It’s exciting that football season is almost here!
With a new season, a few reminders are probably in order. I’ve singled out three things that are most likely to screw up your experience at Galaxy Stadium. If you can get these three things handled before you leave the house, you’re much more likely to have a great game day.
Texas Tech Football Is Back: Know These Rules
Tickets
This is probably the easiest thing to mess up.
You might think taking a screenshot of your ticket would be good enough, but Texas Tech specifically says screenshots will not be accepted at the gate this season.
Texas Tech is using a “Tap and Go” system with mobile tickets. Your best move is to download your tickets ahead of time and save them directly to your phone’s mobile wallet.
Don’t wait until you’re standing outside the stadium surrounded by thousands of people to start digging through emails and trying to download something.
Get it done before you leave the house.
Clear Bags
By now, you should probably be familiar with clear-bag policies at major events.
For Galaxy Stadium, your clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bag can’t be larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″. You can also bring a one-gallon clear freezer bag or a small clutch roughly the size of your hand.
This seems like a small thing until you get all the way to the gate and security tells you that your bag isn’t allowed inside.
Trust me, you don’t want to make the walk of shame all the way back to your car while everybody else is heading into the game.
Check your bag before you go.
Cashless
Galaxy Stadium is cashless.
No American money-dollars are accepted.
You can make whatever argument you want about “legal tender,” but I promise you the guy selling hot dogs will not be impressed.
Concession stands, the Texas Tech Ticket Office and Red Raider Outfitter all accept credit cards, debit cards and contactless payments.
It makes for quicker transactions, easier accounting and fewer opportunities for cash to mysteriously disappear.
Bring the plastic.
Those are my Big Three.
Of course, you should also show up early, don’t bring weapons or other prohibited items, and remember that once you leave Galaxy Stadium, you can’t just walk back in. Re-entry isn’t allowed without another ticket.
Those things should probably fall under the category of common sense.
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For Saturday’s season opener against Abilene Christian, here’s your basic timeline:
7:30 a.m. — Parking lots open for tailgating
2:00 p.m. — Raider Alley opens
4:30 p.m. — All stadium gates open
6:00 p.m. — Kickoff
Handle your ticket, handle your bag, bring a card and get there early.
Then all you’ve got left to worry about is football.
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