Welcome to Lubbock!

[RaiderRed]

Hey “Mustang” Fans!

This post is very long and all but wanted to extend a bit of hospitality to those coming to Lubbock for the game September 5. So welcome, to the “Giant Side of Texas”! I have done this for some time now for all schools coming to Lubbock for a game with Tech. I hope to give the opposing fan base an idea of what is going on and what to do besides the game in Lubbock.

So with that said, welcome to Lubbock, the second/third largest city in the BIG XII (225,000 city and 280,000 metro). We are excited to host the resurgent SMU Mustangs.

(This always comes up so, yea, I worked for the Lubbock Convention and Visitors Bureau at one time.)

If your driving in for the game, all those fields you may see is where 25% of the nations cotton is grown. May be flat, may be a lot of “dirt”, but hardly a wasteland as not only cotton but 25% of the state’s veggies as well as 85% of the state’s wine grapes are grown within a 90 mile radius of Lubbock.

Also, please do not believe all the crap you might here about how hostile Tech fans are. There is ONE and only ONE school that brings out the worst in all Tech fans and that school is Texas A&M.

However, like any school, Tech fans are very defensive about their Red Raiders, Texas Tech, West Texas, and Lubbock. If provoked they will defend them venomously! So if you are cordial, we are as well.

I digress….
***********
Please note that around the stadium there is still a lot of construction going on with the nation’s second largest redevelopment project in progress. You will notice that just east of the stadium, though not as many, chunks of empty land. That used to be all houses. Now it is being redeveloped. Everything was scraped off and a new better Lubbock is being built. Way been needed!

Lubbock has grown very odd, as the Tech campus and downtown are in the city’s very north/northeastern sector. Lubbock stretches roughly 8-10 miles south, southwest and about 8 miles west of the campus and downtown. Many restaurants, hotels and such are located way S, SW and West of the downtown and University area. So if you’re staying downtown in one of the hotels there, you are in the far NE corner of the city and this area is pretty deserted on weekends as most financial districts of Lubbock’s size are.

Need a map of where the stadium and such is? Ck out this site:

http://www.mapgameday.com/mystadiums/

Click on Big XII, then Jones AT&T Stadium, click on hybrid and zoom in... There you go. “The Jone’s. “

Another site is here:
http://www.collegegridirons.com/big12/J ... tadium.htm

Here is a list of places to check out for a meal before or after game time or just during your stay in Lubbock. Lubbock does have all the popular chains, from “Chili’s, Pei Wei, On the Border, Carino's, Rib Crib, Cheddar's, Texas Land and Cattle Steak House” etc. The list below are, for the most part, are locally owned or a regional type chain. This list will give you a taste of Lubbock while you are in the “Hub City”.

* Indicates one of the authors favorites
# indicates the facility is close to the stadium

STEAKS:

*Las Brisas Steakhouse…Located in prestigious Southwest Lubbock. Not an easy place to find as it is hidden in a country club setting for racquet sport enthusiast. Like Double Nickel, this place is upscale steak house. The very best cuts and excellent service. The price may be a bit steep for some. But worth the money! Ck out the link for directions to Las Brisas!

http://www.lasbrisassouthweststeakhouse.com

CAGLE'S Steakhouse...located on 4th street about 3 miles West of Loop 289. VERY busy on home football game weekends, however, they have live music in the “Town Square” courtyard. The facility is large and set up like a small western town. Very rustic. Can be a bit price-y for what you actually get and touristy. Call 795-3879.

http://www.caglesteaks.com

*50 Yard Line...Been remodeled and under new management. Has returned to being one of Lubbock’s best steak houses. Located on the south frontage road of Loop 289, between Indiana and University Avenues. The restaurant is like a museum of old Tech memorabilia and pictures of the old days of the SWC. Call 748-3991. VERY crowded on home game weekends. Then again, all restaurants usually are in Lubbock. WELL worth the wait.

http://www.50-yardline.com/

*CATTLE BARRON STEAK AND SEAFOOD GRILL…another “local” chain. They have a HUGE salad bar and excellent grilled chicken dishes as well as steaks. Located at 82nd and Quaker Avenue. Can be busy on football weekends as well.

