GSBS Programs in Lubbock
Life in Lubbock
Lubbock History and Information
Lubbock, Texas is located in the heart of the high plains of West Texas (elevation ~3,300 feet). Located only 80 miles east of New Mexico and 120 miles south of Amarillo, this canyon-pocked mesa was first discovered in 1540 by the Spanish explorer Francisco Vázquez de Coronado during his quest for the "City of Gold." It was the Spanish who named most of the major geographic features of the area, including Cañon Casas Amarillas (Yellow House Canyon), Cañon de Rescate (Ransom Canyon), and Llano Estacado (Staked Plains). Prior to late 1800's, the Apache, Comanche, Kiowa, and Cheyenne Nations dominated this region where they roamed the high plains living off the large populations of buffalo, antelope, wolves, and coyotes. Indeed, the Lubbock Lake Landmark State Historical Park houses an active archaeological site that has uncovered the remains of an ancient Native American civilization dating back more than 12,000 years. The city of Lubbock was named after Tom S. Lubbock who was a Texas Ranger and signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence. The city began as two smaller towns named "Old Lubbock" and "Monterey" which were consolidated in 1890 to establish the town of Lubbock. As agriculture continued to grow within the region and as the railroads continued to expand, Lubbock became the marketing center of the region and earned the nick-name "Hub of the Plains".
In 1923, the citizens of Lubbock were successful in their bid to the state to establish a new college, called Texas Technological College (now called Texas Tech University). The college opened its doors in 1925 with 1,379 students. In 1976, Texas Tech University underwent a major expansion with the establishment of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center which is now a world-renowned medical school. Known as the "Music Crossroads of West Texas," Lubbock has produced many musical legends, including Lubbock's son, Buddy Holly, who attracted followers and inspired musicians all around the world. Other well-known Lubbock musicians include Mac Davis, Waylon Jennings, Delbert McClinton, the Dixie Chicks, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Joe Ely, Tanya Tucker, Lloyd Maines, Terry Allen, Butch Hancock, The Maines Brothers, and Bob Wills. Thousands of visitors come to Lubbock every year to experience the great music, shopping, fine arts, performing arts, unique dining, Big XII sports, and entertainment. The population of greater Lubbock has continued to grow over the past five decades and is currently home to more than 300,000 people.
The Texas Tech University System (TTUS) is based in Lubbock and consists of Texas Tech University, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, and Angelo State University. With an annual operating budget of $1.4 billion, the TTUS educates approximately 43,500 undergraduate, graduate and professional students as well as employs more than 18,000 faculty and staff. Collectively, the TTUS contributes more than $2.6 billion in economic impact. The oldest and largest TTUS campus is Texas Tech University (TTU) which is located in Lubbock and home to almost 40,000 undergraduate, graduate and health sciences students. TTU occupies almost 1,900 acres making it the second largest contiguous campus in the United States. TTU is the only university in Texas to house an undergraduate and graduate university, law school, and medical school all at the same location.
The Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) offers programs in Health Professions, Biomedical Sciences, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy and Public Health. The oldest TTUHSC campus is in Lubbock, but major campuses are also located in Abilene, Amarillo, Dallas, El Paso and the Permian Basin. The Texas Tech Red Raiders are charter members of the Big 12 Conference and compete in Division I for all varsity sports. Lubbock’s climate is semi-arid in nature (low humidity; mild temperatures) with roughly 277 days of sunshine per year. Lubbock and the surrounding community is home to more than 300,000 residents. In addition to Lubbock campus, TTU has campuses in Abilene, Fredericksburg, Highland Lakes and Junction. Angelo State University (ASU) is located in San Angelo and provides undergraduate and graduate programs in the liberal arts, sciences, and professional disciplines to more than 7,000 students in San Angelo.
The Lubbock community has a wide selection of reasonably priced apartments, duplex housing and rental homes including some within walking distance to the University and Health Sciences Center.
Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport provides nonstop service to all of the major airports that serve as hubs for Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, and United Airlines including Denver, Albuquerque, Las Vegas, Austin, Dallas/Ft. Worth and Houston.
Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport (Link temporarily disabled as the webpage is under construction)
Lubbock is the cultural center of West Texas featuring a variety of art galleries, museums and performing arts including dance, ballet, symphony and theater. Some these attractions are listed below:
- Museum of Texas Tech University
- The museum houses collections in the arts, humanities, and the sciences numbering nearly 2 million objects and consists of several components, including the Moody Planetarium & Natural Science Research Laboratory.
- Southwest Collection (at Texas Tech University)
- Features an amazing collection of books, magazine, journals, photographs, and manuscripts that record the history of our region. Also home to the Vietnam Archives.
- Lubbock Regional Arts Center
- See ever changing exhibits of regional contemporary art and Lubbock Community Theater showcases. Features and supports the works of all creative artists - visual, performing, cultural, literary and others. Facilities include a studio, theatre, & lobby all geared for intensive arts use.
- Lubbock Municipal Garden and Arts Center
- A multi-use facility built to house non-profit organizations having to do with artistic, cultural, or educational endeavors. Gallery exists and functions to serve local artists and organizations with the purpose of promoting an active continuing interest in the arts.
- Lubbock Lake National Historic and State Archaeological Landmark (also known as Lubbock
Lake Site)
- Houses an active archaeological site that has uncovered the remains of an ancient Native American civilization dating back more than 12,000 years.
- Buddy Holly Center
- The Center collects, preserves, and interprets artifacts relevant to Lubbock's most famous native son, Buddy Holly, as well as to other performing artists and musicians of West Texas.
- Ranching Heritage Center
- An outdoor museum in Lubbock, Texas, established to preserve the history of ranching, pioneer life and the development of the livestock industry in North America. More than 35 authentic furnished ranch buildings and structures have been relocated to show the evolution of ranch life from the late 1780's through the 1930's.
- Science Spectrum Museum
- With over 200 interactive exhibits, an Omnimax Theatre, live animals, live demonstrations, a dedicated area for younger children, fun shops, and traveling exhibits, it's easy to experience the science of fun! The Science Spectrum is a hands-on science and technology center where all ages can see exciting demonstrations, interact with stimulating hands-on exhibits, and participate in the wonder of education at their own pace.
- Silent Wings Museum
- The Silent Wings Museum is dedicated to the history of the American military glider program.
- Texas Air Museum
- Features World War I, World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam era displays, as well as static aircraft and other vehicles.
- Mt. Blanco Fossil Museum
- A scientific and educational institution dedicated to a correct interpretation of Earth history and fossil remains. Includes a gift shop and houses the Mt. Blanco Art Museum.
- American Wind Power Center
- Conceived as the most comprehensive collection of historic windmills in the world. The Center tells the story of how the windmill, more than any other invention, helped to settle the West.
- Civic Center Theater
- Symphony, musicals, and special performances throughout the year.
- Lubbock Community Theater
- Features a wide variety of live theater productions.
- Lubbock Symphony Orchestra
- Outstanding symphony, Pops, Holiday and special concerts.
- Ballet Lubbock
- Special performances throughout the year.
- City Bank Auditorium
- Home of Broadway musicals and other special performances.
- United Spirit Arena
- Home of the Texas Tech men’s and women’s basketball teams as well as venue for national and international sports and musical acts.
- City Bank Coliseum
- Home of Hockey, Rodeo, circus, concerts, and performances
- Charles E. Maedgen, Jr. Theater
- A wealth of well-known and emerging theatrical productions on the Texas Tech campus
- Hemmle Recital Hall
- World class performance hall on the Texas Tech campus
- Allen Theater
- Special performances throughout the year. Located in the University Center on the Texas Tech Campus.
- Buddy Holly Center
- Live music year round.
