Lubbock, Texas Sep 17, 2026 (Issuewire.com) - Friday night football is coming to Lubbock, and Bigham's Smokehouse is preparing for a busy evening as Texas Tech hosts Houston on Friday, September 18.

With kickoff set for 7 p.m., the matchup gives Red Raider fans a rare chance to enjoy a prime-time home game on a Friday night. For local families, alumni, students and visitors, that also means making plans for Texas Tech tailgates, pregame meals and football watch parties across the city.

Bigham's Smokehouse is encouraging fans to get their game-day food plans in place early as Lubbock gets ready for one of the most anticipated home games of the early season.

Founded by Don Bigham in 1978 and now operated by Nick Bigham, Bigham's Smokehouse has served Lubbock families for nearly five decades. Over the years, the restaurant has become part of many local traditions, including the gatherings that surround Texas Tech football weekends.

"There's always a special energy in Lubbock when Texas Tech is playing at home, and a Friday night game brings a little different excitement," says Nick Bigham, owner of Bigham's Smokehouse. "People are coming straight from work, meeting up with friends and family, and getting ready for a big night. We're proud to help feed those traditions."

The Texas Tech-Houston game also carries added interest as an early conference matchup and a high-profile home date on the 2026 schedule. That kind of atmosphere often brings larger groups together, whether they are headed to the stadium, hosting people at home, or gathering for a tailgate before kickoff.

With three Lubbock locations, Bigham's offers dine-in, carry-out, drive-thru, delivery, and catering options designed to make game-day meals easier for groups of all sizes. Fans can order barbecue favorites such as brisket, sausage, ribs, and classic sides without having to spend their Friday afternoon cooking.

For many football fans, convenience matters just as much as flavor on game day. A Friday night kickoff can compress the schedule for families and working professionals, making ready-to-serve meals and larger group orders especially helpful.

"Friday games move fast," Bigham says. "People are trying to get where they need to go, enjoy the evening, and not feel rushed. We want to make it easy for them to pick up a great meal, feed their group and focus on enjoying the night."

Bigham's Smokehouse operates around four core values - excellence, consistency, loyalty, and service - and those values continue to guide the restaurant during some of the busiest weekends of the year.

As Lubbock gets ready for another memorable Texas Tech football night, Bigham's is preparing to do what it has done for generations: serve the community with legendary Texas barbecue and help make gathering around the game a little easier.

Fans planning tailgates, family meals, or football watch parties can learn more about Bigham's Smokehouse ordering and catering options by visiting the restaurant online.

About Bigham's Smokehouse

Bigham's Smokehouse has served Lubbock, Texas, since 1978. Founded by Don Bigham and now locally owned and operated by Nick Bigham, the restaurant has three Lubbock locations offering dine-in, carry-out, drive-thru, delivery, and catering. Bigham's is built around four core values: excellence, consistency, loyalty, and service.

Media Contact

Bigham's Smokehouse

[email protected]

(806)-797-9931

4302 19th St.

https://bighamsbbq.com