The United Supermarkets Arena is a multi-purpose arena located in Lubbock, Texas. It is the home of the Texas Tech Red Raiders, a NCAA Division I basketball team that competes in the Big 12 Conference. The United Supermarkets Arena, which opened in 1999, replaced the Lubbock Municipal Coliseum as the home of Texas Tech basketball.
The Arena History
The history of the United Supermarkets Arena begins in the late 1990s, when the Lubbock Municipal Coliseum, which had served as the home of Texas Tech basketball since 1956, was in need of major renovations. The arena, which had a seating capacity of over 8,000, had become outdated and was no longer capable of meeting the needs of the Red Raiders and other sports and entertainment events. In order to keep Texas Tech basketball in Lubbock, the city and the university began exploring the possibility of building a new arena.
After several years of negotiations and planning, construction on the United Supermarkets Arena began in 1997. The arena was designed by architects DLR Group and Franklin & Associates, and was built by the Layton Construction Company. The United Supermarkets Arena was named after its primary corporate sponsor, United Supermarkets.
The Arena Opening
The United Supermarkets Arena officially opened its doors on November 19, 1999, with a concert by Tim McGraw. Texas Tech basketball moved into the arena the following year, and the United Supermarkets Arena has been their home ever since.
The United Supermarkets Arena is located on the Texas Tech University campus in Lubbock. The arena has a seating capacity of over 15,000 for basketball games and over 12,000 for concerts. It also features luxury suites, club seats, and a variety of dining and entertainment options.
Red Raiders Basketball
Texas Tech basketball has a long and storied history dating back to the 1930s. The Red Raiders have made the NCAA Tournament 13 times, including three appearances in the Elite Eight. Some of the most notable players in Texas Tech history include Andre Emmett, Jay Jackson, and Toddrick Gotcher.
The United Supermarkets Arena has also played host to a wide variety of other events, including concerts, family shows, and conventions. Some of the biggest names in entertainment, such as Lady Gaga, Elton John, and Bob Dylan, have performed at the arena. The United Supermarkets Arena has also been the site of numerous sporting events, including the 2009 and 2021 NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Championship regional rounds.
In conclusion, the United Supermarkets Arena is a major landmark in the city of Lubbock and has played a significant role in the history of Texas Tech basketball. The arena, which opened in 1999, replaced the Lubbock Municipal Coliseum as the home of the Red Raiders and has served as a hub of entertainment and sports in the city. The United Supermarkets Arena has played host to numerous memorable events and has established itself as one of the premier sports and entertainment venues in the region.