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A Beginner’s Guide to the Big 12

(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File)

It’s a new era in college football. The Big 12 continues to expand, and with that comes new vibes to the conference and potentially new rivalries.

The Big 12 has been in the middle of conference realignment. The conference was seemingly on death’s door years ago. What did they do when Texas and Oklahoma were going to leave for the SEC? Add Central Florida, BYU, Houston and Cincinnati in one year and then the Pac-12 Mountain schools the following. 

With so many new faces, Sports360AZ went to players, coaches and media members to learn about the traditions, vibes and – most importantly – the places to eat in the new Big 12 locations. 

Here are our findings:

Note: Additional reporting was done on this project by Jordan Spurgeon. 

Arizona

The rundown: On game days, the Zona Zoo is out in full force, starting things off on University Dr. before migrating to Arizona Stadium, which is in the heart of Arizona’s campus, next to McKale Center and softball’s Hillenbrand stadium.

The tradition: The Wildcat Walk

Fans line up in Cherry Ave. all the way to the stadium as football players come off the bus and make their way to the field, led by an honorary captain. Whether it be Steve Kerr, Rob Gronkowski or Nick Foles, the Wildcats do a nice job bringing back the legends. 

 

The Turnover Sword: The turnover sword is also a new tradition, but it has quickly become a fan-favorite. Introduced in 2022 by then-defensive coordinator Johnny Nansen, the defense unveils a sword – yes, a sword – when they force a turnover. There hasn’t been any injuries caused by the sword, unless you count the opponent footballs that are impaled after a takeaway.

 

The place to eat: 
The Arizona Daily Star’s Justin Spears’ pick:
His on-campus pick Frog & Firkin , a staple on University Blvd. If you’re willing to go off-campus, Seis Kitchen started as a food truck and now has three locations around Tucson. 

Safety Gunner Maldonado’s picks:

 

Rolli’s Mexican Patio  – A spot known for their rolled tacos and birria ramen, along with so, so much more.

Arizona State

The rundown: Mountain America Stadium is nestled between a few buttes and Tempe Town Lake. Mill Ave. is right down the street and creates a fun surrounding area for those attending the game and just wanting to be around the action. The first half of the season brings an oven-like atmosphere, but come October and November, it’s a postcard. 

The tradition: Stomp the Bus

Arizona State’s football intro has made changes over the years, but the skeleton of it is the same. A giant Sparky the Sun Devil appears and enters the Greater Phoenix area with a haboob (Arizona dust storm) in tow. Sparky makes his way to Mountain America Stadium while ACDC’s “Thunderstruck” is playing. The crescendo hits when Sparky stomps the opponent’s bus before entering the stadium. The bus is stomped, fireworks go off and the team takes the field.

 

The place to eat: There are a bunch of great spots on Veteran’s Way and Mill Ave. if you’re looking for a spot during pregame and post. 

Postino Winecafe and Snooze are a quick walk from the stadium. Venezia’s Pizzeria just opened a location outside the stadium, and you can get slices in the building as well. 

The Chuckbox is an institution known for world-class burgers cooked over an open mesquite fire. It will be busy, but it will be worth it. Also a heads up – it’s cash only. Get the Tijuana Torpedo (add bacon) and thank me later. 

 

Baylor

The rundown: Saturdays in Waco bring support for Baylor by land, air and sea. McLane Stadium is right on the Brazos River and that means fans can sailgate ahead of kickoff. 

“On gameday I feel the support from the entire city,” Baylor tight end Matt Klopfenstein said. “I really do think that the Baylor family…is so strong. The alumni count is so high here.”

The tradition: The Baylor Line

Freshman line up at one end of the stadium before the game and run down the field to line up and greet the football team as they take the field. 

“I have friends in class and they really look forward to it,” Klopfenstein said. “I have professors that still talk about when they did the Baylor line.” 

 

The place to eat:

Klopfenstein’s receommendations:

Shorty’s Pizza – A family-run spot where you can grab a slice and brew. There’s a big patio to hang out on as well. “They have really good ranch” according to Klopfenstein. 

