United Supermarkets Arena

United Supermarkets Arena
Entertainment Showcase of West Texas ; The USA
Former names	United Spirit Arena (1999–2014)
Location	1701 Indiana Avenue; Lubbock, TX 79409
Coordinates	33°34′52.54″N 101°53′11.89″W / 33.5812611°N 101.8866361°W
Owner	Texas Tech University
Operator	Texas Tech University
Capacity	15,098 (2001–present); 15,050 (1999–2001)
Surface	Hardwood
Construction
Broke ground	March 26, 1997
Opened	October 1, 1999
Construction cost	$62.775 million; ($115 million in 2023 dollars)
Architect	Rosser International; Joe D. Mckay AIA Architects
Project manager	Hill International
General contractor	Centex Construction Co.
Tenants
	Texas Tech Red Raiders (NCAA DI) (1999–present)

United Supermarkets Arena (previously the United Spirit Arena) is a multipurpose arena on the campus of Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. The 15,098-seat arena opened in 1999 and is home to the Texas Tech Red Raiders basketball, Texas Tech Lady Raiders basketball, and Texas Tech Red Raiders women's volleyball teams.

History

The City of Lubbock proposed replacing the Lubbock Municipal Coliseum with a new arena named after Buddy Holly. The proposed Buddy Holly Arena was to be located next to the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center in downtown Lubbock, not on the Texas Tech University campus. A public referendum for a tax increase to build the arena failed to pass by as few as 600 votes. Texas Tech decided to move construction to an on-campus facility with private donations on the university's campus.

The arena was financed from a $500 million fundraising endeavor undertaken by John T. Montford, the first chancellor of the Texas Tech University System.^[2] Groundbreaking began on March 26, 1997.^[3] The arena opened on October 1, 1999, at a cost of $62.775 million.^[4]

With a total of 15,098 seats, United Supermarkets Arena is slated to become the largest indoor collegiate sports arena in the state, pending the proposed demolition of University of Texas at Austin's Frank Erwin Center in 2021.

Design

The arena features a Spanish Renaissance exterior facade, matching architectural style of the rest of the Texas Tech University campus. Architects for the project included Joe D. McKay AIA Architects, and Rosser International. Hill International was the project manager, and the general contractor was Centex Construction Co.^[5]^[6]

Standing at the southeast entrance of the arena is the eight-story Victory Tower. At 96 feet (29 m), Victory Tower is the 16th-tallest structure in Lubbock.^[7]

The arena at night
Inside United Supermarkets Arena prior to a graduation ceremony
Victory Tower at the southeast entrance

Naming rights

Lubbock-based supermarket chain United Supermarkets purchased the naming rights to the facility under a 20-year, $10 million naming-rights agreement with Texas Tech University in 1996. Until 2014, the arena was known as United Spirit Arena. Following a 10-year, $9.45 million naming-rights extension, the arena was renamed United Supermarkets Arena. Funds from the 10-year naming rights extension will go towards facility renovations.^[8]

Usage

Texas Tech Red Raiders basketball

The first basketball game was played in the arena on November 19, 1999. The Texas Tech Red Raiders lost 68–60 to the Indiana Hoosiers,^[9] coached by Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee Bob Knight, who would later become the head coach of Red Raiders basketball team.
On January 1, 2007, a 70–68 defeat of the New Mexico Lobos by the Texas Tech Red Raiders marked the 880th total win for Bob Knight, making him the winningest coach in men's college basketball history.
A Big 12 Conference record for student attendance was set February 25, 2014, against Kansas State.^[10]

NCAA Tournaments

NCAA Division I Women's Basketball First and Second Rounds: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2009, 2013

Gymnastics

On October 2, 2016, the arena hosted the Kellogg's Tour of Gymnastics Champions.^[11]

WNBA

On May 4, 2007, the Houston Comets with former Lady Raiders Sheryl Swoopes and Erin Grant played a Women's National Basketball Association exhibition game against the Detroit Shock with Plenette Pierson, also a former Lady Raider.^[12]

WWE

United Supermarkets Arena hosted WWE Raw (the first Raw ever to be hosted in Lubbock) in May 2006.

Concerts

Date	Artist	Opening act(s)	Tour / Concert name	Attendance	Revenue	Notes
February 8, 2000	Elton John	—	Medusa Tour	—	—	First concert to be held at the arena.
June 14, 2002	Britney Spears	—	Dream Within a Dream Tour	14,256 / 14,256	$741,972	After the second song, "(You Drive Me) Crazy", a power outage occurred and the rest of the concert had to be canceled. Spears, along with her tour manager, came onstage to explain the situation to the sold-out crowd. Due to Spears being overbooked for the entire tour, there was no time to reschedule the concert.^[13]
October 14, 2011	Taylor Swift	—	Speak Now World Tour	10,419 / 10,419	$710,426	Tickets for the show were sold out within 20 minutes after going on sale, the fastest sell-out in the arena's history.
January 18, 2013	George Strait	Martina McBride	The Cowboy Rides Away Tour	—	—
March 17, 2013	Bon Jovi	—	Because We Can: The Tour	13,255 / 13,255	$1,201,105	This concert marks Richie Sambora's last with the band.
October 2, 2014	Paul McCartney	—	Out There	11,446 / 11,446	$1,820,456	Originally scheduled for June 14, but was postponed due to illness.^[14]
March 30, 2017	Garth Brooks Trisha Yearwood	—	The Garth Brooks World Tour with Trisha Yearwood	—	—	This show was sold out and 4 more shows were added, all of which were sold out.
March 31, 2017
April 1, 2017
April 2, 2017
March 2, 2019	Metallica	Jim Breuer	World Wired Tour	—	—	This concert featured the live debut of Here Comes Revenge.^[15]

