The game of football surrounds most college campuses. Football games are a long standing tradition in American and Western cultures. For years people have congregated and socialized in stadiums to enjoy watching their favorite team. These games facilitate and encourage school spirit as well as stimulate school and city finances. Texas A&M University Corpus Christi does not have a football team, yet the population of students is large enough to assist in the creation of one. A football team should be formed for numerous reasons. To begin with, people in America love football! Corpus Christi has a growing number of sports teams like The Rayz, The Hammerheads and of course our own Islander athletics. This would create a sense of not only school, but citywide spirit and character. This addition would also bring new growth to the University; attracting students who either wish to play football for a new and upcoming team, or just would like to support their favorite sport. With sports, there always comes capital. The city of Corpus Christi and Texas A&M University\'s finances would be stimulated and allow room for new growth. During the past decade, economic activity in the Coastal Bend has appeared to lag behind the rest of the nation. Between 1990 and 2002, the area\'s gross regional product - the broadest measure of the size of a regional economy- grew at 1.58% per year on average. Economic growth in the area lagged significantly behind the nation (2.88%) and particularly the state of Texas (4.55%). The addition of a football team could assist in solving some of these issues. The creation of the American Bank center would house an excellent playing field for a possible team. This facility could easily accommodate thousands of people to enjoy sporting events. And of course, a football team is never complete without a marching band, which is also something Texas A&M University does not have. Many people come to football games to enjoy the entertainment that comes from marching band style music and field formations. A marching band would also encourage prospective music students to attend the university. So sign this petition! A football team is important to so many people and you can help make a difference!