It all started back in 2010, an idea where you could have an open tournament format with high stakes, winner-take-all model to create a new, independent, electrifying, professional sports property.

After years of work, TBT was started in 2014. Since then TBT has hosted more than 400 games, partnered with ESPN for global distribution, introduced a new way to end basketball games, paid out over $10 million in prizes, and crowned eight champions.

And for the first time ever it is coming to Lubbock.

The 64-team, $1 million winner-take-all event. Texas Tech’s alumni team, the Air Raiders, will serve as the host team for the eight-team Lubbock Regional taking place July 19-23.

The first three players announced on that team are Matt Mooney, Tariq Owens and Davide Moretti.

Air Raiders competed in TBT for the first time in 2021 in the Wichita Regional. The team won their first TBT game before eventually falling to AfterShocks (Wichita State alumni) in the second round of the Wichita Regional. Air Raiders is organized by former Texas Tech basketball players Clark Lammert and Sorrells.

“I think that says a lot about our program and our fan base and how passionate about the sport of basketball and the same with our community,” Air Raiders general manager Andrew Sorrells said. “For them to specifically target Lubbock as a city out of the entire state says a lot about the talent we’ve had over the years.”

Tickets for the Lubbock Regional will go on sale to members of TBT’s ticket waitlist on May 1st and on sale to the general public beginning May 4th.

“I’m incredibly excited for TBT to come to Lubbock and for Texas Tech to be represented,” said Texas Tech men’s basketball head coach Grant McCasland said in a press release. “Having been around it last year, I saw the tremendous value TBT can bring in making alumni feel like they’re still a part of the family. I’m looking forward to welcoming our Red Raider greats back home and know they’ll feel the support from our fan base.”

For more information on this year’s TBT or Air Raiders, visit their website.

 

Throwback: See Texas Tech in 1947

 

10 Restaurants That Have Closed in Lubbock, Texas

 

 

More From Lonestar 99-5 FM