The big day has arrived for Texas Tech football, and tailgaters did not waste any time to start the celebration near Jones Stadium.
Lubbock resident Danny Madrid said he and his friends set up their red and black tent at about 7 a.m. Saturday, twelves hours before kickoff.
“I’ve been a Tech fan for probably about 20 years,” Madrid said.
Madrid’s family was also out there celebrating with him. He says he’s hoping to pass on the Red Raider traditions to his grandchildren.
“It’s just fun. It’s just to get family and friends together and have a good time and watch the game,” Madrid said.
Tech Alumni Jim Bradford and Bo Feagin also brought their families out to tailgate today in the early hours.
“We come every year, every game,” Bradford said.
Bradford and Feagin are Sigma Chi Fraternity brothers with Tech’s chapter and said they’re excited to make up for lost times.
“They didn’t have all this tailgating in the old days, we’re catching up now,” Bradford said.
Current Tech students were not far behind setting up their school organization tailgate at about 11 a.m.
“The energy here is good, the students are really passionate,” Tech Junior Ryan Gavlas said. “I would say the tailgates are better down here. You have more space and more grilling out.”
“Like family, community,” Tech Junior Daniel Martinez said. “That’s what I really like about Texas Tech and Lubbock area in general, everyone really gets behind the team and the program and it’s pretty awesome to be a part of that.”
