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LUBBOCK, Texas — On Monday morning, Texas Tech University announced safety and security measures ahead of the Red Raiders’ homecoming game against Arizona State, as well as changes for the Homecoming pep rally, bonfire and concert.
According to a Texas Tech press release, the following changes were made to ensure the safety of those participating and attending the events.
“With the growing popularity of this event, we have implemented various measures to ensure the safety and well-being of our alumni, students and staff,” said Blayne Beal, senior executive director of campus events. “Homecoming is a special time on campus, and we want to provide the safest and most enjoyable experience possible for all Red Raiders.”
Details of the homecoming events are as follows:
Entertainment
Four-time Grammy Award nominees Goo Goo Dolls and Texas-based rockers Bowling for Soup will perform for faculty, staff, students and alumni at the homecoming concert the night before the No. 12 Red Raiders face Arizona State at Galaxy Stadium.
Formed in the mid-1980s, the Goo Goo Dolls have recorded seven singles that have reached the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100, including three top 10s, and sold 15 million records worldwide. Bowling for Soup formed in 1994 just up the road in Wichita Falls, influenced by both 1980s hair metal and punk rock, and relocated to Denton in 1996, achieving success in the mid-2000s.
Time/Location
The stage for the pep rally and concert will be located immediately east of United Supermarkets Arena on the student recreation fields, just west of the bonfire pit and south of the Student Recreation Center.
Gates will open at 6 p.m., and the event will begin at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets
The event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required.
Parking
Public parking will be available in the following areas near the concert location after 5:30 p.m. Attendees who park earlier than 5:30 p.m. will be at risk for citation:
Commuter lots west of United Supermarkets Arena (C10, C12, C14, C15, C16)
R18, R25, R05, and R01
ADA parking will be available in R37, located on the west side of United Supermarkets Arena.
Security
Security screening will be required for all attendees without exception. Prohibited items cannot be left at the gates.
Prohibited Items/Actions
The following items are prohibited inside the gates for the concert and pep rally:
Food and beverage, including alcohol
Firearms, explosives, fireworks or weapons of any kind
Animals (except for service animals)
Bags that do not adhere to the clear bag policy
Commercial cameras or video equipment
Coolers or containers
Smoking, including the use of electronic cigarettes and vapes, is prohibited
Throwing of objects
Tortillas
Clear Bag Policy
For your safety and for the benefit of law enforcement, a clear bag policy will be in effect and all bags are subject to search. The following items will be permitted:
Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVS and do not exceed 12”x6”x12”
One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziplock bag or similar)
Small clutch bags, approximately the size of a hand, with or without a handle or strap
Exceptions will be made for medically necessary items
Clutch purses, backpacks, fanny packs, cinch bags, briefcases, computer bags, diaper bags and others not conforming to the clear bag policy are grounds for dismissal from the event.
First Aid
Medical services will be available at two first aid stations. In case of an emergency, participants can contact a police officer or event staff personnel.
Concessions
Food trucks offering a variety of choices available for purchase will be stationed inside the perimeter of the concert site in the parking lot directly south of the stage. Portable restrooms will also be available.
Merchandise
Concert merchandise for the Goo Goo Dolls and Bowling for Soup, as well as Evermore Exclusive merchandise, will be available for purchase.
For more information, visit the 2026 Texas Tech Homecoming website.