Red Raiders Overview

Fast facts

League: NCAA Football

Head Coach: Joey McGuire

Team Mascot: The Masked Rider, Raider Red

Year Opened: 1947

Capacity: 60454

City / State: Lubbock / Texas

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Chancellor's Spurs

Rival Team: Texas Longhorns

The winner of the annual Texas Tech - Texas game receives the Chancellor’s Spurs. The rivalry between these schools dates back to 1928 when the Longhorns shutout the Tech 12-0. One of the Raiders most famous victories came against Texas in 2008 when the #7 Red Raiders knocked off the #1 Longhorns 39-33. If you want to come to one of the best games of the year, then make sure to get tickets to a game against Texas.

Texas Tech vs Baylor University

Rival Team: Baylor Bears

Texas Tech and Baylor have been meeting on the gridiron since 1926 when the Bears beat the Red Raiders 34-0. The rivalry is one of the most closely contested of all time with the series tied at 38-38-1. If you’re looking to make a trip to Lubbock, then the rivalry game against Baylor is as good of a time to come as any.

Texas Tech vs TCU

Rival Team: TCU Horned Frogs

he Red Raider’s rivalry with the Horned Frogs dates back to 1926 when TCU took down Tech 28-16. The rivalry was dormant for a few years after the Southwest Conference broke up in 1995, however, with TCU joining the Big 12 in 2012 the rivalry has picked up right where it left off.

Texas Tech vs Oklahoma State

Rival Team: Oklahoma State Cowboys

The Oklahoma State - Texas Tech rivalry dates back to 1935 when the Red Raiders took down the Cowboys 14-0. The rivalry has blossomed since, and the Cowboys’ Spirit Rider program was started by Tech alumni Dr. Eddy Finley. The Red Raiders hold a 21-18-3 all-time lead and will look to expand on it when these teams meet next.

Red Raiders Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

If you enjoy tailgating, then you’ll love your trip to Texas Tech. Red Raiders fans are big time tailgaters as football and tailgating are a big part of the Texas Tech college experience. The fans here love to show off their Red Raiders pride, so on game day you’ll find a sea of Red and Black all around Lubbock.

When you see fellow Red Raiders fans make sure to put up your guns to let every know who you root for. Red Raiders fans being Texans are very friendly and welcoming to fans as you’ll make friends quickly with those around you as long as you are wearing red and black. People may, however, give you a bit of a hard time though if you support the visiting team, especially if they are a rival. Fear not though however as you’ll likely only experience light teasing here in Lubbock.

Don’t forget to check out the Raider Walk to get the most out of your tailgating experience. The Raider Walk tradition started during the 2010 season and gives fans the opportunity to greet the Red Raiders two hours and fifteen minutes before kickoff. The team and coaching staff are dropped off at the intersection of Canton Avenue and Drive of Champions before making their way to the stadium.

Here in Lubbock, you’ll find a variety of tailgating options that will surely fit your needs. If you’re looking to set up your own tailgate, then the lots around the stadium are a great place to be, however, if you aren’t up for all that goes into creating a tailgate party then Raider Alley is a great alternative. At Raider Alley, you’ll find a ton of food and drink options that will surely leave you satisfied in your pregame experience. Regardless of where you tailgate before a Red Raiders game, you’ll surely have a great time.

Traditions

Raider Walk

The Raider Walk tradition started during the 2010 season and gives fans the opportunity to greet the Red Raiders two hours and fifteen minutes before kickoff. The team and coaching staff are dropped off at the intersection of Canton Avenue and Drive of Champions before making their way to the stadium

Wrapping Will Rogers and Soapsuds

Sitting at the main entrance of the Texas Tech campus is a statue of Will Rogers and his favorite horse Soapsuds “riding into the sunset.” Members of the all-male spirit organization entitled the Saddle Tramps to wrap the statue with red and black crepe paper before every home football game so be sure to stop by on a Saturday game day and get your picture with the statue as many Texas Tech fans do.

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Raider Alley

If you’re interested in some family friendly tailgating than Raider Alley is where you’ll want to be. It’s located on the southwest side of the Frazier Alumni Pavilion and offers food and live music for three hours before kickoff. Stop by Raider Alley to grab a quick drink or bite to eat.

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Masked Rider Statue

When attending a Red Raiders game make sure to stop by the Masked Rider statue and grab a picture. The bronze statue is surrounded by bricks engraved with the names of former masked riders and is a great way to pay tribute to those who have served as this iconic mascot.

Where to tailgate

Red Raiders Stadium Guide

In Game

When you first enter Jones AT&T Stadium, you’ll notice Texas Tech’s famous Double T scoreboard. The scoreboard sits atop the athletics department in the south end zone and is one of the largest and most iconic scoreboards in college football. The scoreboard is an impressive 100 feet wide and 38 feet tall meaning you won’t miss anything no matter where you’re sitting.

The scoreboard isn’t the only impressive thing about a Red Raiders game as the fan support here in Lubbock is extraordinary. The Red Raiders are the pride of Lubbock, and this can be seen as all throughout the city on game day you’ll see people dressed head to toe in black and red. The fans here are also extremely loyal as the Red Raiders sell out regardless of how well they are performing on the field. The student section is incredibly strong in their support as well having been named one of the best in the Big 12 by ESPN. The rowdy and rambunctious student section have contributed a large part to the incredible home field advantage the Red Raiders have.

The pageantry on game day at Texas Tech is second to none as the Masked Rider, Goin’ Band from Raiderland, and Raider Red all put on great game day performances. The Masked Rider gets the crowd pumped up and ready to cheer on the Red Raiders, while the band puts on a great show that is worth price of admission all on its own. You’ll have a great time at a Red Raiders game, which will leave you looking forward to the next time you get to experience a game in Lubbock.  

Things to check out

The Masked Rider

The Masked Rider is the official mascot of Texas Tech and leads the team onto the field at the beginning of each home game. The Rider is decked out in all black, the only exception being a red cape. The tradition that has carried on for the past forty years and is a must see part of any Red Raiders game.

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The Letterman's Lounge

Located on the north end of Jones AT&T Stadium is the Lettermen’s Lounge, which houses memorabilia of Texas Tech’s most prominent athletes, making it a great place to stop by when visiting the stadium. Drop by the Lettermen’s Lounge to take in the great history of Texas Tech athletics.

Bangin' Bertha

Bangin’ Bertha is a large bell on a trailer that is carried to every home football game by the Saddle Tramp spirit organization. The ringing of Bangin’ Berth is one of the bigger traditions at Texas Tech as well as a great way to inspire the team and rile up the crowd. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for Bangin’ Bertha when attending a Red Raiders game.

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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Goin' Band from Raiderland

The Texas Tech band is as old as the university itself and has been performing at Red Raiders game since the program's inception in 1925. The Texas Tech band also owns the distinction of being the first band ever to attend an away game when they did so in 1926. The band puts on an outstanding show, so make sure to keep your eyes on the field when the team comes off and the band goes on.

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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.

    (Repeat)

  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!

    Wreck’em 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 - $$