Raidergate offers on-campus tailgate

Raidergate has been a student tradition for years that allows Texas Tech students and organizations an opportunity to tailgate before the game on campus.

The free event set up by the Student Activities Board and Student Government Association starts four hours before kickoff for every home football game. It allows students to have a good time in a safe place.

Troy Pike, a coordinator for the Student Activities Board, said Tech is fortunate to have a place students can tailgate and get ready to cheer on the Red Raiders. He said it is fun to see students have a good time and be themselves.

With over 500 students typically attending Raidergate, Pike said the environment is unlike anything else. 

“There is an overall feeling of pride for the university and Red Raiders,” Pike said. “Everybody gets together and is hopeful for the game.”

Bryce Harr, a sophomore nursing major from Muenster, said he likes being able to be with all his friends before the game. From food to drinks to music, he said Raidergate overall is a fun experience.

Angela Chavez, a senior accounting major from Frisco, said she has attended Raidergate multiple times as a student and always has fun. Chavez said it allows for her sorority to tailgate and be social with other organizations.

“Just seeing all the different organizations get together, it makes it kind of a community on campus,” she said.

Raidergate is located in the parking lot between the Agricultural Education and Communications building and the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources annex at the intersection of Detroit Avenue and 15th Street.

Chavez said the location makes it easier to walk to the game, and the atmosphere of being on campus is fun general.

Jonathan Gaines, a sophomore general business major from Austin, said he tries to attend every Raidergate. He said he goes with his friends from church because it is a way to spend time with them.

“A lot of things are exciting about Raidergate,” Gaines said. “It’s kind of pumping. It gets you ready for game day.”

According to the Student Activities Board website, passes are free and available for reservation online, which may include a parking spot. Passes may be picked up starting the Monday prior to the home game in the SAB office in the Student Union Building. They are available to Tech students and student organizations only.

http://www.dailytoreador.com/lavida/raidergate-offers-on-campus-tailgate/article_71b22e52-b3c2-11e8-a816-df45e3205796.html