References

^ 1634–1699: McCusker, J. J. (1997). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States: Addenda et Corrigenda (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1700–1799: McCusker, J. J. (1992). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1800–present: Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. "Consumer Price Index (estimate) 1800–". Retrieved February 29, 2024.
^ "John T. Montford a Powerhouse at Tech, in Politics". Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. January 11, 2009. Retrieved November 10, 2013.
^ "Texas Tech Breaking New Ground". Amarillo Globe-News. Associated Press. March 27, 1997. Retrieved November 10, 2013.
^ Altenbaumer, Kara (October 1, 1999). "A Grand Time on Tap for Unveiling of Spirit Arena". Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. Retrieved November 10, 2013.
^ Fuquay, John (April 27, 1999). "Tech to Test Integrity of United Spirit Arena Balcony". Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. Retrieved November 10, 2013.
^ "Buildings: Sports Facilities". Hill International. Retrieved November 10, 2013.
^ http://www.emporis.com/building/victorytower-lubbock-tx-usa
^ "Texas Tech Receives 9.45 Million from United Supermarkets".
^ Rosetta, Randy (November 20, 1999). "Despite Falling Short, Red Raiders Pleased". Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. Archived from the original on February 21, 2006. Retrieved September 23, 2008.
^ Rose, Rex (February 26, 2014). "Tech breaks Big 12 attendance record, falls to Kansas State". The Daily Toreador. Retrieved February 26, 2014.
^ "2016 Kellogg's Tour of Gymnastics Champions takes center stage beginning Sept. 15". usagym.org. Retrieved March 26, 2019.
^ "Tickets on Sale Now for WNBA Game in Lubbock". Texas Tech Athletics. April 2, 2007. Retrieved April 2, 2007.
^ Gilbreth, Kristin (June 21, 2002). "Spears Not Returning Despite Arena Officials Plea". The Daily Toreador. Texas Tech University. Retrieved November 24, 2007.
^ Kerns, William. "McCartney postpones Lubbock concert; show rescheduled for Oct. 2". Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. Retrieved May 23, 2019.
^ https://www.metallica.com/songs/song-44239.html

External links

[inflation-US-1] 1634–1699: McCusker, J. J. (1997). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States: Addenda et Corrigenda (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1700–1799: McCusker, J. J. (1992). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1800–present: Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. "Consumer Price Index (estimate) 1800–". Retrieved February 29, 2024.

[2] "John T. Montford a Powerhouse at Tech, in Politics". Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. January 11, 2009. Retrieved November 10, 2013.

[Breaking-3] "Texas Tech Breaking New Ground". Amarillo Globe-News. Associated Press. March 27, 1997. Retrieved November 10, 2013.

[opening-4] Altenbaumer, Kara (October 1, 1999). "A Grand Time on Tap for Unveiling of Spirit Arena". Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. Retrieved November 10, 2013.

[5] Fuquay, John (April 27, 1999). "Tech to Test Integrity of United Spirit Arena Balcony". Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. Retrieved November 10, 2013.

[6] "Buildings: Sports Facilities". Hill International. Retrieved November 10, 2013.

[7] ttp://www.emporis.com/building/victorytower-lubbock-tx-usa

[8] "Texas Tech Receives 9.45 Million from United Supermarkets".

[9] Rosetta, Randy (November 20, 1999). "Despite Falling Short, Red Raiders Pleased". Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. Archived from the original on February 21, 2006. Retrieved September 23, 2008.

[Attendance-10] Rose, Rex (February 26, 2014). "Tech breaks Big 12 attendance record, falls to Kansas State". The Daily Toreador. Retrieved February 26, 2014.

[11] "2016 Kellogg's Tour of Gymnastics Champions takes center stage beginning Sept. 15". usagym.org. Retrieved March 26, 2019.

[12] "Tickets on Sale Now for WNBA Game in Lubbock". Texas Tech Athletics. April 2, 2007. Retrieved April 2, 2007.

[13] Gilbreth, Kristin (June 21, 2002). "Spears Not Returning Despite Arena Officials Plea". The Daily Toreador. Texas Tech University. Retrieved November 24, 2007.

[14] Kerns, William. "McCartney postpones Lubbock concert; show rescheduled for Oct. 2". Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. Retrieved May 23, 2019.

