The university's turnkey pregame party in the Engineering Key, in the heart of campus. It opens two hours before kickoff with a live pregame concert, plus food, soft drinks, beer, and wine for purchase. Walking through is free.
Gameday logistics · The pregame
How to
tailgate.
From Raider Alley to your own canopy in the lot — where to set up, when everything opens, and the handful of rules that keep your Texas Tech Saturday rolling.
The ritual
Saturday starts in the lot.
A Texas Tech gameday isn't just three hours of football — it's a morning of grills, coolers, and the whole campus turning scarlet. Whether you want a turnkey party or your own canopy, here's how to do it right.
Where to post up
Four ways to tailgate.
Tailgate right in your assigned lot. Bring your own grill, food, and canopy — just keep the setup inside your space and the tent at 10×10 or smaller.
RaiderGate is the university's official tailgating program, with designated zones and posted policies for student orgs and fans. Check the current rules before you stake out a spot.
Want it handled? Corporate and private tailgates — tents, tables, catering — can be booked through Tailgate Express so you show up and walk in.
The timing
How the morning runs.
- 7:30 AMLots open — set up
Campus lots open at 7:30 AM. Roll in, back into your space, and get the canopy and grill going.
- Kickoff −2:00Raider Alley opens
The Engineering Key comes alive two hours out with the pregame concert and concessions.
- Kickoff −0:45Break it down, head in
Cap the grill, stash the valuables, and start the walk — and finish anything from Raider Alley before the gates.
The rules that keep you legal.
Tents can't exceed 10×10or the size of your space. Don't block the spot next to you — those cars get towed. Pack out your trash, and remember: anything you buy in Raider Alley stays outside the stadium.
Quick facts
The numbers.
Lots open7:30 AMgameday morning
Raider Alley opens−2 hrsbefore kickoff
Max tent size10×10or your space
Raider Alley bar21+beer & wine sold
Before you go
Lock the logistics first.
Great tailgates start with a parking plan and a kickoff time. Sort those, then find your spot on The Hub map.
Quick answers
Tailgating FAQ.
When does Raider Alley open?+
Raider Alley opens two hours before kickoff in the Engineering Key at the center of campus, headlined by a live pregame concert each week.
Is there alcohol at Raider Alley?+
Yes — beer and wine are available for purchase (21+), along with food and soft drinks. Note that anything bought in Raider Alley can't be carried into Jones AT&T Stadium.
Can I bring my own grill and tent to tailgate?+
Yes, within your own parking space. Tents can't exceed 10×10 (or the size of your designated space), and you can't block the space next to you — cars that do are subject to towing.
Where can I tailgate at a Texas Tech game?+
In your assigned parking lot, in the university's RaiderGate zones, or via a booked private tailgate through Tailgate Express. Raider Alley is the free, turnkey party if you'd rather not set up at all.
Can I bring Raider Alley food into the stadium?+
No. Food and drinks purchased in Raider Alley may not be brought into Jones AT&T Stadium — finish them before you reach the gates.