Texas Tech Fined $50,000 for Field Storming After Texas Win – City Bank Covers the Entire Fine
Texas Tech’s thrilling victory over the Texas Longhorns came with a hefty price tag, as the Big 12 Conference fined the university $50,000 for fans storming the field in celebration. However, in an unexpected turn of events, the Lubbock-based City Bank has stepped in to cover the entire fine, showcasing the strong bond between the university, its fans, and the local community.
The Incident: Field Storming After a Historic Win
Texas Tech pulled off a dramatic upset victory over Texas, sending Red Raiders fans into a frenzy. Immediately after the final whistle, thousands of fans stormed the field at Jones AT&T Stadium, celebrating one of the biggest wins in recent program history. While the scene was electric, it also violated Big 12 policies regarding post-game field access, prompting the conference to issue a $50,000 fine to Texas Tech.
Big 12’s Stance on Field Storming
The Big 12 has a strict policy against field storming, citing safety concerns for players, coaches, and fans. The conference has issued fines in the past to schools that failed to prevent field storming, emphasizing the need for better security and post-game crowd control measures. Texas Tech’s fine is consistent with previous penalties handed out to other programs for similar incidents.
Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark addressed the fine, stating:
“While we understand the passion and excitement of college football, our priority remains ensuring the safety of everyone involved. Texas Tech’s failure to control the post-game crowd resulted in an automatic fine in accordance with conference policies.”
Fans Rally to Cover the Fine
As soon as the fine was announced, Texas Tech fans flooded social media with messages of support for the university. Many expressed their willingness to contribute to covering the fine, with some even suggesting crowdfunding efforts to pay off the penalty. The overwhelming response reflected the deep connection between Red Raider fans and their football program.
One fan tweeted:
“$50,000 well spent! Someone set up a GoFundMe—I’ll chip in!”
Another joked:
“Charge me $5 extra for my next game ticket. We’ll have that fine paid by lunchtime.”
City Bank Steps In
Before any crowdfunding efforts could take off, City Bank, a financial institution based in Lubbock, announced that it would cover the full $50,000 fine on behalf of Texas Tech. The bank’s leadership, many of whom are Texas Tech alumni, saw it as an opportunity to support the university and reinforce the community’s passion for Red Raider athletics.
City Bank CEO Cory Newsom released a statement explaining the decision:
“Texas Tech’s victory over Texas was a historic moment for our university and our community. We understand the conference’s rules, but we also recognize the incredible passion of Red Raider fans. As a proud supporter of Texas Tech, City Bank is honored to step in and take care of this fine so that the university can focus on continuing its success.”
Reaction from Texas Tech and the Athletic Department
Texas Tech Athletics expressed gratitude toward City Bank for stepping in. Athletic Director Kirby Hocutt acknowledged the fine and praised the outpouring of support from the fan base and local businesses.
“We appreciate the Big 12’s commitment to safety and understand the consequences of field storming. At the same time, the support from our fans has been incredible, and City Bank’s generosity is a testament to the special relationship between Texas Tech and the Lubbock community.”
Head coach Joey McGuire, whose team delivered the victory that set off the celebration, also reacted to the news with humor:
“I guess we need to send City Bank a game ball! Love seeing our community come together for Texas Tech.”
What This Means for Texas Tech Moving Forward
While the fine has been covered, Texas Tech will still need to address the Big 12’s concerns regarding field storming. Future incidents could lead to steeper penalties, including larger fines or even restrictions on home games.
The university may implement additional security measures to prevent uncontrolled field access in the future, but it will be a challenge to balance safety with fan enthusiasm. Some schools have adopted controlled post-game celebrations, where players and fans can interact in a more structured way.
Final Thoughts
Texas Tech’s field-storming fine could have been a financial burden, but the swift action by City Bank turned it into a moment that showcased the university’s passionate fanbase and strong community ties. The response from fans, alumni, and local businesses highlights the unwavering support for the Red Raiders and their football program.
As Texas Tech continues its season, one thing is certain—the Red Raider spirit remains as strong as ever, both on and off the field.