[15] ttps://www.metallica.com/songs/song-44239.html

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v t e Texas Tech Lady Raiders basketball
Arenas	Women's Gym City Bank Coliseum (1975–1999) United Supermarkets Arena (1999–present)
Culture & lore	Raider Red The Masked Rider "Fight, Raiders, Fight" "The Matador Song" Guns Up
Overview	Head coaches Players in the WNBA draft Seasons
Seasons	1975–76 1976–77 1977–78 1978–79 1979–80 1980–81 1981–82 1982–83 1983–84 1984–85 1985–86 1986–87 1987–88 1988–89 1989–90 1990–91 1991–92 1992–93 1993–94 1994–95 1995–96 1996–97 1997–98 1998–99 1999–2000 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 2009–10 2010–11 2011–12 2012–13 2013–14 2014–15 2015–16 2016–17 2017–18 2018–19 2019–20 2020–21 2021–22 2022–23 2023–24 2024–25
NCAA national championships in bold

v t e Texas Tech Red Raiders basketball
Venues	Livestock Judging Pavilion (1925–1927) Tech Gymnasium (1927–1956) City Bank Coliseum (1956–1999) United Supermarkets Arena (1999–present)
Culture & lore	Raider Red The Masked Rider "Fight, Raiders, Fight" "The Matador Song" Guns Up Knight School
People	Head coaches NBA draftees Statistical leaders
Seasons	List of seasons 1925–26 1926–27 1927–28 1928–29 1929–30 1930–31 1931–32 1932–33 1933–34 1934–35 1935–36 1936–37 1937–38 1938–39 1939–40 1940–41 1941–42 1942–43 1943–44 1944–45 1945–46 1946–47 1947–48 1948–49 1949–50 1950–51 1951–52 1952–53 1953–54 1954–55 1955–56 1956–57 1957–58 1958–59 1959–60 1960–61 1961–62 1962–63 1963–64 1964–65 1965–66 1966–67 1967–68 1968–69 1969–70 1970–71 1971–72 1972–73 1973–74 1974–75 1975–76 1976–77 1977–78 1978–79 1979–80 1980–81 1981–82 1982–83 1983–84 1984–85 1985–86 1986–87 1987–88 1988–89 1989–90 1990–91 1991–92 1992–93 1993–94 1994–95 1995–96 1996–97 1997–98 1998–99 1999–2000 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 2009–10 2010–11 2011–12 2012–13 2013–14 2014–15 2015–16 2016–17 2017–18 2018–19 2019–20 2020–21 2021–22 2022–23 2023–24 2024–25
NCAA Final Four appearance in italics

v t e Music venues of Texas
Outdoor venues	Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Dos Equis Pavilion Germania Insurance Amphitheater Miller Outdoor Theatre Toyota Music Factory Zilker Park
Theaters and clubs	AT&T Performing Arts Center Anhalt Hall Aztec Theatre Bass Concert Hall Bass Performance Hall Bayou Music Center Billy Bob's Texas Cactus Cafe Charles W. Eisemann Center for Performing Arts Chautauqua Auditorium Emo's The Factory in Deep Ellum Fitzgerald's Gas Monkey Bar N' Grill Gas Monkey Live Gilley's Club Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts Granada Theater Gruene Hall Hobby Center for the Performing Arts Jefferson Theatre Jones Hall Julie Rogers Theater Long Center for the Performing Arts Main Street Crossing Majestic Theater Majestic Theatre Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House McFarlin Memorial Auditorium Moody Performance Hall Moody Theater Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center Music Hall at Fair Park Paramount Theatre Plaza Theatre San Angelo Performing Arts Coalition Smart Financial Centre Texas Hall Texas Trust CU Theatre at Grand Prairie Tobin Center for the Performing Arts Trees Dallas Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center Warehouse Live Will Rogers Auditorium Wortham Theater Center
Arenas	Amarillo National Center American Airlines Center American Bank Center Beaumont Civic Center Bert Ogden Arena Credit Union of Texas Event Center Comerica Center Convention Center Arena Dickies Arena Don Haskins Center El Paso County Coliseum Ford Arena Fort Worth Convention Center Frank Erwin Center Freeman Coliseum Frost Bank Center H-E-B Center Kay Yeager Coliseum Lubbock Memorial Civic Center Moody Coliseum NRG Arena The Oil Palace Payne Arena Toyota Center Sames Auto Arena United Supermarkets Arena
Stadiums	AT&T Stadium Alamodome Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium Ford Center at The Star NRG Stadium Toyota Stadium
Historic venues	Armadillo World Headquarters Bagdad Supper Club Balinese Room Cheatham Street Warehouse Cherry Springs Dance Hall Dallas City Limits Dallas Sportatorium HemisFair Arena Houston Music Hall Fair Park Coliseum Liberty Hall Liberty Lunch Lubbock Municipal Coliseum Neon Boots Dancehall & Saloon Old Quarter Acoustic Cafe Raul's Reunion Arena Sam Houston Coliseum Sam Houston Hall Sand Mountain Coffee House Skyliner Ballroom Southern Star Amphitheatre Texas Stadium Real Life Amphitheater Vulcan Gas Company
Festivals	Astroworld Festival Austin City Limits Music Festival Thin Line Fest Kerrville Folk Festival South by Southwest Denton Arts and Jazz Festival Wildflower! Arts and Music Festival Fortress Festival