The Texas Tech Men’s Basketball team will hit the road this week to take on Northern Kentucky in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The Red Raider Club and Alumni Association planned events for fans who are traveling to see the team play.
The organizations said they worked together to block off hotel rooms for fans to reserve. They also organized a pregame event, full of food, drinks and games.
“It’s great when the fans can follow the team. Tulsa is close enough for our metroplex alumni to get there and our Lubbock almuni to get there,” said Chris Snead, the vice president of operations for the Texas Tech Alumni Association.
The pregame celebration will begin three hours before the game, and will be held within walking distance to the arena, Snead said.
For those wondering why they should make that six and a half hour drive to Tulsa, Kimberly Thorton, the senior director for the Center for Campus Life, who also oversees the pom squad, said creating the environment similar to their home court helps motivate the basketball team.
“We have such a strong support system and I think it really makes a difference when our fans are able to go to Tulsa so we have that home field advantage on an away court,” she said.
Snead said last year’s turnout in Dallas was huge, and expects the same environment this year.
“Thousands of alumni showed up, so we are expecting that kind of turnout in Tulsa as well,” he said.
The events are not free. The Alumni Association will release complete details on the hotels and events Tuesday morning.
