Traveling to Lubbock. (!)

by pleaseplaykindle on Oct 27, 2008 3:08 PM CDT Comment 65 comments

I had a professor recently that used to give verbal pop quizzes in class. He would joke that the winner of the quiz would receive a free trip to Lubbock. The loser would get two free trips to Lubbock. In spite of these and other dire warnings, I'm planning on taking the trek upstate to Lubbock, TX to watch our beloved Horns play the Raiders.

Now, I've heard some terrible things about the environment there, including:

1. D-Cell batteries being thrown onto the field.

2. Fans verbally and physically abusing opponent fans.

3. Cars being keyed and otherwise vandalized that displayed opponent team logos.

In a word, Lubbock is a unique place to watch a football game. Lubbock also is shitty place to do anything else.

So, I appeal to you, fellow BONers, to give me some help in things I should do to make the trip as enjoyable as possible, and also to ensure that I make it back.

Might I start with a question: Do I wear burnt orange to the game?

And to any Red Raiders reading this, if the rumors that I hear of your behaviour at games is true, you should truly be ashamed. Elite programs exhibit class. To join the discussion among the rest of the Big XII elite, you need to grow up.

All comments, FanPosts, and FanShots are the views of the reader-authors who create them.

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I will be making the trip from Dallas

And I plan on people giving me a hard time. But thats ok. I would have p*%$@s envy too, if my team couldn’t get up for big games.

Been to Kyle Field a couple of times, you just gotta take the crap and turn another cheek. You can’t let stuff like that get to you. And know your not at home anymore, so you can’t talk trash. Just be respectful, and hopefully they will not give you to hard of a time.

My adopted son has the hottest wife.

by maverick76904 on Oct 27, 2008 3:34 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Dude...

that stuff is WAY overblown and the imagination of crazy Aggie fans. Sure, the student section is pretty crazy, but it’s not violent or anything like that. I’ve been attending Tech games since 1985 and have never once seen an opposing fan harrassed to the point of a fight or anything close – that Aggie game in the 90s was a one-time deal.

Batteries are NOT thrown. The fans will be cool if you’re cool. Cheer your team, wear all the orange you want…just don’t be an ass and you’ll be fine. I think if you walk around the tailgate before the game, you’ll find people pretty freaking hospitable and will likely offer you food and drink.

If you are given a “hard time” it’s VERY likely to be in fun and in the spirit of the game. Now, if you win and you start walking around Lubbock’s Depot District throwing horns in the air, you might find a drunk college kid or 20 who might take issue. But it’s the same as if I walked around Austin flashing guns up after a Tech win. It would kind of be expected, eh?

I’ve been to games in Austin and realize that I’m in Indian territory when I’m there so I have to sort of temper the excitement. But it’s the same as when I’ve been to Norman and College Station and Stillwater.

Relax, you’ll make it there and back in one piece.

by Tech92 on Oct 27, 2008 3:39 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Batteries no, Tortillas yes.

Only been targeted with batteries while in Boulder. Worst, fans, ever.

by BoddickerIsClutch on Oct 27, 2008 3:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

batteries fly a long way in thin air

by pleaseplaykindle on Oct 27, 2008 4:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

But it’s the same as if I walked around Austin flashing guns up after a Tech win. It would kind of be expected, eh?

Fair enough. I’ll report back after the game to be fair to the fans there. Based on what I’m reading here, I don’t need to worry, but man, the things that are said about Tech games on campus here are ridiculous.

by pleaseplaykindle on Oct 27, 2008 4:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

For the most part, I definitely agree with you...

I have spent a lot of time in Lubbock and have attended several Tech games (including one this season and the OU game last year).

First, I have never seen batteries thrown at a game. I have several friends there and they told me that this has never happened either. I was at the last UT game in Lubbock (Colt’s run on third and long!) and sat in the student section. I, believing all the hype, wore neutral colors and minded my own business. There were some UT fans wearing orange in the student section and I didn’t see anything happen with them. If you’re in the Tech section, and you behave responsibly you will be fine regardless of whatever colors you wear (sure you might get heckled, but what do you expect?).

That said, I think there is a big difference between games there in the day and at night. Fans do tend to be more beligerent at night there for obvious reasons. I think Tech fans will be fine, for the most part, but they are TERRIBLE WINNERS. Should Tech pull the upset, get the hell out of dodge asap or you might be the one looking to start a fight. I witnessed lots of Tech fans rip up SMU fans, yes SMU fans, just this year. At the OU game the Tech fans were insufferable. They had reason to be excited, but were ridiculous. The term “act like you’ve been there before” does not apply to Tech fans.