http://www.cattlebaron.com/

*TEXAS ROADHOUSE…though a chain, Excellent steaks, which you can cut with your fork, they are so tender. Fun atmosphere and great service.

http://www.texasroadhouse.com/...ail/tx-lubbock/

DOUBLE NICKEL STEAK HOUSE…located on Slide Road and 53rd or so. Haven’t eaten there as of yet, but it is a upscale steakhouse. Owned by the famous “Spanky’s” clan so it has to be good. High quality food. Expensive but worth it, I am told.

http://doublenickelsteakhouse.com/

MEXICAN:

*ABUELO’S.... Located at the intersection of 82nd and Quaker Avenue. This is a chain that you may have been to, but you may not know that the corporate office is located in Lubbock. Started in Amarillo and Lubbock. More upscale type authentic style Mexican dishes and Tex Mex. Very good. Usually have a live band in the courtyard on weekends. Can be VERY crowded on football weekends.

http://www.abuelos.com then click on locations for map to the restaurant.

#*CHIMY’S…Located across from the Tech campus, this inexpensive eatery is one of those college dives that is fun to hang out at and have some cold ones and have one of their famous “Gut buster” Chimichanga’s before or after the game as it is within walking distance to the stadium. Very inexpensive. Huge college crowd hangout and very busy in the evenings and football weekends. Located on Broadway just East of University, south side.

http://chimys.com/

*CANCUN’S…located on South University and about 78th street, east side. Great service, great food and adult beverages for a great price. Another location is at Slide Road and about 56th Street. The University location is far superior to the one on Slide. (This is the closest to New Mexican Mexican Food in Lubbock, IMO)

*Garcia’s…Located on Slide Road, west side, about 60th street. True old time Tex Mex. Good service and food in a very casual setting.

*Anna’s Mexican Food Restaurant…Located on Indiana Avenue, just south of South Loop 289. This is a hidden gem in Lubbock. Way good food and Anna makes sure her guests are taken care of.

*Gorditos….Old place in a new spot. Located at 98th Street and just west of Indiana. Really fresh Tex-Mex. Excellent Tacos. Like home made.

*#Alfredo’s…located very close to the stadium. Just NE of the stadium at University Avenue and Marsha Sharp Freeway. These people do it right. Great price, nice portions and friendly service. Best there is. Urban Spoon rates this as one of the best inexpensive food places in Lubbock.

ITALIAN:

*ORLANDO’S...Two locations...the one at 2402 Avenue Q is close to campus and usually not as busy after or before games. The other is located in South Lubbock at Loop 289 and Indiana. Excellent Italian food with a twist. One of the best Pizza's in Lubbock! This is not a pizza parlor but a full service Italian restaurant. Love the Dijon Chicken! Good Mixed drinks as well. Try the Blue Zuni. Very Bueno! http://www.orlandos.com

STELLA’S…. Italian and continental food served here. Excellent service and food. Enjoy a beautiful Texas fall evening on the patio area out front, while you wait for a table. Located on 50th Street and Utica Avenue. Trendy joint. Live music on Friday and Saturday Nights. One of the best places for BRUNCH in Lubbock!

http://stellaslubbock.com/

*ONE GUY FROM ITALY….Two locations. One very close to the stadium. # Located at University Avenue and Main Street. The other is located just east of Quaker Avenue on 50th Street. The 50th Street location has a full menu and table service. The one on University has Calzones and Pizza mainly. Excellent calzones and the best pizza in Lubbock!!! Fast and inexpensive.



FRENCH:
CHEZ SUZETTE…located on 50th street just west of the Quaker Avenue. Always gets excellent write ups in the Texas Monthly Restaurant section. Also serves good Italian dishes as well.

Something Special:
#******HOME CAFÉ…located at 34th and Flint Avenue, SE corner of intersection. West side of the strip center. They serve home cooking upscale. This place has excellent food which is prepared truly from scratch by Chef Kate. Her husband Chef Jason, makes home made pastries, cakes and deserts. Banana pudding that will make you scream. Also homemade ice cream! Great Brunch on Sundays. Worth a look. This is truly the BEST OF LUBBOCK! Menu changes daily. Serves only Lunch and Sunday Brunch.

http://www.our1home.com/

ASIAN:
******BANGKOK THAI…THE best in Lubbock as far as Thai food goes. Counter Service. Located at 34th street and Toledo Avenue. Clean and fast friendly service. They also serve Hibachi dishes as well at half the price of a Japanese steakhouse. All soups are made with homemade chicken stock. Not out of a can and the eggrolls, hand rolled from scratch daily…best there is!!!

