Texas Tech Red Raiders Overview

Fast facts

League: Division I (NCAA)

Head Coach: Grant McCasland

Team Mascot: Raider Red, The Masked Rider

Year Opened: 1999

Capacity: 15300

City / State: Lubbock / Texas

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Texas Tech vs Texas

Rival Team: Texas Longhorns

The Texas Tech-Texas rivalry dates back to 1957-58 when the Red Raiders joined the Southwest Conference. Since then, the two Texas schools have played twice every year building an intense rivalry in the process. Texas has gotten the better of Texas Tech since the founding of the Big 12, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be in for a treat when attending a game between these two.

Texas Tech vs Baylor

Rival Team: Baylor Bears Rivalry

Just like their rivalry with Texas, Texas Tech’s rivalry with Baylor can be traced back to the team’s days in the Southwest Conference. The Red Raiders joined the Southwest Conference in 1956 and the rivalry between these two teams has bloomed over time, so get your tickets for when the Red Raiders meet the Bears.

Texas Tech Red Raiders Stadium Guide

In Game

United Supermarkets Arena and the Texas Tech campus is home to some of the most beautiful architecture you’ll find anywhere. The architecture inside and outside United Supermarkets Arena is breathtaking and makes a trip to a Red Raiders game a must for any basketball fans who are enthusiastic about architecture.

In addition to the incredible architecture, Red Raiders games also boast a fantastic in-game atmosphere. The fans and student section do their part in creating a festive atmosphere, and the pageantry and tradition inside the arena are sublime as well. There is a ton to see at a Texas Tech game including the Masked Rider, Raider Red, the spirit groups, and the Goin’ Band from Raiderland. Also, don’t forget to put your guns up when greeting fellow Red Raiders fans.

Lubbock is also a thriving college town that is home to many bars and restaurants worth checking out. There are a variety of different restaurant options around town including Italian food, barbecue, Tex-Mex and much more. Those of you looking for some nightlife though will want to stop by the Depot District to make the most out of your trip.

Texas Tech provides a fun in-game atmosphere and is home to one of the most beautiful arenas in the Big 12, so book your trip to Lubbock today.

Things to check out

Victory Tower

The 96 ft tall Victory Tower is located at the southeast entrance of United Supermarkets Arena and is something you can’t miss when attending a Red Raiders basketball game. The tower is the 16th tallest structure in Lubbock and is a key component of the arena’s Spanish Renaissance-inspired architecture.

Banners

You’ll find several banners hanging from the rafters of United Supermarkets Arena. The banners celebrate players Polk Robinson and Gerald Meyers as well as coach Bob Knight’s 900th career win, so take them all in when attending a Red Raiders game.

Trophy Case

The trophy case on the concourse is filled with Texas Tech memorabilia from the past. Check out the display to see a variety of neat memorabilia as well as to remember your favorite Red Raiders moments from the past.

Guns Up

The most popular way for Texas Tech fans to greet one another is through the guns up hand signal. The sign is made by extending your index finger outward and your thumb upward as if to make a gun and to raise it in the air. Put your guns up when meeting fellow Red Raiders fans to show off your Texas Tech pride.

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Throwing Tortillas

While it's more commonly seen at football games, you’ll occasionally see Texas Tech fans throw tortillas at basketball games. Look out for the flying tortillas when attending a Red Raiders game as you wouldn’t want to miss this fun tradition.

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Raider Red

At Texas Tech games you can find Raider Red entertaining the crowd and leading cheers. Raider Red has won many accolades over the years and was the winner of the 2012 Capital One Mascot Challenge, so don’t miss him when attending a Red Raiders game.

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Masked Rider

The Masked Rider may be without his trusty steed at basketball games, but the official mascot of Texas Tech is still a big part of a Red Raiders basketball game. Look for the Masked Raider and make sure to get a picture with the beloved mascot.

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Goin’ Band from Raiderland

The Red Raiders have an incredible marching band that won the 1999 Sudler Award, so you better believe that the pep band at Red Raiders games is also great. Enjoy the musical stylings of the band during your trip to Lubbock.

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Saddle Tramps

The Saddle Tramps all-male spirit group can be seen at all Texas Tech men’s sporting event and are a big part of the atmosphere. These guys cheer on the team hard no matter what the score, so keep an eye out for them at the game.

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Spirit Program

The Texas Tech Spirit Program is made up of a co-ed cheer team, an all-girl cheer team, and a pom squad. These three groups all do an excellent job of riling up the crowd and working everyone into a frenzy, so get loud when you see any of these groups.