Also, I have a Longhorn decal on my car and have had no problems there and I park right across the stadium ($20 bucks to park in a dirt lot just across University Street). I don’t think your vehicles are in any danger. Or, no more than they would be anywhere else.

That said, the restaurants in Lubbock are okay. I recommend two places. Just across the stadium is a burger joint called Spanky’s. They have “Fried cheese” there that is ridiculously good. The burgers are good, and they have cheap, bottled beer. They have excellent fried food. If you want a steak try Cagles Steaks. In my opinion, and generally the word around town, is that this is the best place in town.

As for bars, the Depot District is okay. I would avoid the Library (gets a bad element in Lubbock). I would go to the Blue Light or Wild West (their “Midnight Rodeo”). The girls in Lubbock are every bit as hot as advertised. Near campus, try Crickets which is within close walking distance to Jones Stadium.

by the1austin on Oct 27, 2008 4:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Cagle's is good

There’s very little salad there at Cagle’s, so then the girl will be forced to eat in front of you.

by BigTexBD on Oct 27, 2008 7:42 PM CDT up reply actions 3 recs

Win

For Mike Leach-dating-advice reference.

by HornPossessed on Oct 27, 2008 7:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wear Burnt Orange.

Expect to be yelled at by drunk Tech students/fans. Laugh it off.

Lubbock is not pretty….but the Tech girls are.

Rosa’s is good, cheap TexMex (ala TC)

The revamped Highschool stadium looks pretty good in pics (by good I mean JuCo) . I was at the 02 and 06 games in Lubbock. 02 was obnoxious. In 06 the Tech fans were more pissed at their own team than anything else.

Enjoy what looks to be one hell of a game.

by BON Addict on Oct 27, 2008 3:40 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

How is this true?

Lubbock is not pretty….but the Tech girls are.

I’ve seen facebook photos and my god its something they put in the water.

by pleaseplaykindle on Oct 27, 2008 4:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The girls are hot, by and large.

Look, there are a lot of intelligent people that have attended Texas Tech. But their admission standards are, um, not exactly that high. You get a lot of the “sorta dumb but make themselves up real nice” girls at Tech. That’s not to say that all hot girls are dumb or vice versa. But the dumb ones sure seem to try harder to look good because, well, what else do they have going for them?

I’m going to stop talking now.

by billyzane on Oct 27, 2008 4:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I hope you're married already, because the hot ones may not want you after that.

Then again, they also may not be able to read.

by pleaseplaykindle on Oct 27, 2008 4:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think it's the dumb ones that wouldn't want me anymore

And I’m cool with that.

by billyzane on Oct 27, 2008 4:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Too true...

And for a quick “weekend” is there a better kind ?

sorta dumb but make themselves up real nice" girls

by BON Addict on Oct 27, 2008 4:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

When you’re 21 and in college, is there ANY other type of girl you’d like?

by Tech92 on Oct 27, 2008 5:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

"I’m going to stop talking now."

Good idea…didn’t read anything with substance.

by TTUPirate on Oct 30, 2008 3:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Went to the 2000 and 2002 Texas games in Lubbock

They’re not that bad, honestly. In 2002 I was in the student section when Tech upset Texas and I will say that it was much more uncomfortable than it was in 2000 when Texas won and I was not in the student section. I wore burnt orange both times and while I received a lot of heckles in ‘02, there was no physical intimidation or stuff being thrown at me. Maybe it’s because I was with some Tech students who were friends of mine, I don’t know. But I was fine.

I think Tech fans get a bad rap, honestly. I have a lot of Tech friends and while I can say that the specific people I talked to weren’t all that knowledgeable about the game (and actually, most of them grew up Texas fans…), they’re no worse than the frat boy element at Texas games. They get drunk, make a lot of noise, verbally taunt you and they have a good time. As long as you’re not a dick back to them, you’ll be fine.

And as a general PSA (not necessarily directed at anyone in particular), can everyone stop talking so much shit about Tech and their fans? They have a good team and many of their fans are passionate and knowledgeable. Take a look at the excellent DoubleTNation.com if you don’t believe me. Give it a rest and treat them with some measure of respect.

by billyzane on Oct 27, 2008 3:40 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I was there in 2000 and 2002 as well.

