Your Guide to the TBT Lubbock Regional 

Hey basketball fans, welcome to Lubbock! As you plan your trip to the Hub City, consider adding a few 806 favorites to your itinerary. From devourable dishes to summer activities and everything in between, there is plenty to keep you occupied in between games. 

One of the most exciting summer events on the sports calendar, The Basketball Tournament is heading to Lubbock for the first time in its nine-season run. From Wednesday, July 19 to Sunday, July 23, the regional tournament will take place at the United Supermarkets Arena. For locals and visitors alike, this winner-takes-all tournament is an opportunity to see some of the best former college basketball players in the world. For more information and pricing, check out the TBT website. 

With three major airlines servicing Lubbock, you’ll have plenty of flights from Southwest, American and United Airlines to choose from. Direct flights from Dallas, Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Denver make flying into Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport (LBB) easy. If you are traveling from inside the Lone Star State, direct flights from Austin and Houston are also available. 

Once you arrive, make the short five-minute drive to downtown via car rental or a ride-share service. Depending on your accommodations, there may be a free airport shuttle available to you. The Doubletree by Hilton and Overton Hotel and Conference Center are both close to the United Supermarkets Arena and offer airport shuttle services. For a more curated stay, check out the Home On The Range rental properties or our premier boutique hotel, the Cotton Court. 

Now that you’re here for a few days of Hub City fun, follow our sample itinerary and get a taste of what West Texas has to offer during your stay! 

Lunch: Fuel up for a week of fun with lunch at a Hub City hotspot, Dirk’s. Known for its crisp and juicy fried chicken and delectable sides, be sure to make a trip to this downtown dive while in town.

Session 1 Games: 1 p.m. | 3 p.m.

Dinner: In between sessions, relax in the courtyard and have dinner at the Midnight Shift located at the Cotton Court Hotel. With a new menu and craft cocktail options, it’s a great choice a short drive from the Texas Tech campus.

Session 2 Games: 6 p.m. | 8 p.m.

With no games on the lineup, make time to explore the city before another day of spectating. 

Breakfast: Stacked is known for its breakfast and brunch menu. Open 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, this restaurant has several hearty menu options. 

Day Activities: Lubbock is known for its must-visit museum scene. Depending on your interests, choose a few to stop by. Take a look at our top museums for inspiration. 

Lunch: A Lubbock classic, Caprock Cafe has something for everyone. The American and Tex-Mex menu is full of epic eats, but be sure to try a few of the crowd-favorite appetizers. 

Evening Activities: When the breeze rolls in and it starts to cool off, get sporty in the Hub City! Play disc golf at Mackenzie Park, Pickleball at Burgess Rushing Tennis Center or practice your swing and play yard games at The Range. 

Dinner: A West Texas destination based on west coast cuisine, The Fresh American is one of Lubbock’s newest restaurants. Sit on the pup-friendly patio for the full fine-dining experience. Be sure to satisfy that sweet tooth with a stop at J’s Creamery for a delish ice cream dish. 

Brunch: Start the day off with brunch at The Reserve for divine chicken and waffles or Snooze A.M. Eatery for a seasonal pancake flight. 

Morning Activity: Spend the morning on the water at SupLBK. From paddleboarding to kayaking, try out one of the city’s best water activities during your free time.  

Lunch and Dinner: If you’re a BBQ fan, you can’t come to Lubbock without trying Evie Mae’s Pit Barbecue. Be sure to get there at 11 a.m. The line may be long, but the wait is more than worth it. Pizza lovers should swing by the shop straight from Sicily- Papa V Pizza. Calzones and authentic, crispy crust are on the menu for lunch!

Afternoon Activities: Before walking back into the arena, check out Texas Tech’s beautiful campus with the Texas Tech Public Art collection. 

Session 3 Games: 6 p.m. | 8 p.m.

For your second free day, get a taste of Lubbock’s craft brew and arts scene. 

Breakfast: Grab a quick breakfast and coffee at Brulee Bakery. Don’t leave without trying a homemade pop tart and a seasonal summer treat. 

Downtown Activities: After breakfast, head downtown and check out our local murals, antique shops and craft brew scene. Follow our guide to visiting Downtown Lubbock for more tips and tricks to make the most of your time in the heart of the Hub City.

Lunch: Located inside the Doubletree by Hilton, Claraboya is a farm-to-table treasure in Lubbock. With an incredible breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night snack menu, stop in for one or more of your meals while in town. 

Activity: Don’t miss your chance to see the Broadway award-winning musical, Hamilton. Its two-week run in Lubbock kicks off July 19, and you can catch a Saturday performance at 2 or 8 p.m. 

Dinner: A Depot District favorite, swing by Triple J Chophouse & Brew Co. for a satisfying steak dinner, craveable mac & cheese and the house-brewed Raider Red Ale. 

Breakfast: Before heading to the last game of the tournament, try French-inspired breakfast, pastries and drinks at Ninety-Two Bakery and Cafe. This aesthetic stop is known for its chocolate croissants and avocado toast. 

Session 4 Game: 12 p.m.

It’s time for tip-off! We hope you enjoy your stay in the LBK and look forward to seeing your favorite memories on social media. Be sure to use #LiveLoveLubbock when posting.