*SAIGON CAFE...Located just west of Quaker Avenue on 50th street. Clean and serving authentic Vietnamese cooking. Order at the counter and they bring the food to you. Try the fresh Spring Rolls, a little different but excellent. Inexpensive as well!

GREAT WALL….Located on University Avenue, just north of 19th street and across from the Texas Tech campus. Inexpensive and excellent food. Service is usually excellent as well. Very close to the stadium.

*#Red Hana Asian Restaurant…Excellent food. They have some pad thai, hibachi and fried rice dishes as well as Mongolian BBQ. Just east of Stadium across University. This is a very good and convenient place to eat right across from the stadium.

*TOKYO HIBACHI STEAK HOUSE…Hibachi, cook it up in front of you. Best in Lubbock for Japanese Hibachi style food. Located at 50th and just east of Utica Avenue.

*CHINA TOWN…located at 82nd and Slide Road…in Rockridge Plaza. Excellent food and service. Very inexpensive. Serving traditional Chinese dishes. Best full service Chinese food restaurant in Lubbock. Full Service.

*YAGAMATA’S Hibachi Steak House…Located on 82nd, south side, about 1 block west of Frankford Avenue. Best Hibachi Steak House in Lubbock by far. Yagamata’s doesn’t skimp on anything as far as freshness and quality. Scallops are HUGE.

BURGERS:

#*GARDSKI’S LOFT....2009 Broadway Avenue. A old Tech tradition for many years. Located near campus in the downtown sector. Excellent "bar and grill" fare. Can be crowded on football weekends, but worth the wait as the business is located in an old historic home. Very rustic.

http://www.gardskisloft.com/

SPANKY’S...Located right across the street from the stadium. Serving sandwiches and burgers. Very inexpensive. One of those College dives that has that special atmosphere. Be sure and get their world famous Cheese Sticks. Truly homemade cheese sticks. Best there is!

http://www.spankys.com/

*CAPROCK CAFÉ…Located at Indiana Avenue and 34th Street. New Location located at 82nd and Slide Road. (The Slide Road one is smoke free ). One of the best Burgers joints in Lubbock. Owned by the Orlando’s group. Great service and a good place to throw back a cold one or two as well. VERY busy during weekends. Has big screens to watch other games of interest. Rustic décor.

http://www.orlandos.com/caprockcafe/

BAR B QUE:

*RUDY’S BBQ…okay, so I am throwing in a chain. Very interesting way to serve BBQ. This chain was started in San Antonio, Texas. Can’t beat the flavor. Served by the half or quarter pound. Also, way good smoked turkey served. Hard to describe here.

http://www.rudys.com/

J&M BBQ…Located on 34th Street, South Side between Joliet and Knoxville Avenues. I would be in trouble if I didn’t list this. An old Pizza Inn was turned into one of the best BBQ joints in town. Sit down service.

http://www.jandmbar-b-q.com/

BREAKFEST JOINTS:

ROOF TOP CAFÉ…though they serve lunch and dinner, they are known for their excellent breakfasts! Located just east of Indiana Avenue and 82nd. Excellent service and outstanding omelets.

*The Red Zone…Located just north of 34th Street on Slide Road. “Diner” type atmosphere. Good service, and excellent food. Good daily “diner” type specials.

SPORTS BARS: Lubbock has a ton...here are some of my favorites.

*FOX AND HOUND.... Located in South Lubbock at 82nd and Orlando Avenue. Upscale sports bar. More of a professional crowd. Lots of TV's and good service and decent food.

http://www.tentcorp.com

#CRICKETS...Located across from campus and stadium. Has billiards and TV's for viewing your favorite game. Just off University and Broadway. Good place to meet up before the game as it is easy walking distance to the JONES.

*Every restaurant in Lubbock will have College Football or some sort of sports on. Lubbock is obsessed with College Sports.



