LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) - Rocky Johnson Field became the home for Texas Tech softball back in 2001. Now, nearly a quarter-of-a-century later, the team is taking its talents from Lubbock to Oklahoma City.
"It's been a wonderful change," QuarterFour owner Brad Wyatt said. "We've seen a lot of positives, we've had a lot of customers inquiring about it."
Texas Tech softball ended 2024 with a record of 29-21. One season later, they've jumped all the way to 50 wins, with the goal of getting just a few more to take home the trophy in the Women's College World Series.
Wyatt says that jumped has pushed the interest of softball here in Lubbock to another level.
"You've seen the fans," Wyatt said, "their attendance has been great and with that attendance, people from outside of Lubbock come in, visit. They're looking for more softball product and so we've really seen a growth there."
Red Raider Outfitter manager Kasandra Hernandez says having a season like this can provide a prosperous future for the program.
"With this being like a foundational year, it's going to continue to grow and build from here.," Hernandez said. "It's not only good for Tech but it's also good for girls growing up and stuff to see all these women go out and do what they do best."
Tech's recent winning ways also brings a positive chain reaction here in the 806.
"The success of Texas Tech is unbelievable for what it does for the community, regardless of what sport it is," Wyatt said. "Then the effect it has on the youth sports and what not. I'm looking forward to what it does for fast pitch softball in the interest of more girls coming in and wanting to play just based on Texas Tech's success."
With businesses stocking the shelves with merchandise and fans getting to cheer on the Red Raiders here at home, the hype around Texas Tech softball can't get any bigger as it prepares for the highest stakes games it's ever seen.
"Tech softball, hope you go all the way," Hernandez said. "Let's bring something back to Lubbock and give these girls and this fanbase something to cheer for."