It’s called “game day” for a reason. Texas Tech football engages more of the school and community than arguably another activity. I’ve lived this since I was a few months old.
Hi! I’m Christie Goodman. I am a proud alumnus of the Goin’ Band from Raiderland. My daughter - a Tech senior - was our family’s third-generation Goin’ Band member. That’s right, third. My parents met in Band 1. When I was an infant, I was in the stands, getting passed around from the clarinets to the trombones between stand tunes and fight songs.
Naturally, I love Texas Tech football.
Here are tips to be ready for your first game.
- Download the Red Raiders Gameday Live app, which contains a game-day guide with a parking map, digital program, mobile ticket FAQs, concessions info, ADA details, and alerts.
- Look up the parking maps. Well-running shuttles are available. If you will use Citibus, download the “Go Pass” payment app in advance. Many people walk from their nearby hotel. Uber and Lyft are options, but they get filled up quickly.
- Download your mobile ticket before you get to the stadium. The wi-fi is not strong in such a big crowd.
- There are many activities before the game, like tailgating (duh), concerts in Raider Alley (two hours before kickoff), Raider Walk to cheer the team as it exits the buses (about 2¼ hours before kickoff) and the Goin’ Band from Raiderland’s fan performance (about 2 hours before the game). The band will then parade through the campus to the stadium and will march back after the game. (Remember to stay off the memorial circle grass. For real!)
- There are lots of good photo spots before the game, like in front of the university seal, with the horse statue of Soap Suds, and with the Masked Rider and Centennial Champion.
- Plan to arrive at the stadium about an hour before kick-off to get to your seats, get a snack and see pre-game.
- Know the policy for clear bags and other things you can or cannot bring into the stadium. I know this sounds obvious, but…tortilla tossing is not an approved thing. Just, so you know. (See other official policies and FAQs.)
- When deciding what to wear, watch social media to see if it is a special color game (white out, red out, etc.). Not all games have a color call. Otherwise, Texas Tech colors are a must from a t-shirt and jeans to upscale fashion.
- If it is a sunny day, remember to douse with sunscreen beforehand and bring a hat or fan or whatever you need to keep cool. Afternoon games in September can get blistering hot. While the rules generally won’t let you bring beverages into the stadium, you can bring an empty water bottle and refill it once you get inside.
- Current students can attend the games on a first-come, first-served basis, which is why you’ll see them lining up hours early, especially for big games. Their seating section is separate from ticketed seating. If you want to sit with your student, you’ll need to purchase their ticket with yours.
- My plea: Plan to stay for the whole game. The fans’ energy feeds the team. We’re there for each other. Plus Tech has a way to bring in a surprise win in the last two minutes. (Families with small children get a pass.)
- Learn the Fight Song! The words will be on the scoreboard, but you’ll be super glad to know already when to clap and where to do guns up as the band plays the song after each score. And we plan to be singing the fight song a lot!
You don’t have to be a sports fan to have fun. And you don’t have to be a Texas Tech alum to have fun. If your child is a Red Raider, you are a Red Raider. Wreck ‘em!