In 2002, I just couldn’t believe that they were tearing up their own bleachers after the win. I was speechless.

by BoddickerIsClutch on Oct 27, 2008 3:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, they can be pretty destructive

This after the Tech students I was sitting with seriously contemplated leaving at halftime when Texas was winning and never thought Tech had a chance until they took the lead late.

by billyzane on Oct 27, 2008 4:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

YES. They do rip the bleachers out!! I could not for the life of me figure out why

they were doing that!! It was bizarre,but once one row started, it caught on all over the place. Just made no sense to me.

by the1austin on Oct 27, 2008 4:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

2002

There with my dad (ut grad, a man, 50+). Came thisclose to fighting our way out of the stadium and then through campus, where his car was parked. Seeing the old man ready to rip a 19 year old’s head off as he screams “F*** Texas” 6 inches from his face was enough to keep me away in 04 (that and Iraq).

06, different story. Great time, fun tailgate perfect outcome.

by BON Addict on Oct 27, 2008 4:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Had an eerily similar experience with my uncle who is in his 50's.

Like I said the phrase “Act like you’ve been there before” does not apply to Tech fans. They are terrible winners.

If Tech wins, get the hell out of dodge.

by the1austin on Oct 27, 2008 4:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was there in 2000 too

I was on the hill and wasn’t bothered by Tech fans. I was however bothered by Major tearing his ACL during that game. I thought the tortilla throwing was awesome though.

Perhaps the most recognizable mascot in sports, and certainly the toughest looking, Bevo is a fixture

by run Bevo run on Oct 27, 2008 5:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sadly, they have stopped the Tortilla thing. Don't see it anymore.

I remember a Tech student nailed Phillp Rivers. in the face It has to be on youtube…..

by the1austin on Oct 27, 2008 5:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The NCAA stepped in and said no more. It was the Tech version of toilet paper being thrown at basketball games. Remember that? The NCAA put the kibosh on that, as well.

by Tech92 on Oct 27, 2008 5:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

oh they do it

there will be many tortillas at the game, just not as many on the field, watch the south endzone at opening kickoff and the first tech td

by johnlaf13 on Oct 28, 2008 1:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

As for a s***y place for other things...

After the game, head over to Chrome if you’re over 28 or so. Hotties freaking galore. If you’re into the college scene, head down to the Depot Beer district. Live music (rumor is that Pat Green will be there somewhere), plenty of pubs and clubs. Have fun!

by Tech92 on Oct 27, 2008 3:40 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

p.s.

Thanks for the lecture on class. Sounds a little silly and reminds me of my mom, but thanks none the less.

by Tech92 on Oct 27, 2008 3:45 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Alright, I can admit when I'm being a jerk, but...

To be fair, there was a caveat on my “lecture on class” — that said rumors were true. While I suppose I have to concede the point to you (you have been going to Tech games for years), I’m basing my initial observations on things I’ve been told by fellow Longhorn fans that have traveled to Lubbock in seasons prior. And I don’t think you can dismiss those anecdotes either.

As an example, my friend and his girlfriend went to Lubbock for 2007 game, and his girlfriend was verbally abused by fans for most of the first half. Fair enough, verbal abuse happens at football games, but when my friend asks them to stop because its upsetting his girlfriend, it gets worse and finally my friend is kicked out of the section for being a disruption. People are actually calling for the security guard to have this guy and his girlfriend removed, for what seemed like spurious reasons. Obviously I’ve gotten just one side of the story, but I trust the bulk of this story.

I have plenty of friends that go to Tech, and I’ve been reading doubleTnation all season without complaint. I understand that just like anywhere else, there’s mostly rational people and there’s a few irresponsible jerks. But there is a stereotype and I was wondering if it had a basis since I’ve been presented with evidence for it before. I suppose my tone was meant to be more humorous than insulting, but I can see that I didn’t do a good job of conveying this, and I’m sorry for that. It certainly wasn’t intended to be a judgment on all TT fans in general.

In any case, if the general consensus is that I’m in no real danger of not having a good time, great. If the general consensus is also that we’re going to win, better.

by pleaseplaykindle on Oct 27, 2008 4:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think you will have a great time in Lubbock. I am not sure where the idea got started that Tech fans will basically kill you if you wear anything other than red or black, but it’s out there for some reason.

A few guys have posted incidents that happened to them, and I guess if you have 55,000 people in any one spot (or damn near 100,000 at UT games) you have a decent chance of running into a compete ass. But really, that’s any stadium at any game.

