades which have included the Holiday Bowl Parade and Bryan-College Station Christmas Parade, where the bus took home first place in their category this past year.

The creators of Bus 12 without a doubt accomplished their goal, and this rallying point is a source of pride for all in Aggieland.