Because of space limitations on its main island campus, Texas A&M University Corpus Christi sought to expand beyond the traditional boundaries of its island campus. In response in 2007, the City of Corpus Christi donated over 150 acres of park area to the University. This land allowed the University to plan the Momentum Campus for expansion of important athletics, graduate student housing, research and support space, and a major public assembly/convocation center and hotel.

The planning process informed the campus community, neighbors, elected city officials and staff, advocacy groups, and environmental experts of how the campus expansion can serve as a community amenity, and it served as a tool for the University to enhance its town- gown relationship. The plan integrates with the City of Corpus Christi parks hike- and-bike trails network, including linkages to the nearby bird center.