HEALTHY FOOD:

BLESS YOUR HEART…located at 19th street and just east of Memphis Avenue. A casual café serving healthy foods like grilled chicken dishes, sandwiches all served on homemade wheat bread. All dishes are low in fat and calories. Counter Service. Open Mon-Sat 11am-9pm and closed on Sundays. Close to the campus and stadium.



SEAFOOD:

*JAZZ A LOUISIANA KITCHEN…located just west of Bless Your Heart (listed above) at Memphis and 19th street. This is the original Jazz. Excellent blackened chicken. Live bands on weekends. VERY crowded during peak hours however. Best Creole food in Lubbock.

http://www.jazzkitchens.com/wb/pages/lubbock.php

RIVERSMITH’S CATFISH AND CHICKEN…located across from the Sheraton Four Points Hotel downtown. Just south of 4th street and Avenue Q. Kind of a “heehaw” type place but has excellent catfish, served the way it should, the SOUTHERN way. Counter service.

http://www.riversmiths.com/

*ROCKFISH GRILL…though a chain, this one is worth mentioning since Lubbock hasn’t many good seafood restaurants. Serving high end dishes. Fish is flown in daily for freshness.

http://www.rockfishseafood.com/lubbock.htm#lubbock

(Hopefully that gives you a decent list of places to eat. What to do before the game or after?)

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
NIGHTLIFE:

For the college age MUSTANGS and SINGLES that are coming in for the game, then check out Lubbock's Depot District:

http://lubbockhospitality.com/Depot/

The Depot District is a collection of bars, restaurants and dance clubs. Located north and south of 19th Street on Buddy Holly Avenue. Lots of people down there on home football weekends. Way fun atmosphere with outdoor tables and such to people watch. Any type of music or club setting, it is there.

If live theather is your thing, check out the *CACTUS THEATER. Located on Buddy Holly Avenue and 19th street. Excellent live theater. Check here for what's playing this weekend. http://www.cactustheater.com

For the more mature type crowd check out "CHANCES R". Located on Frankford
Avenue just North of Spur 327. Playing bout 75% country and 25% dance music.

WILD WEST…Country and Western bar in the Depot District. Very popular with College students. Very large and roomy dance bar. Has some up and coming bands come through there. Check here for upcoming schedule.

http://www.wildwestlubbock.com/

For the “Alternative” crowd…try “HEAVEN” in the Depot District. Predominately gay crowd. They say it has great dance music. Personally, I have to take their word for it.

http://www.heavennightclub.net

#Another “alternative” bar is called the Luxor. Located on 4th street about 3 blocks east of University Avenue and the stadium.

http://www.clubluxor.com

++++++++++++++++

MUSEUMS:

#*A must for college football fans and old Southwest Conference fans...go to TEXAS TECH’S SOUTHWEST COLLECTIONS Research Library, located on the Texas Tech campus. When the SWC folded, all of the papers, old conference media guides, game programs, old game films anything that was in the conference office was sent to this library. Go in and tell them what your interested in viewing and they will help. I have spent way too much time in that library looking at all the old SWC items. Call 742-3749 for directions.

#*For some of you rancher types coming in for the game, check out the TEXAS TECH RANCHING AND HERITAGE CENTER. Located on the Tech campus just west of the Stadium on 4th street. The indoor/outdoor exhibit showcases the history of ranching in America's frontier with more than 37 ranch structures that have been moved from their original locations to this site and restored to period time. Open Monday through Saturday from 10-5pm and Sunday 1-5pm. Excellent thing to do before the game as the acclaimed Tech Museum is within walking distance to Jones Stadium.

http://www.depts.ttu.edu/ranchhc

#THE MUSEUM OF TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY...located just west of the stadium on 4th street. The Museum consists of the Moody Planetarium, Lubbock Lake Landmark, and natural science research laboratory. The Museum's collections of art and archaeology are displayed.

http://www.museum.ttu.edu/index.html

Got some young MUSTANGS? Check out the SCIENCE SPECTRUM AND OMNIMAX THEATER. The science and technology museum features over 200 hands on interactive exhibits. The Omnimax Theater (one of only 3 in the state of Texas) offers a giant dome type screen that shows educational and exciting movies in surround sound.
http://www.sciencespectrum.com

