The tradition of throwing tortillas at Texas Tech football games dates back to the late 1990s. According to legend, a group of Texas Tech students were looking for a unique and humorous way to show their support for the team. Since tortillas are a staple of Tex-Mex cuisine and widely available in the Lubbock area, they decided to throw them onto the field as a form of celebration.
Texas Tech Fan Tradition of Throwing Tortillas at Football Games
At first, the tradition was met with resistance from university officials, who viewed it as a nuisance and a potential safety hazard. However, over time the tradition gained popularity among Texas Tech fans, who saw it as a playful and harmless way to demonstrate their school spirit. Today, tortilla-throwing is an established part of Texas Tech game-day culture and has become one of the distinctive hallmarks of Red Raider football games.
It is important to note that while the tradition has been embraced by many Texas Tech fans, it is still officially discouraged by the university due to safety and clean-up concerns. Fans who engage in tortilla-throwing risk having the items confiscated and potentially facing ejection from the stadium.
Do Texas Tech Football Fans Still Throw Tortillas?
Yes, the tradition of throwing tortillas at Texas Tech football games is still carried out by some fans, although it is officially discouraged by the university. While the tradition has been a part of Texas Tech game-day culture for many years, it continues to face opposition from university officials who view it as a safety and clean-up concern. Despite these objections, some fans persist in throwing tortillas as a way of showing their support for the team.
Who started the Texas Tech University tradition of throwing tortillas at football games?
The exact origin of the tradition of throwing tortillas at Texas Tech University football games is not known. The tradition is thought to have started in the late 1990s by a group of Texas Tech students who were looking for a new way to enjoy the game while showing their support for the team. It is unclear exactly who started the tradition or how it spread, but it has since become a staple of Texas Tech game-day culture. Some investigators have recognized a group of Campus Crusade CRU students in the lower decks of the student section of Jones Stadium in 1992 as popularizing the tradition. Kirby Holmes is named as one of the members of this original group of Texas Tech students who were involved in the first mass tortilla toss.
What is the Future of Tortilla Throwing at Texas Tech?
The future is uncertain for throwing tortillas at Texas Tech football games, however the evidence suggests that as of 2022 tortillas were still being thrown at all home and away games to continue the tradition for Red Raider fans. Will it continue into its 30 year history in 2023? All signs from true Tech fans appear to point to Yes! We will continue to throw tortillas in the future.
Get Wreck'm, Throw'em, and Wear'em Tortilla Style Fashion to Decorate and Wear?
There are definitely tortilla novelty decor and fashion gifts available. Here are a few examples:
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Tortilla Blankets: These are large, soft, and comfortable blankets that are designed to look like a tortilla. They're great for snuggling up on the couch, and they make a fun and unique addition to any home.
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Tortilla Pillows: Similar to the blankets, these are pillows that are shaped like tortillas and are great for adding some fun to your bed or couch.
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Tortilla Fashion: Tortilla fashion styles to wear to Texas Tech football games like tshirts, button downs, golf shirts, hoodies, caps, hats, jewelry, wraps, leggings, socks, and more.
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Tortilla Weird Decor: Weird, Unique, and Odd Tortilla Gift Ideas. Amazing selection of tortilla gift ideas that are uniquely curated for a special Red Raider fan.
These are just a few examples of the many tortilla novelty gifts that are available. I hope this gives you an idea of what you might be able to find!