The bleacher thing still baffles most of us, too, so we aren’t saying we are on board with that garbage at all.

Here’s what I mean, though. I was at the OU game last year which was as absolutely bonkers as I’ve ever seen Jones Stadium get. There were a ton of OU fans there and we ran into four of them on the way out. The sat in the south endzone (Tech students) and were shaking their heads in amazement that they didn’t get killed. We wanted to know why and they said basically what you said, that they heard all these terrible things about our fans and were expecting the worst. We had them follow us to the trailer in the parking lot and proceeded to get them as drunk as they had probably been in 15 years. Are all fans like that? Obviously not, but there are a ton more out there like me than there are like the idiots who take a football game one step too far.

by Tech92 on Oct 27, 2008 5:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Also true

Friendliest tailgaters (to non-Techies) at any stadium I’ve ever been to…both pre and post-game.

Didn’t mean to insinuate all Tech fans are a-holes. 90% of the time I always have a good time in Lubbock.

by BON Addict on Oct 27, 2008 5:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

There is a video on YouTube somewhere

showing Tech fans berating an opposing fan in the student section until a security guard is called by Tech fans to kick him out.

I can’t for the life of me find it at the moment….But I’ll keep searching.

by HornPossessed on Oct 27, 2008 6:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Found it

It’s a Texas fan getting kicked out.

by HornPossessed on Oct 27, 2008 6:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sitting in the student section...

I transferred to tech as of this year and was wondering if there are any other longhorns who plan on sitting in the student section this saturday?

Texas '11

by rutaj04 on Oct 27, 2008 3:58 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I might be sitting in the student section with my friends…dependent on two things, he can find an id I can use, and we dont drink ourselves into oblivion beforehand.

by bignick573 on Oct 27, 2008 4:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

atta boy!! : )

by Tech92 on Oct 27, 2008 6:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

This isn't the Big X

I wouldn’t expect anyone to try to fight you because you’re wearing orange. Lubbock is not LA, either.

That being said, if win a close one, everyone will probably be fighting anyways, so whatever.

by Tackchevy on Oct 27, 2008 4:09 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Aggies

Tech may hate burnt orange, but they typically stick to heckling with us. When I’ve been to games there with friends wearing maroon though, its pretty bad. Probably cause when you get an Aggie and a Red Raider together, that’s a lot of drunk asshole.

by jw4425 on Oct 27, 2008 4:26 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs

Aggies deserve it

by Tech92 on Oct 27, 2008 5:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

This is true. Can't criticize Tech on this one.

by jw4425 on Oct 27, 2008 5:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wilbon just predicted a Tech upset on PTI

Luckily, he guaranteed that PSU would lose at the Horseshoe last week.

by the1austin on Oct 27, 2008 4:55 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Oh, one more thing

On your way out of town, stop by Josie’s for breakfast. Sort of a hidden local’s-only joint that not even students know much about. It’s on 38th and Slide, I think. Fantastic Mexican breakfast that does an amazing job of sopping up the previous night’s beer!

by Tech92 on Oct 27, 2008 5:13 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Nice.

The hungover breakfast taco is an Austin staple.

by pleaseplaykindle on Oct 27, 2008 5:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Worst thing about Lubbock...

Besides the water, is the fact that there is no Taco Cabana or Jack in the Box.

by the1austin on Oct 27, 2008 5:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Kudos on calling out our water. We can’t hide from it. That is HANDS DOWN the worst thing that has ever crossed these lips. Turns the locals teeth brown after about 40 years…it’s because it’s so hard. Still not sure what “hard water” is, but Lubbock has it.

by Tech92 on Oct 27, 2008 5:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

water is bad

i completely agree, im a tech student who moved from colorado springs, whose water quenches the thirst of millions nationwide… lubbock water is terrible, i only drink bottled water

by johnlaf13 on Oct 28, 2008 1:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

High Iron content

If you drink the tap water long enough, you will develop iron deposits around your ankles…sort of burnt orange in color.

by TTUPirate on Oct 30, 2008 4:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Rosa's...

Rosa’s is WAY better than Taco C. And I’ve had plenty of both.

by jw4425 on Oct 27, 2008 5:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

jw, I have to disagree. Rosa's royally blows.

