why does texas tech throw tortillas

Texas Tech fans throw tortillas onto the football field as a unique and long- standing tradition that dates back to the late 1980s or early 1990s. The origins of this practice are somewhat debated, with one popular story being that fans originally threw off large soda cup lids, and when those were no longer available, tortillas became the substitute because they were common, cheap, and easy to hide. Another story attributes the tradition to a cheeky reaction by fans after an ESPN announcer commented that Lubbock, Texas, had "nothing but Texas Tech football and a tortilla factory," which inspired fans to toss tortillas in goodwill and defiance. This tradition has since become a distinctive hallmark of Texas Tech football games, celebrated for its fun and quirky nature, although it is officially discouraged by the university due to safety and cleanup concerns. Despite official discouragement, the tradition endures and is embraced by many fans, sometimes even at away games and major events. Moreover, recent rulings by the Big 12 conference threaten penalties for throwing tortillas on the field, but Texas Tech has vowed to keep the tradition alive as part of the school's spirited culture. In summary, tortillas are thrown because it's a fun, playful, and unique way for Texas Tech fans to show school spirit and celebrate football games, rooted in local culture and student creativity.