For young and old, check out the LUBBOCK LAKE LANDMARK AND HISTORICAL DIG. Once the site of an ancient spring fed watering hole, Lubbock Lake has produced evidence of an unbroken human presence spanning 12,000 years. Today, guests of this working archaeological and natural history preserve may enjoy interactive exhibits and hands on activities at the NASH INTERPRETIVE CENTER. This is considered one of the nations most important archaeological digs as well as in North America. Located off the NW Loop. Best to call for directions or go to:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lubbock_Lake_Landmark

American Wind Power Center…Located just east of I-27 on East Broadway Avenue. Located in the scenic Lubbock Lakes Project. Best to call for directions. You will see a collection of 60 windmills which fill the large exhibit hall, some having wheels 25 feet in diameter. From the old wooden models which have been fully restored to their original colors and cast iron work. New addition is the 20 story turbine windmill.

http://www.binxsoftware.com/vanhouse/...4/WindPower.htm

OTHER THINGS TO SEE:

Some may not know, but Lubbock is a music capital. Like Austin, you can hear some of the nations most talented up and comers in the DEPOT DISTRICT bars or at some late night restaurants. There have been many Country and Rock singers come out of Lubbock ya'll may know. Pat Greene (Tech Alum), Mac Davis, Buddy Holly, Dixie Chicks lead singer Natalie Maines, Tanya Tucker, John Denver (another Tech student) plus many others.

In the Depot District be sure and check out the BUDDY HOLLY MUSEUM. Located on Buddy Holly Avenue and 19th Street. You can trace back Buddy Holly's life and to when "the music died". Memorabilia such as guitars and even his patented Black Glasses. Located on Buddy Holly Avenue and 19th Street. This isn’t a gimmicky museum. It is upscale type museum.

http://www.buddyhollycenter.org

LLANO ESTACADO WINERY: Located just south of Lubbock a few miles. Go down US 87 to FM 1585, turn left then travel about 2 miles, the winery is on the right. Llano Estacado Winery is an award winning winery that offers tours every half hour until 4pm daily. Open Monday through Saturday 10am - 5pm. Sunday Noon till 5pm

http://www.llanowine.com

CAPROCK WINERY...located a little further out. Go down US 87 till you get to Woodrow Road. Then turn left and you will see the winery on the left. Very ornate and beautiful building. Call Caprock for tour hours.

http://www.caprockwinery.com

*These wineries are legit. They are not some rinky dink thing.

+++++++++++++

SHOPPING:

Some of the LADY MUSTANGS may enjoy a day trip to Texas’ largest one story mall. It is called SOUTH PLAINS MALL. Located at Loop 289 and Slide Road. Over 200+ stores. Shoppers frequent from all over Eastern New Mexico, West Texas to shop this mall.

http://www.southplainsmall.com

KINGSGATE CENTER: many specialty shops are located in this large retail center. Located on Quaker and 82nd Street. The center overlaps 82nd Street, north and south. Banana Republic plus many other upscale specialty type stores are located here.

http://www.kingsgatecenter.com

GOLF:

RAWLS GOLF COURSE…this is Texas Tech University’s Golf Course. Voted #3 best collegiate golf courses in America. Located on 4th Street and Indiana, across from the Texas Tech Medical School. All are welcome.

http://www.depts.ttu.edu/therawlscourse

MEADOW BROOK GOLF COURSE…Voted one of the best public courses in Texas. Located just NE of downtown Lubbock in Mackenzie Park. Beautiful course. Located in the Canyon just northeast of the central business district of Lubbock. Public course…all are welcome.

http://www.golfmeadowbrook.com/layout9.asp?id=234& amp; amp;page=7605

LUBBOCK COUNTRY CLUB…Private Course…however usually can call and get on. Beautiful course. One of Texas’ most prestigious courses. Located on North I-27 on Mesa Road.

http://www.lubbockcc.org

GAME DAY!
Sports Radio Stations…Lubbock finally got a REAL sports station. It is 104.3 FM. ESPN radio can be found here as well as their game day show starting at 7am and runs all the way up to game time. Texas Tech football is broadcast here.
Parking:

If you are coming in a RV, get to the campus area as early as possible. RV’s have been asked to park in a tailgating area just west of the United Spirit Arena. There is a shuttle buses to and from the stadium from this parking lot for a minimal charge. Buses run continuously with little or no wait. Also this is one of the best options to park for cars as well. There is a fee to park.

