Are you tired of all of the same old places to wine and dine in Lubbock? There may be one hidden gem you haven’t heard of yet.
The Texas Tech Club is located atop the east side of the Jones AT&T stadium and with a great view and good food, it might be hard to pass up.
In October 2010, 58 members from both Texas Tech and the local Lubbock community founded the Texas Tech Club, owned corporately by Club Corp. It is a private, members-only club that was created for Texas Tech Alumni, faculty and the Lubbock business community. Being one of the only private clubs in the nation to be located on a university campus makes the Tech club unique.
Since the club is owned by Club Corp., members are able to reciprocate with more than 160 sister clubs around the world. Another advantage for local business gurus is the ability to network within the club. Members get the chance to meet and great with other business people from the community. The Texas Tech Club encourages businesses to hold meetings over lunch with clients to get away from the office. From a social aspect, members can host and celebrate holidays, birthdays and special occasions with friends and family.
General manager Rory O’Neill says becoming a member is not a hard process and is well worth it.
“It’s a private club, so it is based on membership by invitation. So, ideally we would like for a member to refer a fellow member. That said, though, we do have a membership committee and if you didn’t know anybody that was a member already we could have one of the committee members extend an invitation and you could join the club that way.” O’Neill said.
Given its location at the corner of University and the Marsha Sharp Freeway, the Tech Club is right across the street from a number of competitors which don’t require membership. Ruby Tequila’s is right across University. Manager Thomas Tijerina said having a private club so close doesn’t affect their business at all.
“I don’t believe having a private club across the street has any negative affect on and us and doesn’t change our business.” Tijerina said.
O’Neill, the Tech club general manager, says members pay monthly dues but the club tries to make sure the members are well taken care of.
“We do drink specials every night for the members and a full meal at lunchtime for a reasonable price. It’s all about member value.” O’Neill said.
Although members have to be over the age of 21, the club is open to anyone, including faculty and students. Faculty members enjoy a discounted rate and students whose parents are members are allowed to come up and enjoy the club as well.
The club offers five different levels, starting at the Young Alumni membership, the Faculty/Staff membership, Dean’s membership, President’s membership, and the Chancellor’s membership. The prices range from $200 annually for the Young Alumni, all the way to $1140 per year. There is also an initiation fee to join. The Faculty/Staff membership is discounted at the price of $300 annually or $25 monthly with a $50 initiation fee. The Chancellor’s membership includes full privileges to all of the Club Corp family while the Young Alumni membership is limited.
Senior universal studies major Auston Anders, whose parents are members, said his favorite part about being able to come to the Texas Tech Club is being on top of the stadium with the incredible view and great service.
“The waiters are constantly at your service and getting their attention is never a problem. I really enjoy the fine dining.” Anders said.
Each night of the week, the Texas Tech Club offers a different theme. It holds many different events for members such as Texas Hold ‘em Game night, Cooking with the Chef, Wine Tasting, Pasta Night and many more. The club is open six days a week, Monday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday 5 to 9 p.m.
During football season, the Texas Tech Club hosts a “Rally Buffet” dinner on Friday night and wraps up with a Sunday brunch to end the weekend. Three hours before kickoff, Texas Tech Club members are invited to meet up on the northeast side of Jones AT&T stadium outside Gate 4 for food, beverages and live music.
O’Neill said for the six game days out of the year during home football games, they turn over the club to the university for the suite owners and club seat ticket holders.
“For our members, we set up a tailgate tent that is a 5,500-square-foot fenced-off area that is open until the end of the third quarter with an all-you-can-eat buffet for $10 as well as bars to buy beverages at.” O’Neill said.
If you are interested in finding out more about the Texas Tech Club you can check out their website here.
– by Ali Williams; Updated by Sarah Scroggins, The Hub@TTU
Contributed to The Hub by Jour 4350 and TexasTechToday.com
About Alison Williams
