LUBBOCK, Texas — On Monday, ahead of the national championship men’s basketball between Texas Tech and Virginia, City of Lubbock leaders issued a plea for fans to celebrate responsibly. 

On Saturday police fired tear gas into a crowd gathered in the streets near the Texas Tech campus after Tech defeated Michigan State in the Final Four.  Crowds set a couch and some scooters on fire.  Crowds also flipped a car upside down.

The crowd size was estimated to be well into the thousands – by one estimated 7,000 or more. 

Lubbock Police Chief Greg Stevens said those who already misbehaved on Saturday are subject to potential criminal charges including but not limited to felony charges of riot and arson. (See related links below.) 

“As an alumni, as a Red Raider myself, I am extraordinarily proud of basketball team and coach [Chris] Beard,” Stevens said. “And I want to say how proud I am of Red Raider fans who celebrated responsibly.”

As for Saturday, Stevens said police did not immediately arrest people because that can be dangerous and make a crowd become hostile.  Instead, the police will rely on images, videos and other evidence to file charges after-the-fact.

“We’re not going to tolerate that kind of criminal behavior,” Stevens said. 

Map provided by City of Lubbock 

Stevens also said as for Monday night, police have the same plan but at a larger scale.  Use the video link above to see a replay of Stevens.

City officials will close down vehicle traffic to Broadway from University Avenue to Avenue U after 6:00 pm Monday.  Then starting at 10:00 pm, the city will close University Avenue to vehicle traffic from Marsha Sharp Freeway to 15th Street. Avenue X will be closed from Glenna Goodacre Boulevard to 15th Street. 

Pedestrian traffic will be restricted in those same areas right after the game ends.  

The following is a memo from Texas Tech President Lawrence Schovanec. 

MEMORANDUM

DATE: April 8, 2019
TO: Texas Tech Community
FROM: Lawrence Schovanec, President
RE: Security Preparations

Last week, officials from the athletics department and the university, including the Texas Tech Police Department (TTPD) and United Supermarkets Arena, and area law enforcement agencies discussed planning for the weekend’s Final Four games. As a result, we did not experience any issues on campus, as thousands of fans came to the Administration Building and Memorial Circle to celebrate together. I appreciate the planning of all involved and applaud the manner in which TTPD coordinated the evening. There were nonetheless several off-campus incidents which occurred that took the attention away from our community’s celebration. The behavior of those individuals responsible and the destruction of property that occurred are inexcusable and unacceptable. The university issued the following statement Sunday morning:

“This is a significant milestone in the university’s history and a great source of pride for all Red Raiders. As we continue to celebrate, we must do so in a way that does not diminish this incredible moment. Texas Tech has the best fans in the country and we appreciate their enthusiastic support and ask that they celebrate with integrity, positive energy and respect.”

Saturday night the Mayor and I discussed what additional measures the City and campus would take for Monday’s game to eliminate a repeat of the incidents that occurred after the semifinal game. Officials from TTPD, Lubbock Police Department, Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office and Department of Public Safety met again Sunday afternoon to prepare for additional security for the game. All have committed resources to assist in safety and security efforts. A press conference to go over these details has been scheduled for later today. As a result of the meeting, the following security measures will be deployed this evening:

  • Additional outside portable cameras at the arena and Memorial Circle;

  • Lighting throughout Urbanovsky Park will remain on;

  • Academic buildings will be locked;

  • The Victory Bells will ring until midnight, unless they need to be shut down earlier to disperse the crowd;

  • Barricades and police vehicles will close off streets around Memorial Circle and other areas as determined throughout the evening;

  • TTPD is working with Lime to clear scooters.

Athletics has planned a National Championship game-watching event at the arena tonight. The event is open to the public at no cost and concessions will be available. Regular attendance policies (i.e. clear bags) will apply. Additional resources, including increased law enforcement at the arena and throughout campus, will be on hand to assist with the event and postgame activities.

Related Links

UPDATED: The times and addresses of the planned road closures have been updated.