A beloved college football tradition at Texas Tech University is coming to an end as the Big 12 Conference has officially prohibited fans from throwing tortillas during home games' opening kickoffs. The practice, which has been a distinctive part of Red Raiders' game-day atmosphere for decades, faces elimination due to conference-wide regulations aimed at preventing objects from being thrown onto the field [1].
The tortilla-tossing tradition, whose exact origins remain subject to various theories, has been a unique aspect of Texas Tech's football culture since the early 1990s. While some claim it began as a response to an ESPN commentator suggesting there was "nothing but football and tortillas" in Lubbock, others attribute it to students simply looking for creative ways to sneak food into games [1].
The tradition has become so ingrained in Texas Tech's gameday experience that fans have developed specific techniques for smuggling tortillas past security, including hiding them in boots or folding them into back pockets. The ritual typically sees hundreds of tortillas sailing through the air during the opening kickoff, creating a unique spectacle that has become synonymous with Red Raiders football.
The Big 12's decision comes as part of broader efforts to maintain safety and order during games. Athletic director Kirby Hocutt acknowledged the significance of the tradition but emphasized the need to comply with conference regulations. The university is now working on finding alternative ways to preserve the spirit of the tradition while adhering to the new rules.
The ban has sparked discussions about the balance between maintaining beloved fan traditions and ensuring game safety. Many Texas Tech supporters have expressed disappointment at losing this distinctive aspect of their football culture, though the university remains committed to fostering other unique gameday traditions that don't conflict with conference policies.