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Fight Songs

  1. Fight Raiders, Fight

    The official fight song of the Red Raiders

    Fight, Raiders, Fight! Fight, Raiders, Fight!
    Fight for the school we love so dearly.
    You’ll hit ’em high, you’ll hit ’em low.
    You’ll push the ball across the goal,
    Tech, Fight! Fight!

    We’ll praise your name, boost you to fame.
    Fight for the Scarlet and Black.
    You will hit ’em, you will wreck ’em.
    Hit ’em! Wreck ’em, Texas Tech!
    And the Victory Bells will ring out!

  2. Matador Song

    Fight, Matadors, for Tech!
    Songs of love we’ll sing to thee,
    Bear our banners far and wide.
    Ever to be our pride,
    Fearless champions ever be.
    Stand on heights of victory.
    Strive for honor evermore.
    Long live the Matadors!

  3. Wreck’em Tech!

    We will hit ’em, We will wreck ’em. Hit ’em! Wreck ’em, Texas Tech!

  4. Power! Raiders!

    Half of the arena chants “Power!” followed by the other half responding with “Raiders!”

    Power!
    Raiders!

Texas Tech Red Raiders Bars & Restaurants

  1. The Roof

    Flying Saucer Draught Emporium Beer

    Indoor/outdoor cocktail bar in 11th-floor digs, offering views of the city & Texas Tech stadium.

    2252 Marsha Sharp Fwy, Lubbock, TX 79415, USA

    806-368-5821

    Bar website

    american - $

  2. Nick’s Sports Grill and Lounge

    Nicks Sports Bar beer

    Come out to either of our awesome Nick’s locations and enjoy our fantastic food, full sports bar, and great atmosphere!

    9806 Quaker Ave, Lubbock, TX 79424, USA

    806-794-6425

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  3. Lone Star Oyster Bar

    House of Wings Sportsbar Beer 3rd Base Sports Bar Beer Kilroys Beer

    Perfect watering hole with the most amazing crowd to amp up your experience.

    3040 34th St, Lubbock, TX 79410, USA

    806-796-0101

    Bar website

    american - $

  4. Fuzzy’s

    Fuzzys Taco Shop

    Modern counter-service chain serving Baja-style tacos & other Mexican eats, plus beer & margaritas.

    10101 Slide Rd #101, Lubbock, TX 79424, USA

    806-797-8226

    Bar website

    mexican - $

  5. Mesquites Sports Grill and Bar

    Mesquites Bar and Grill

    Home cooking starts Here!

    2419 Broadway St, Lubbock, TX 79401, USA

    806-744-9277

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  6. Caprock Cafe

    Caprock Cafe

    Roadhouse-themed bar with an outdoor patio, sports on TV, burgers & waitresses in tight tees.

    5217 82nd St, Lubbock, TX 79424, USA

    806-771-2233

    Bar website

    bbq - sportsbar - $$

  7. Skooner’s Grill & Bar

    beer bottles

    Nothing goes with a cold beer like great bar food from Skooners. Burgers, wings, and fries oh my!

    1617 University Ave, Lubbock, TX 79401, USA

    806-749-7625

    Bar website

    american - $

  8. Texas Café & Bar “The Spoon”

    beer

    The Texas Café & Bar, The Original "Spoon". Serving up Lubbock's best Bar-b-que, Pizza, and Cherry Bombs for over 30 years.

    3604 50th St, Lubbock, TX 79413, USA

    806-792-8544

    Bar website

    bbq - pizza - $$

  9. The Library

    LIbrary Bar

    Grab a couple of friends and a couple of dollars and head on to The Library to have the time of your life.

    1701 Texas Ave, Lubbock, TX 79401, USA

    806-747-6000

    Bar website

    american - $

  10. Local Bar & Grill

    Local Bar and Grill

    Nothing but good times and great booze here.

    2420 Broadway St, Lubbock, TX 79401, USA

    806-368-5127

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  11. The Roof/Raider Park Grill

    Raider Park Event

    Indoor/outdoor cocktail bar in 11th-floor digs, offering views of the city & Texas Tech stadium.

    2522 Marsha Sharp Fwy, Lubbock, TX 79415, USA

    806-368-0751

    Bar website

    american - $$

  12. The Blue Light

    beer

    Swingin', Slingin' & Singin'.

    1806 Buddy Holly Ave, Lubbock, TX 79401, USA

    806-762-1185

    Bar website

    american - $

  13. Bar PM

    Tequila

    Get ready for some of the best service and atmosphere anywhere in Lubbock.