Guess Family BBQ – This joint hasn’t been around as long compared to some of the others on this list, but they’ve already made waves, earning one of the 25 best new BBQ joints by Texas Monthly. 

Terry Black’s BBQ – I just took in this establishment at their Austin location, and the hype is real. A new location just opened up in Waco. 

BYU

The rundown: BYU displays a unique setup, whether it be in their stadium or in their crowd. It’s an intense place to play while standing in front of a beautiful backdrop. As offensive lineman Connor Pay describes how unique Cougar fans are.

 

The tradition: Fourth Quarter Fire Dance

Pay pointed out that at the start of the fourth quarter, fire dancers come out on the field with the BYU mascot Cosmo. 

“We have a really strong Polynesian heritage at BYU,” Pay said. “That’s always something that gets us hyped up to finish out the game.” 

 

The place to eat:

Bam Bam’s BBQ – Claiming it has the finest meats money can buy on this authentic central Texas-inspired menu. “No drive thru window or french fries here. ”

Chubby’s: Burgers, chicken sandwiches, wings, shakes & floats all highlight this spot that has multiple locations throughout Utah.

Cincinnati

The rundown: Nippert Stadium is about 10 minutes north of the Ohio River, Great American Ballpark and Paycor Stadium, the home of the Reds and Bengals respectively. It holds about 40,000 people, but offensive lineman Luke Kandra says it feels like a much bigger venue on the field. 

“When it gets rocking, it sounds and feels like there are double the people in there.”

The tradition: The Bearcat band charges down the steps. 

It’s a tradition that has been going on for over 50 years and one of the most unique entrances for a college band. The band gets summoned to the field during pregame and plays while they come down to field level. 

The place to eat:

Kandra says Skyline Chili is the way to go. He recognizes the Cincinnati staple is polarizing, but to get the true experience, that needs to be on the itinerary. 

Colorado

The rundown: Falls in Boulder are picturesque. It’s a gorgeous mountain setting that is great to take in, no matter how well the team is doing. Now that Deion Sanders is at the helm, the sidelines and stands have been packed and the atmosphere has been ramped up. 

A mainstay at Buffs games is Peggie Coppon, a 99-year-old super fan, who is a CU legend and the first fan to receive a NIL deal. 

 

 
 
 
 
 
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 The tradition: Ralphie’s Run

I mean…there’s nothing quite like Ralphie’s run. If a live buffalo taking the field doesn’t get the people going, I don’t know what will. It’s truly a one of a kind setup. 

“I might be biased but seeing Ralphie run before the game is my favorite college football tradition that I’ve witnessed,” Denver7 reporter Bradey King said. “She is beautiful and it never gets old seeing her bust out of the gate.”


The place to eat:

King recommends:
Dark Horse – A spot known for its burgers and wings.
The Sink – Open since 1923, this restaurant claims claims it has served the best pizza and burgers in Boulder for over 100 years now.
Avanti – This food hall gives plenty of options in the food and drink department in a cool setting to get ready for a game.
Pasta Jay’s – A 30-year staple in Boulder providing some great Italian food.

Houston

The rundown: The campus is in the heart of downtown Houston. Fans can check out the Legends Plaza that honors the likes of coach Bill Yeoman, Heisman Trophy winner Andre Ware and legend Wilson Whitley. Attendees can also see the Houston skyline when attending games. 

The tradition: Whose House? Coogs House.

Not quite the Run DMC song, but seems just as fun. It’s a rallying cry you will hear throughout a game when going head-to-head with the Cougars. 

 

Rub the Paw: As Houston fans enter the stadium, it’s good luck for them to pet the rub of the two bronze cougar statues outside 

 

The place to eat:

Jamal Morris reccomends: Cool Runnings Jamaican Bar & Grill – a spot that delivers on Jamaican and Carribean food. Morris’ go-to is the oxtails, but there are a variety of options on the menu and in terms of spots around campus.

