One of American college football's most peculiar and beloved traditions has been tossed out like yesterday's tortilla. Texas Tech University has officially banned the decades-old practice of students throwing tortillas during games, ending a 35-year ritual that became synonymous with the institution's identity.
The End of an Era
The university administration dropped the news in a campus-wide announcement, stating that any students caught throwing the flour projectiles would face immediate ejection from sporting events. The decision has sent shockwaves through the Red Raider community, where the tradition had become as fundamental to game days as the football itself.
Origins Wrapped in Mystery
The unusual custom began in 1989 when Texas Tech students first started bringing tortillas to games. The practice gained legendary status during a 1992 basketball game against rival University of Texas, when students created a makeshift rainstorm of tortillas after their team scored.
"It was our version of throwing confetti," explained one alumnus who participated in the early days. "It was harmless, unique, and it really annoyed our rivals - which was part of the fun."
Safety Concerns or Tradition Lost?
University officials cited several reasons for the ban:
- Potential safety hazards to players and spectators
- Cleanup challenges and stadium maintenance issues
- Compliance with Big 12 conference regulations
- Prevention of food waste
However, many students and alumni see the decision as an overreaction that strips away an integral part of Texas Tech culture. Social media platforms have been flooded with nostalgic posts and protests using hashtags like #SaveTheTortillas.
A Community Divided
The ban has created a clear generational divide. While current administrators focus on modern safety standards and regulations, former students remember the tradition as a harmless expression of school spirit.
"We never meant any harm," shared a 1990s graduate. "It was just our quirky way of showing support. Seeing it banned feels like losing a piece of what made Texas Tech special."
As the university moves forward with the new policy, the tortilla-tossing tradition joins the growing list of college customs that have succumbed to changing times and increased regulation in American sports culture.