Please note, parking lots directly to the west and east of the stadium are donor parking ONLY. If you are coming by car there is now parking across University Avenue just East of the stadium in construction areas which costs around $10-15. Other Free areas to park are on campus but it limited. It is advisable not to park in neighborhoods just NE or North of the stadium. Not a real good area, especially for night games.

Be sure and come early to check out RAIDER ALLEY! This is a collection of booths and excellent live music. The Dixie Chicks played here before they became HUGE. This is the “Alley” that started them all. There are some excellent vendors selling some way tasty foods. Come in and mingle with other fans, EVERYONE is welcome. Located just SW of the Stadium.

http://www.texastech.com/sports/m-footb ... html?pic=9

For the college age MUSTANGS, check out RAIDERGATE! (featured on “ESPN’s Road Trip” during the 2008 Texas game). This is where the Tech students tailgate and listen to some really great live music which is provided and more to the college age crowds liking. Located in the Biology Building Parking lot. Ck out the Lubbock Paper or go here for headliner for the week of your game.

http://www.ttu.edu/traditions/raidergate.php

ESPN’s Road Trip and feature of Raidergate…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4POGTQPm_4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSyF21npbYY

***Tech's game day atmosphere is one that The Sporting News voted as one of the 5 best in the nation several years back. While The Denver Post reported Tech Tailgating as the best in the BIG 12 in 2004 as well. Some people start tailgating as early as Monday before big home games. Motor Homes start arriving then. It is crazy!


What to expect.....

Thursday is when the campus starts gearing up for a BIG 12 football weekend.
On Thursday night, fans and students put red and black streamers on anything that sticks up on campus, as the campus is painted red and black. This has been done for years and years. One of the statues in the center of campus called “Will Rogers and Soapsuds” is wrapped in red crape paper. The arse of the horse points towards Texas A&M. The horse’s arse isn’t wrapped so its, errr “backside” is always showing towards A&M. The group that does all the wrapping is the Saddle Tramps (male spirit organization) and this event is called “The Midnight Ride”.

Friday:

Depot District is hopping on football weekends. Many live bands throughout the city as well. When you get into town, buy a “Lubbock Avalanche Journal” and there is a pull out section called “GO” and there is a list of what bands are playing in Lubbock for that weekend. Or if coming in on Saturday, ck out the Depot District.

http://events.lubbockonline.com/

Saturday:

Fans descend on the Tech campus by the thousands 4-5 hours before kickoff to enjoy Raider Alley, Raidergate and tailgating. You will see people with fine dining room furniture under large canopy tents. Large ornate light fixtures hanging above the tables, and food being served on their fine china by wait staff. 54” big screen TV’s. The smell of bbq to hamburgers to some extravagant gourmet dishes being prepared and served by staff in Tuxes.

As kickoff time nears, you may here in the distance the 450+ member “Goin Band From Raiderland” doing the traditional "Snake Dance" through the campus. They start on the south end of campus and march to the stadium with tailgaters and fans joining behind them. Once they get just south of the stadium the huge band splits into to two bands. One heads east the other west. “Grandiosa” is blasted by the east band as it makes their approach to the East ramp into the stadium. Once done the West band is now nearing the stadium. They then start to play “Grandiosa”. This is the signal to all tailgaters and fans, it is game time! Something like this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6d7QFTUQmzM&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04BFTmriZ0s

Now inside the stadium and after you settle in, some of you MUSTANGS may have been to a game or two in Lubbock or watched on television, will notice that Tech had outgrown it’s old SWC and early BIG 12 home. The new West Side Press facility and Luxury Suites were completed about 5 years ago. It towers 5 stories over the West Upper Deck. This is one of several phases of updates the stadium has received and will receive.

The latest phase completed this season added a replica building to the East Side with 3 more Luxury Suites levels and retail space on the first level and a Texas Tech Football Hall of Honor. Also seating is being added this year to the NE and NW end of the stadium to bring “The Jones” to 61,000.