They do have sopapillas, I’ll give Rosa’s that, but we’ll have to agree to disagree on that one. Plus, I’m fairly certain that Rosa’s closes at a normal hour.

by the1austin on Oct 27, 2008 6:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just remembered

When tOSU played here in Austin, I remember a group of drunk Texas frat guys walking down the drag following this one family (mom dad two kids two grandparents) from Madam Mam’s all the way to the CO-OP a few hours before the game. They were walking ten feet behind them doing the Texas/Fight thing. It was hilarious at the time, but in retrospect yeah probably not the most mature behavior…

by pleaseplaykindle on Oct 27, 2008 6:05 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

That’s what college kids do. It doesn’t bother me when a kid from school x does that to me. It’s kind of what makes college football what it is. You guys, by the way, have always been gracious to me when I’ve been to Austin and have even made some decent business contacts from the trips. It’s all good, bro. It’s all good.

by Tech92 on Oct 27, 2008 6:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Boys...

The folks over at DTN have put up a thread on places to visit while you’re in town. Enjoy!
http://www.doubletnation.com/2008/10/27/647811/tech-vs-ut-fan-post-on-bur#comments

by Tech92 on Oct 27, 2008 6:42 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

You should be fine. Think of Tech fans like Biff from Back To The Future, they talk a big game and puff their chests, but if you (Texas) punch em in the face, they’ll be more than happy to put two coats of wax on your car, not just one.

Also, don’t remind them about how poor their grades were in high school, or how they couldn’t get into A&M, or say “Getcha grades up!”, cause that’ll piss em off too.

And regarding the hot girls at Tech……you know how you wonder what happened to those hot girls from high school who weren’t too bright, but weren’t really dumb…..well most of them went to Tech (or Texas State).

by texasauteur on Oct 27, 2008 6:45 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I had to double check to make sure I was on the right site…that sounds a LOT like what an Aggie say’s.

by Tech92 on Oct 27, 2008 7:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

"well most of them went to Tech (or Texas State)."

You must have sat in class with them…

by TTUPirate on Oct 30, 2008 4:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

student section = possible trouble, but thats it

i have been attending games for many years and am currently a tech student, the student section is exactly that, for tech students, we dont care if you want to come to the game and sit with you tech bf/gf, just not in the student section, if you go to a general admission area, you will be just fine. as far as people fighting i have never seen it, the only thing i have seen is a 40+ OU fan literally crying after last years game and then being rediculed, this almost started a brawl.

Batteries have never been thrown, and cussing will ensue regardless of win or loss, but seriously what do you expect out of 20 year old drunk kids?

And the girls…mmmmmmm no problem there.

by johnlaf13 on Oct 28, 2008 1:44 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

tech fans

I’m a red raider and all that stuff about are fans being rude is overblown. the worst experience I ever had at a tech game was sitting next to some drunk ut fans at a ut tech game. and by the way, are there any more fair weather fans than ut fans

by quackey on Oct 28, 2008 10:33 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Yeah...

They all go to USC.

"Stats are for losers, I like winning games."

by bendj on Oct 29, 2008 1:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

More of the same...

It’s like those science headlines that scream “Scientists Create Life!!”, then you go read the article and they say “well, we mixed some amino acids with some one celled organisms and they didn’t die”. Not really creating life, is it?

Or it’s like the east coast media elite constantly saying the Big 12 defenses suck, until you start hearing it from grannies and children who have never watched football.

Every year we get these posts and articles with completely fictional or overblown stories about the “classless” tech fans. If you read the posts, most of the Texas fans who have actually been to Lubbock have nice things to say about it. But the story just gets repeated and repeated over and over until it just makes you sick.

I swear, almost every blog post or fan post from a Texas fan has to take a shot at Lubbock, and most of the crap they say isn’t true at all. It’s just sickening.

It’s like aggie saying “Tech is classlesss” in one sentence, then, “I hope someone hits Harrell late and takes him out of the game” in the next.

Thrown batteries… sheesh.

Peace

... I'm just sayin'

by antiswarm on Oct 28, 2008 5:08 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Dude, give it a rest…we get it.

by Tech92 on Oct 28, 2008 6:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I just bought a bulk supply of D batteries that im ready to throw onto the field.

by DestroyMcCoy on Oct 29, 2008 6:26 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

it wasn't batteries being thrown...but

Unfortunately there are terrible fans for every team. When we beat Tech in Lubbock 2004 one of our fans was walking through a Lubbock restaurant yelling “Tech sucks”. It was classless and I was embarrassed. But it was one guy not Texas fans as a whole. I’m sure it’s the same for Tech fans. I do hear the get rowdy though.

by graphicalizer on Oct 30, 2008 5:03 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs