Planning a Game Day Stay? Get Ready for Sticker Shock
If you’ve ever tried to grab a hotel room in Lubbock during a Texas Tech home game, you already know—it’s not for the faint of wallet. While regular weekends might not break the bank, game-day weekends are different. When ESPN’s College Game Day comes to town, it’s a whole different story!
According to Trip.com, the average one-night stay near Texas Tech University runs about $80 to $105 on a normal weekend. Even higher-end spots like Cotton Court hover around $160 a night when things are calm. But when the Red Raiders take the field at Jones AT&T Stadium, those prices start climbing fast.
The College Game Day Effect: How Much Higher Do Rates Go?
Locals and longtime Tech fans say hotel rates jump anywhere from 20% to 50% or more during home games or big events like graduation. One fan on Reddit even mentioned that The Overton Hotel—Lubbock’s go-to game day headquarters—used to require a two-night minimum stay during football season, on top of a serious rate hike.
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That means a $160 room can easily hit $240 or more when the Red Raiders are playing at home, especially if you’re booking close to kickoff time. Add in parking, tailgate prep, and maybe a late-night Whataburger run or margarita at Chimy’s after the game, and your weekend in Lubbock starts feeling like a luxury vacation.
What Are the Highest Prices Right Now?
The top-tier rooms in town—the kind with extra space, premium amenities, or proximity to campus—can easily run $250 to $300+ per night on big weekends. These are typically found at boutique hotels like Cotton Court or full-service options like the Overton and DoubleTree by Hilton.
Mid-range hotels just a few miles out—think Hampton Inn, Hyatt Place, or Staybridge Suites—tend to land between $120 and $180 during those same weekends.
Tips for Saving (and Staying Sane)
If you’re planning a Lubbock stay this football season, book early. Prices spike fast, and many hotels sell out completely. Check for free cancellation so you can lock in a room now and rebook later if you find a better deal.
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And if you’re willing to stay just a bit further from campus, you can save big and still make it to kickoff on time. Just remember—on game day in Lubbock, the early bird doesn’t just get the worm…they get the cheaper room.
If you could rename Jones Stadium, what would be the new name?
Gallery Credit: Landon King
Oktoberfest 2025 at Escondido Grill & Spirit Ranch!
Gallery Credit: Landon King