    1211 University Ave, Lubbock, TX 79401, USA

    806-747-2720

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  14. Las Brisas

    Las Brisas

    Elegant restaurant offering seafood, Southwest-style dishes & steaks cooked in an 1,800-degree oven.

    4701 112th St, Lubbock, TX 79423, USA

    806-687-6050

    Bar website

    steakhouse - $$$

  15. The Triple J Chophouse & Brew Co

    Triple J Chophouse

    Texas-themed steakhouse & brewery serving steaks, seafood & wood-fired pizzas, with live music.

    1807 Buddy Holly Ave, Lubbock, TX 79401, USA

    806-771-6555

    Bar website

    american - $$

  16. Blue Sky Texas

    barbecue

    Pit stop for custom burgers, jalapeño rings & milkshakes in a roomy setting with an outdoor sandbox.

    4416 98th St, Lubbock, TX 79424, USA

    806-368-7591

    Bar website

    american - $$

  17. Cagle Steaks

    Cagle Steaks

    When you're in the mood for good food, come to Cagle Steaks in Lubbock, TX.

    8732 4th St, Lubbock, TX 79416, USA

    806-795-3879

    Bar website

    steakhouse - $$

  18. Orlando’s

    Orlandos Italian Restaurant pizza

    Long-standing joint plating classic pastas, pizza & sandwiches, with a full bar in a casual setting.

    2402 Avenue Q, Lubbock, TX 79411, USA

    806-747-5998

    Bar website

    italian - $$

  19. Bigham’s Smokehouse

    Ribs

    For over 20 years, Bigham's has been committed to providing the best Bar-B-Q for you and your family.

    4302 19th St, Lubbock, TX 79407, USA

    806-793-6880

    Bar website

    bbq - $

  20. Tom & Bingo’s Hickory Pit Bar-B-Que

    Tom and Bingos BBQ

    Tiny, rustic building in the middle of a parking lot featuring traditional smoked meat & sandwiches.

    3006 34th St, Lubbock, TX 79410, USA

    806-799-1514

    Bar website

    bbq - $$

  21. COWamongus

    Five Star Tavern Burger Etiwanda Roadhouse Burger Old Bag of Nails Pub Burger Dixie Pig Barbecue Burger

    Some of the best steaks locals have ever had. The blueberry ground sausage is a must-try as well.

    1248 Indiana Ave, Lubbock, TX 79415, USA

    806-742-2882

    Bar website

    bbq - $$

  22. Jumbo Joe’s # 1

    Jumbo Joes

    Always going for the best ingredients in the market to form a masterpiece of a burger.

    3310 4th St, Lubbock, TX 79415, USA

    806-747-7900

    Bar website

    american - $$

  23. Spanky’s

    Spankys burger

    This veteran hangout draws students for burgers, sandwiches & fried cheese, plus beers & margaritas.

    811 University Ave, Lubbock, TX 79401, USA

    806-744-5677

    Bar website

    american - $

  24. La Diosa Cellars

    Ladiosa Cellars

    Spanish bistro offering tapas, a long wine list & sangria in an art-filled space with live music.

    901 17th St, Lubbock, TX 79401, USA

    806-744-3600

    Bar website

    european - $$

  25. J&M Bar-B-Q

    JM Bar BQ

    Mesquite-smoked brisket, ribs & sausage doled out in a casual mainstay with all-you-can-eat dinner.

    3605 34th St, Lubbock, TX 79410, USA

    806-796-1164

    Bar website

    bbq - $$

  26. Cricket’s Draft House & Grill

    Crickets burrito

    Texas Tech hangout for burgers & basic eats offering many draft beers, pool tables & games

    2412 Broadway, Lubbock, TX 79401, USA

    806-744-4677

    Bar website

    american - $$

  27. Chimy’s Cerveceria

    Chimys burger

    Chimichangas & margaritas star at this Tex-Mex chain branch with a lively outdoor patio.

    2417 Broadway St, Lubbock, TX 79401, USA

    806-763-7369

    Bar website

    mexican - $

  28. Cafe J

    Cafe J steak

    An urbane American menu pairs with wine at this hip eatery with contemporary art & soft lighting.

    2605 19th St, Lubbock, TX 79410, USA

    806-743-5400

    Bar website

    cafe - $$

  29. Double Nickel Steakhouse

    Modern saloon-style venue offering steaks, seafood, a huge wine selection & handcrafted cocktails.

    5405 Slide Rd, Lubbock, TX 79414, USA

    806-792-0055

    Bar website

    steakhouse - $$