What You Need to Know About Gameday at Texas Tech
Texas Tech Football starts the 2019 season with a kick-off at 3 p.m. on Saturday, August 31st, against Montana State. Though it's not a Big 12 Conference game, the school's athletics department would like to remind fans about policies, both old and new, and some additions to Jones AT&T Stadium.
The first 5,000 Texas Tech students to enter through the southeast corner Gate 6 will receive a special "Tortilla Towel." Actual tortillas are not allowed.
The biggest, and likely the most controversial change in policy this season, is Texas Tech's new re-entry policy.
The new policy states that "re-entry into the Jones AT&T Stadium is no longer allowed. Fans must have a new ticket for admission back into the stadium." This also applies to fans wishing to smoke or vape since the stadium is a smoke-free facility. No smoking areas within the stadium means that smokers will be forced to smoke outside and purchase a new ticket for re-entry each time they take a smoke break.
Fans were also reminded this week about changes to the parking areas and flow of bus traffic and about the Clear Bag Policy in place at all of Texas Tech athletic venues. Fans will be able to bring the following style and size bag or package into the venue:
- Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12.”
- One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar).
- Small clutch bags, approximately the size of a hand, with or without a handle or strap can be taken into the venue with one of the clear plastic bags.
- An exception will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection.
The campus allows for unopened 20 oz. (or less) bottles of water ONLY to be brought into The Jones. Frozen water will not be allowed through the stadium gates, along with empty cups and opened bottles.
One of the biggest changes to policies regarding Texas Tech games is the addition of beer and wine sales throughout the main seating area and newly reconfigured Raider Alley. The Hogg Maulies have been asked to help launch the new location which will open at 11 A.M. Saturday morning with a live DJ until the band takes the stage at 12:30 P.M. followed by a pep rally at 2:15 P.M.
Tickets are still available for purchase through the Texas Tech Ticket Office, which will open its main location on the east of Jones AT&T Stadium beginning at noon on Saturday, in addition to the two other box office locations located on the northwest and southwest stadium corners.
Premium areas and student gate opens at 1 p.m. on Saturday with remaining gates opening at 1:30 p.m. Fans are encouraged to be seated prior to the Goin' Band from Raiderland's entrance around 2:50 p.m.