Texas Tech Football Tradition Inspires Tortilla Hockey Jerseys
Texas Tech University has introduced a new twist to its sports apparel lineup by bringing a beloved football tradition to the hockey rink. The university’s hockey team, based in Lubbock, Texas, recently unveiled new alternate jerseys designed to pay homage to a unique tradition associated with Red Raiders football games.
The jerseys, created by X Jerseys, feature a distinctive design that incorporates a tortilla-like texture, a nod to the tradition of Red Raiders football fans tossing tortillas onto the field during home games. The front of the jersey showcases the player’s number set between arched “TEXAS” text above and straight “TECH” text below, all in red with black outlines. Red and black stripes adorn the waist and sleeves, with white stripes in between.
Adding to the intricate design, the shoulders of the jersey are black, each featuring the Texas state flag. The collar features a split color scheme of red at the back and black at the front, accented with white trim. The numbers on the back and sleeves are red with black outlines, completing the unique look of the jersey.
The tradition of tossing tortillas onto the football field dates back to the late 1980s or early 1990s, with its exact origins shrouded in some mystery. One theory suggests that the tradition began when Texas Tech students, who used to throw plastic lids from their soft drinks onto the field, transitioned to tossing tortillas after lids were no longer available. Another theory links the tradition to a comment made by an ESPN announcer during a game against Texas A&M, which led fans to retaliate by bringing tortillas to the next game and tossing them onto the field.
This unique tradition has transcended football and made its way to other sports as well. Notably, a tortilla was famously tossed onto the court during the final of the 2019 NCAA men’s basketball tournament, where Texas Tech faced off against the University of Virginia.
The Texas Tech hockey team competes in Division 3 of the American Collegiate Hockey Association, with their upcoming game scheduled against the University of Texas-San Antonio at the Amarillo Ice Ranch in Amarillo, Texas. Fans eager to sport these distinctive tortilla jerseys can purchase them starting on a specified date through the Texas Tech hockey website.
The introduction of these new jerseys not only adds a unique flair to the team’s apparel but also serves as a testament to the rich traditions and spirited fan culture associated with Texas Tech University athletics.