Texas Tech University Athletics
Texas Tech renames student section to honor Jones family
August 20, 2026 | Football
Texas Tech will debut “The Jones Student Section at Galaxy Stadium” on Sept. 5 versus Abilene Christian
LUBBOCK, Texas – For decades, Texas Tech fans have made "The Jones" one of the most intimidating homefield advantages in college football.
The Jones name will continue to ring out for decades to come as Texas Tech formally announced Thursday the naming of its student seating as "The Jones Student Section at Galaxy Stadium." The announcement was delivered by Director of Athletics Kirby Hocutt to a sellout crowd during the annual Red Raider Club Kickoff Luncheon at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center.
"For all President Jones and his wife Aubrey accomplished during Texas Tech's early years, we found it only fitting to recognize the impact he made on generations of Red Raiders by naming our student section in their honor," Hocutt said. "The legacy the Jones family left on Texas Tech will never be forgotten, and we'd encourage our students to pack 'The Jones' every game this year as we continue to make Galaxy Stadium one of the best gameday environments in the country."
Texas Tech previously announced in July a landmark 15-year agreement with Galaxy to rebrand the home of Red Raider Football as Galaxy Stadium beginning with the 2026 season. The stadium was originally named Clifford B. and Audrey Jones Stadium in 1947 after the family's original gift helped establish an early foundation for both the university and the football program.
Once nicknamed "West Texas' No. 1 Citizen," Jones was a vocal leader in pushing for a state college in West Texas, eventually leading to Texas Tech's founding in 1923. Jones became a member of the first board of directors for then Texas Technological College and was named the board's chairman in 1927. Jones, despite not having a college degree, was later tabbed Texas Tech's third president in 1939, a role he would flourish in until resigning in 1944 after 21 years of service to the university.
During his tenure as president, Jones became a popular figure on campus, raising Texas Tech's profile as the third-largest state university by enrollment. Jones helped Texas Tech increase student housing and paved the way for generations of future Red Raiders in growing what was still a young university. Even after his retirement, Jones served the university as president emeritus until his death in 1972.
Texas Tech kicks off the 2026 season Sept. 5 when the Red Raiders host Abilene Christian inside Galaxy Stadium. Students are reminded to "Pack the Jones" by utilizing the Red Raider Loyalty program, which was launched last week to allow students to reserve their spot inside both Galaxy Stadium and United Supermarkets Arena in advance of each home event.
As a reminder, the Red Raider Loyalty program is intended only to ensure students have their spot inside both venues. Students who claim their seat through the program will continue to be offered the best seats on a first-come, first-served basis throughout "The Jones Student Section."
