The first phase of one of the largest and most expensive stadium renovation projects in American history is nearly complete, officials from the Texas A&M University System and several contractors said at a press conference at Kyle Field Aug. 12. The event not only detailed where construction stood on the east side of Kyle Field, but noted some of the impressive bells and whistles that will be included in the $450 million project.

Chancellor John Sharp said the first phase was actually slightly ahead of schedule, giving the Aggies and head coach Kevin Sumlin three days of practice inside the stadium that had initially not been scheduled. Sharp also said the stadium would meet one of Sumlin's mandates: "Make it loud."

"2014 is a transitional year, but what a transition," the chancellor said. "The increased capacity on the south end and canopy on the east side will make it a nightmare for opposing teams."

Populous Associate Principal Greg Kaufman said the south end scoreboard, the largest in the nation, is up and running. The sound system, however, is temporary, as the full system will be installed as part of Phase II before the 2015 season.

"It's not anything like the real sound system that will be put in next year, so wait for that," he said.

Kaufman said he was pleased with the progress made on Phase I and was confident Phase II would also be completed as scheduled.

"Phase II has its own challenges, but we're optimistic we'll have the same success in Phase II as in Phase I," he said. "What'll be happening next year is going to be just as monumental."

Manhattan-Vaughn Project Manager Greg McClure said the finishing touches were being done on seating on the east and south sides, with most seating and bleachers in place by the end of this week. Plumbing, air conditioning and other electrical systems are starting to be connected and tested.

"That'll happen all the way up to gameday," he said. "Elevators and escalators are installed and are being tested now. Toilets and concessions are wrapping up in the next few weeks."

Kyle Field, Sharp said, will be the "smartest outdoor stadium in the country," thanks to technological enhancements being made by IBM. Cell phone reception will be increased to a level where 100,000 calls can be handled at one time, though that will likely occur once the full renovation is complete. This year, IBM is working to get the new technology that will be installed in the east side to work with the older technology in the yet-to-be-renovated west side.

"We're going to take this transitional year and optimize the system over each game," IBM Business Development Executive Todd Christner. "What you'll see is the system get better and better and better, and when the full system is unveiled in 2015, it'll be state of the art."

The full "Smarter Stadium System," Christner said, will be the first of its kind.

Kyle Field will also receive new dining options, thanks to a partnership with Levy Restaurants, which also operates concessions at the Barclay's Center in Brooklyn, Staples Center in Los Angeles and events that include the Kentucky Derby, the PGA's U.S. Open and PGA Championship and several Super Bowls.

"This is an exciting opportunity for us," Houston Regional Manager Marty Price. "On the Phase I side, it's a game changer (in 2014)."

Levy will manage food services for the 20 new suites on the east side in 2014 and expand to the newly-completed suites on the west side in 2015. There will be approximately 60 points of sale for food and drink on the east side, including Aggie-themed locations like "E. King Grill" and "Wrecking Crew Barbecue."

"The concession operations will be like nothing they've ever seen," Price said.