Updates on Masked Rider, Tortilla Toss, Record Breaking Drone Show & More Ahead of Texas Tech Football Opener
Texas Tech is preparing to deliver one of the most exciting game day atmospheres in the country as the Red Raiders kick off their 2025 season at Jones AT&T Stadium this upcoming Saturday versus Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Senior Associate Athletics Director for External Operations & Strategic Communications Robert Giovannetti spoke with the media on Wednesday sharing updates on some of Tech’s most beloved traditions and some new ones that are looking to set records.
Per Texas Tech Athletics only 500 tickets remain for Saturday’s game.
Masked Rider Ready To Go
After a “riding incident” earlier this summer, both the Masked Rider and Centennial Champion are healthy and ready to go.
“They’ve had run-throughs this week already with more to come,” Giovannetti said. “That tradition is so important to our fans, and we’re excited it’s going to be there Saturday.”
Biggest Drone Show in College Football Planned
One of the highlights will come after the third quarter when, weather permitting, Texas Tech unveils the largest drone show ever at a college football game. More than 950 drones will take to the sky, shattering the previous record by over 150 drones.
“At the end of the third quarter, we are going to have the largest ever drone show at a college football game, with more than 950 drones flying over the south end zone here at Jones AT&T Stadium,” Giovannetti said. “We wanted to start out with a huge statement to show how big this season could be for Texas Tech.”
Protecting the Texas Tech Tortilla Toss
The Texas Tech Tortillas Toss is as much a part of the game day experience as the game itself at this point and Tech officials want that to remain while playing within the lines of new guidelines.
“We want to maintain that tortilla tradition here at Texas Tech. They began as throwing tortillas at opening kickoff, and that’s what we are striving to achieve this year,” Giovannetti explained.
Fans are okay to throw tortillas in the air (not on the field) at the opening kickoff. After that, PA announcements and a video from head coach Joey McGuire will warn against further throws.
“If it happens again [items on the field], the officials at their discretion can throw a 15-yard unsportsmanlike penalty on us,” Giovannetti said. “Hopefully our fans will listen and keep this tradition without hurting our team.”
Asked about how tortillas will make it into the stadium, Giovannetti smiled: “If the people at the front gate see tortillas, they will confiscate them. But as a lot of fans say, part of the lore and the fun of the tradition is to sneak them in. They’re not going to pat anybody down or anything like that.”
To prevent waste, Tech will also be donating excess tortillas to Breedlove Foods who will use them to feed pigs at local farms. There will be tortilla buckets around the stadium fans can toss any extra used or unused tortillas into during the game or as they leave.
“We’re trying to say, hey, let’s not waste these. Let’s put them to good use,” Giovannetti added.
Don’t Miss ANY of the Action
Inside the stadium, Tech has added picture-in-picture replay technology to its upgraded video boards.
“When they show a replay, you won’t miss the live action on the board,” Giovannetti said. “We’re going to have enhanced graphics, more comprehensive stats, and fireworks throughout the game. We just think that we’re really continuing to provide the best experience we can for our fans and student-athletes.”
Fans can also expect military flyovers for the first five home games. “We have flyovers booked, starting Saturday with T-6s out of Del Rio,” Giovannetti noted. “Obviously it’s weather dependent, but we’re hoping to come back with a bang this year.”
Weather and Stadium Reminders
With possible rain in the forecast, Tech is stressing safety and preparation. Rain may affect some of the festivities but it won’t stop play. Lightning however will and fans will be asked to seek cover if lightning is in the area.
“We will play in the rain,” Giovannetti said. “But if there’s a lightning strike within eight miles, you have to stop the action. That’s every stadium across the country.”
He reminded fans umbrellas are prohibited and clear bag rules remain in effect. “Save yourself the hassle,” he said. “If you bring an umbrella, they won’t let you in with it.”
Hope is Not a Plan But Texas Tech Plans To Be the Best
From tortillas and flyovers to the Masked Rider and a record-breaking drone show, Giovannetti summed up the school’s vision for 2025 with a succint closing statement.
“We think we’re providing one of the best game day environments in the country. We want everyone to enjoy it and, at the same time, help us protect the traditions that make Texas Tech special.”
All fans can check out this game day environment for the first time this Saturday, August 30, as Texas Tech takes on Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Kick off scheduled for 6:30 pm.
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