College Station Welcomes Game of Thrones Royalty!
COLLEGE STATION, TX – The excitement in the air was palpable this past weekend as College Station hosted a memorable football showdown between the University of Texas and Texas A&M. Not only did the two teams reignite their fierce rivalry, but the game also attracted an array of celebrities, including the incredibly talented actress Lena Headey, known for her iconic role as Cersei Lannister in HBO’s Game of Thrones.
Star-Studded Event
This was a special occasion, considering it was the first time since 2011 that this rivalry was on full display. Fans weren’t just treated to an exciting game, but they were also in for a special surprise as Matthew McConaughey and Drew Brees made their way to College Station, adding to the extravagance of the event. However, the star that really stole the spotlight was, of course, Headey, who made headlines simply by being there with her husband, fellow actor Marc Menchaca, an Aggie graduate.
A Royal Tour of Game of Thrones Memorabilia
During their time on campus, the couple took a fascinating tour of Texas A&M’s vast collection of Game of Thrones memorabilia, generously entrusted to the university by none other than George R.R. Martin, author of the famous A Song of Ice and Fire series. Over 50,000 pieces from Martin’s collection are housed at A&M’s Cushing Memorial Library & Archives, making it a treasure trove for fans of the series.
The Origin of the A&M Connection
The strong bond between George R.R. Martin and Texas A&M dates back to 1970 when he first visited AggieCon, a student-run sci-fi and horror fan event. Fast forward to 1993, and Martin decided to deposit his extensive collection at A&M after being impressed with the library’s facilities and how well they could care for such precious items. “I was very impressed with…the physical facilities they had for protecting the papers, books, and other collectibles,” he recalled fondly.
A Unique Experience for Headey
For Headey, this visit was a whirlwind of new experiences. She was candid about her initial feelings: “I’ll be really honest: I was like, ‘What’s happening? What has he brought me to?’” Upon reflecting on the experience, however, she added, “It was really very exciting. Especially being a Brit, we don’t have things as wild as this.” The vibrant atmosphere and sheer scale of the university’s event gave her a rush similar to being in King’s Landing.
Rival Excitement in the Air
Marc Menchaca shared that he was a bit nervous about bringing his British wife to event known for its intensity and enthusiasm. The couple’s journey through the memorabilia collection was guided by Jeremy Brett, the curator of the university’s sci-fi and fantasy collection. Brett provided insightful commentary about rare and unique items, including swords belonging to House Lannister and Arya Stark’s beloved weapon, “Needle.”
A Public Invitation
If you’re intrigued by the idea of seeing the extensive collection of Game of Thrones memorabilia, Texas A&M welcomes visitors to check it out, though appointments are necessary. Just a small piece of advice: try not to expect to be treated like royalty – even if you were once, or thought you were, the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms!
So, whether you’re a die-hard Game of Thrones fan or just someone who loves a good football rivalry, College Station surely delivered on both fronts this past weekend. With stars like Lena Headey gracing the campus, who knows what exciting events the future might hold?
