LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) - As Texas Tech prepares for its Sweet 16 match up against Arkansas, restaurant and bar owners here in Lubbock are getting ready for the big game as well.
"We're here for our fans, we're here for the guests and the community and we really want to do everything we can to support the Red Raiders," Marco Vasquez, owner of Bubba's 33 in Lubbock, said.
And with that support comes big business in the 806. Vasquez, along with Jason Diehl, the general manager of Flipper's Tavern, say nights like tonight are what it's all about.
"We're always going to get people in here watching," Diehl said. "We get people coming in to eat before and after the games and especially being close to campus, you definitely notice and you're definitely aware of that crowd that you're going to expect."
And the atmosphere during these games are second to none for guests.
"The energy that's created by the fans that come in and watch the game is absolutely incredible," Vasquez said. "No other community like Lubbock supports the Red Raiders as strongly as they do, especially in basketball."
With tipoff just hours away, Diehl and Vasquez say they're ready for a big night ahead for Red Raider nation.
"I had to the opportunity to watch them in 2019 when they made the finals and I think it was one of the most electrifying things ever," Vasquez said. "I'm super stoked to see them back. They're in the top 16 and hopefully we advance on forward and we're ready to support."