- Cactus Theater
- Restored theater features music shows, concerts and weekly performances.
- CATS Playhouse
- Local venue features up and coming talent and young people.
- Texas Tech University
- The biggest sport ticket in town; the Red Raiders are members of the Big XII Conference making Lubbock the place to be for watching nationally-ranked college football, basketball, baseball, soccer and many others.
- Depot Entertainment District
- The Depot Entertainment District is the heartbeat of nightlife in downtown Lubbock. A collection of historical buildings along and near Buddy Holly Avenue, the Depot Entertainment District features live music, stage shows, sports and cigar bars, and upbeat restaurants and shops.
- Annual National Cowboy Symposium
- Cowboy culture runs deep in Lubbock. Join this exciting festival where cowboy poets, musicians, storytellers, artists, chuck wagon cooks, cowboys and more gather to celebrate and preserve our Western heritage and cowboy culture for those who know and love it, and to introduce new audiences to the heritage and culture so they may embrace it as well.
- Moody Planetarium
- Located on the campus of Texas Tech, and part of the Museum of Texas Tech University, the Moody Planetarium is the longest-serving planetarium in Texas. The planetarium domed is equipped with an A4 Spitz Starball projector and features a 30-foot dome screen with seating for 80.
- Mackenzie Park
- At 248 acres, Mackenzie Park is Lubbock's largest recreation area and features a wide variety of fun for all ages including Meadowbrook Golf Course, disc golf course, Joyland Amusement Park, Prairie Dog Town, equestrian trails and more.
- Joyland Amusement Park
- Offers great rides and attractions – over 30 in all – ranging from a log ride, water coaster, and roller coasters to junior rides and family classics such as the colorful carousel.
Wineries
- Llano Estacado Winery
- Known as Texas' most award-winning winery. Most of the world-class grapes used by the winery are grown within a 100-mile radius of Lubbock.
- Cap*Rock Winery
- The beautiful architecture makes Cap*Rock a favorite place for special events and gatherings.
- La Diosa Cellars
- The eclectic atmosphere has a wonderful flow with the cultural decorations and bistro menu.
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- McPherson Cellars Winery
- Experience the welcoming beauty of the winery's tasting room, outdoor courtyard and spacious event center.
- Pheasant Ridge Winery
- A family-owned, self-contained winery and vineyard that has a long and dedicated tradition of producing fine, state-grown wines.
- McPherson Cellars Winery
Outdoor Sports & Recreation
- Buffalo Springs Lake
- The entire family can enjoy fishing, water-skiing, hiking, picnic and camping areas, horseshoe pits, volleyball courts, a marina and a beach area.
- Lake Alan Henry
- Built by the City of Lubbock, Lake Alan Henry provides an outstanding recreational area for people to enjoy fishing, skiing, hunting and other outdoor activities.
- Palo Duro Canyon State Park
- A mere 90 minute drive north of Lubbock will take you to this majestic and awe-inspiring canyon which is 120 miles long, 20 miles wide, and a maximum depth of more than 800 feet. Palo Duro Canyon is the second largest canyon in the United States and is note for its outstanding hiking, birding, fishing, mountain biking and horseback riding.
- Caprock Canyon State Park
- Located to the northeast of Lubbock, this canyon area is the official home of the Texas buffalo. In September 2011, 80 descendants of the great southern plains bison herd were released to roam 700 acres of grasslands in the park. The park offers a number of outdoor activities including hiking, wildlife watching, horseback riding, mountain-biking, boating, fishing and swimming.
- Ruidoso, New Mexico
- Lubbock’s “home away from home” high in the Rocky Mountains of southeastern New Mexico. Towering above the Village of Ruidoso is Sierra Blanca at 12,000 feet above sea level and the New Mexico ski resort, Ski Apache. Only a 3.5 hr drive west of Lubbock, Ruidoso offers a wealth of outdoor and recreational activities any time of the year.