Now it is time for the 450 member “Goin Band from Raiderland” to take the field. They thunder out of the tunnels and fill all 50 yards of the south end of Jones. As the crowd rises the "stadium voice" says it is time for “FIGHT, RAIDERS FIGHT”...Raider fans clap and sing the fight song as they march to the north end to make the traditional HUGE Double T. After we honor our nation, the band plays the Matador Song. (Tech’s Alma Mater)

See here….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64DGHrSo ... re=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6N9KrYTT1Ag&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4j_mzoJ2mGw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOrjZXpbeFc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_BdXNRg2yU

The Jumbo Tron begins the “pregame” show. Then you will see the Red Raiders making their way towards the tunnel they are touching the "Bronze Saddle" which brings good luck to all who touch it. The saddle is a replica worn by the horse that tragically died on the field back in 1994.

Now, it is time…. the nations most spectacular entrances of any football team. (Though the pony running is pretty spectacular as well). There have been MANY that have copied Texas Tech (Oklahoma State, USC and Florida State), but none can match!!!

Smoke billows in the SW corner of the stadium. The Red Raider Fanfare of “GO…FIGHT…WIN....”...the crowd erupts as the Masked Rider on the beautiful black horse emerges from the smoke riding full stride towards the north end of the stadium and the Red Raiders running behind the horse and rider! Even the most jaded MUSTANG FAN, I bet, will consider that pretty cool.

See Here….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcW7Up7n ... re=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RlFstoI ... re=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqWqf_6j ... re=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=so6w4o_w ... re=related

The band moves off the field and plays with vigor FIGHT RAIDERS, FIGHT. After that, it is time for the Bell Circle. The Saddle Tramps (Male spirit organization) will run on to the field clanging their cow bells, and in sync with the crowd will do GO, FIGHT, WIN, the cannon booms and Raider Red shoots off his guns as it is now GAME TIME!

RAIDER POWER thunders through the stands as the gladiators are now set to do battle.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mm0fbBjh ... re=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JZk9gea ... re=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdQSXG4f ... re=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2v1FBIwNhis&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_vovn21hdY

I know and realize this was very long, but thought the more appreciative MUSTANG Fans would want to know something about where you are traveling and what to do.

Hopefully, y’all have not been brain washed by the texas aggie trash propaganda and will find Texas Tech and Lubbock to be a pretty nice place and not a dust bowl as some ignorant down state folks may try to sell you.

Here is to a good game, have a safe trip to the High Plains and the GIANT Side of Texas...and of course….

GO TECH!

&

Welcome to Lubbock!

[SmooBoy]

Better call June to let him know of the game date change.

Welcome, as I love long form letters.

[EastStang]

I can smell the livestock just by reading that post.

[SmooBoy]

SPANKY’S...Located right across the street from the stadium. Serving sandwiches and burgers. Very inexpensive. One of those College dives that has that special atmosphere. Be sure and get their world famous Cheese Sticks. Truly homemade cheese sticks. Best there is!

I assume owned and operated by the famed TT bell ringer?

[EastStang]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRtHEx9QNxk

And here is the Tech bell ringer because it never gets old.

[RGV Pony]

I'll vouch for Gardski's. And the Science place for kids, though I don't know of anyone bringing kids.

Oh, and Raider Red, you forgot Taco Villa.

[Cardinal Puff]

How could he post that many purported attractions and not list bars.

[Mestengo]

I will be hanging out behind the dumpster at the La Quinta. According to Travelocity’s user reviews there are street walkers.

[PonyLove]

I'm sure he meant well and not to be rude, but...pretty sure none of the "Lady" Mustangs will be needing to shop in Lubbock...most people will get there and get back out of town as soon as possible...

[Junior]

Better call June to let him know of the game date change.

Welcome, as I love long form letters.

date change? the first section says 9/5.

[Junior]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRtHEx9QNxk

And here is the Tech bell ringer because it never gets old.

Nope. Never.

[SmooBoy]

Better call June to let him know of the game date change.

Welcome, as I love long form letters.

date change? the first section says 9/5.

It was posted with November 21st or somesuch before being updated.

[Alaric]

God's country! I was born in Hereford TX

[Bergermeister]

Copper Caboose still around?

[ponyboy]

I think it's pretty cool of the guy to do that.