One of the biggest nonconference games of the year tips off tonight in Lubbock, as Texas Tech hosts No. 3 Illinois at 7 p.m. at United Supermarkets Arena. Here’s what you need to get in, park and watch.
Why tonight matters
Both teams are ranked and 2-0. Illinois is No. 3 in both the AP and coaches polls and is coming off its first Final Four in 21 years, according to Illinois game notes. The Illini beat Texas Tech 81-77 in Champaign last season, on Nov. 11, 2025, in the only previous meeting.
Texas Tech has won 48 straight nonconference home games, 25-0 under coach Grant McCasland, Lubbock Lights reported after Thursday’s 76-58 win over Bethune-Cookman. Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn, who scored 25 in that game, played two seasons at Illinois before transferring. And forward Jamichael Stillwell has been cleared to play for now after a court order, as we noted in our week-ahead guide.
Tickets
- Price: Single-game tickets for nonconference games run from $10 (yellow zone, upper level) and $12 (tan zone, upper level) to $30, $40, $60 and $75 in the lower bowl, per Texas Tech’s pricing map. Prices can change, and availability for tonight isn’t listed there.
- Mobile only: All tickets are mobile, and screenshots won’t scan. Load them in the Red Raiders app or your phone wallet before you leave home.
- Ages: Everyone 2 and older needs a ticket. The arena ticket office opens one hour before tip-off. Questions: 806-742-8324 (742-TECH).
Parking
- Public parking: Lot S-1 near the John Walker Soccer Complex, off Texas Tech Parkway. Single-game parking for nonconference games is $11, online or at the lot on game day (credit cards only), according to the parking page.
- Shuttle: A free, ADA-accessible shuttle runs between S-1 and the arena.
- When: Lots open 90 minutes before tip-off, so 5:30 p.m. tonight.
- Accessible parking: First come, first served in all arena lots and Lot R-37, plus extra spaces in S-1. A valid placard or plate is required.
Getting in
- Doors: 6 p.m., one hour before tip-off, per the gameday guide.
- Bags: Clear bags no bigger than 12 by 6 by 12 inches, a one-gallon clear freezer bag, or a small clutch about the size of a hand. Medically necessary items are allowed after inspection.
- Screening: Everyone goes through weapons detection. Prohibited items can’t be left at the door.
- Leave at home: Outside food and drinks (empty bottles are OK), noisemakers, banners, selfie sticks and vapes. No re-entry.
- Cashless: Concessions take cards and phone pay only.
- Accessibility: Elevators are at Doors A and D on the west side. First aid is on the north concourse near Section 107.
Can’t go? How to watch
The game streams on Peacock and airs on NBC Sports Network, according to Illinois’ game notes.
Weather
After this morning’s dense fog advisory, which ran until 10 a.m., the National Weather Service expects a mostly sunny afternoon near 69 and a mostly clear night with a low around 47. Bring a jacket for the walk from S-1.
Also tonight: Texas Tech University Press’ Literary Lubbock dinner runs 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Frazier Alumni Pavilion, so expect extra traffic around campus. Our preview has the details.
Sources
- Illinois Athletics game notes, Nov. 9, 2026: https://fightingillini.com/news/2026/11/9/mens-basketball-no-3-illini-visit-no-16-texas-tech-in-ranked-road-test-tuesday
- Texas Tech Athletics: Basketball Gameday Guide: https://texastech.com/sports/2026/10/13/basketball-gameday
- Texas Tech Athletics: Men's Basketball Parking: https://texastech.com/sports/2026/4/6/mens-basketball-parking
- Texas Tech Athletics: Single Game Pricing Map: https://texastech.com/sports/2026/8/16/mens-basketball-single-game-pricing-map
- Lubbock Lights Daily Ledger: https://lubbocklights.com/ledger/
- National Weather Service Lubbock forecast: https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=33.58&lon=-101.85
- Hub City UnCovered week ahead, Nov. 9-15: https://hubcityuncovered.com/lubbock-week-ahead-nov-9-15-2026/