 

Iowa State

The rundown: Ames lives and breathes Iowa State athletics. 

“When you play football in Ames, you’re loved,” defensive lineman J.R. Singleton said. 

He pointed to the elite tailgating and tight-knit community that makes the Ames game experience so unique.

 

The tradition: Sweet Caroline

What started in 2006 as a song at the fourth quarter is now reserved for victories. It is not exclusive to the football team, but any victory for the Cyclones.

 

The place to eat:

J.R. Singleton’s choice: Boulder Taphouse – This place does burgers, and you can do angus grind burgers, butter grind burgers or bacon grind burgers depending on what you’re feeling. Singleton’s favorite is the hot honey chicken sandwich.

“It will blow your mind.”

Kansas

The rundown: Kansas is in the middle of a major renovation to their football facilities, which means in the short-term they are playing games at Arrowhead Stadium and Children’s Mercy Park where Sporting KC plays. 

Once the Jayhawks return to the facility, this is what it will look like:

 

“It’s very intense, there’s tailgating everywhere,” running back and Lawrence native Devin Neal said. 

The tradition: Waving the Wheat

Fans wave their arms back and forth after each score in football, but it’s not exclusive to the gridiron. It’s a time of celebration that highlights one of the state’s biggest resources.

 

The place to eat:

Neal’s recommendation: Encore Cafe – An Asian restaurant with plenty of variety

“I get something different every time I go there,” Neal said.

He also recommends checking out Mass Street, which has plenty of options for food and drink.

Kansas State

The rundown: A model of consistency on the field also has very consistent fans who will show up in the heat, in the cold and travel to see the Wildcats. 

“It is purple pride everywhere you go. It consumes all of Manhattan,” Former K-State quarterback Dan Manucci said. “If you don’t have your hotel reservations like four months early, forget it.”

The tradition: Wabash Cannonball 

The Wabash Cannonball is considered one of the best pregame moments in the Big 12. The song was first performed by Kansas State in 1968. After arsonists burned down Nichols Hall, the home of the Kansas State music department, the only piece of music that was spared was the Wabash Cannonball. The band played it repeatedly during their next game and it caught on. It has been a staple ever since of Kansas State games. 

 

While the band plays, fans do a choreographed dance with their partners to create a wave of sorts.

  

 

The place to eat:

Offensive lineman Hadley Panzer’s choice: So Long Saloon

This place is all about burgers and sammies and has a simple call to action: “Git yer good grub here”

“They have the best food in Manhattan I think,” Panzer said.

Dan Manucci’s recommendations: Kite’s Bar & Grill –  This spot has a long history of former KSU athletes running it, so it really is a Wildcat bar. Manucci also recommends checking out the whole Aggieville stretch to take in all there is to offer.

Oklahoma State

The rundown: Stillwater is a great place to see a game. Boone Pickens Stadium makes an incredible homefield advantage where the stands run up to the sideline. There’s not a lot of space for an opponent to go. 

“Enjoy the ride in,” Oklahoma State quarterback Alan Bowman said. “It’s really pretty. You see some pastures and some hills along the way…Turn on some country music and take it all in.”

The tradition:

We have a few traditions that stand out:

The Paddle People: Students camp out to grab a front-row seat for the game. Their duty? To make noise and life uncomfortable for the opponents while wielding paddles.

 

Bullet & Spirit Rider – This duo is a common sight on the sidelines and will run out after every Cowboy touchdown.

 

Friends in Low Places – At the start of the fourth quarter, the stadium joins in unision to Garth Brooks’ “Friends in Low Places.” It’s like karaoke with 54,000 of your best friends.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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The place to eat:

Alan Bowman’s choice:

Bowman may be new to Stillwater but he is very familiar with Big 12 life, spending three years at Texas Tech. 

He was quick to name Eskimo Joe’s as a place to check out. It’s been voted as one of the best gameday college bars. The name apparently comes from their desire to have the coldest beer in town. 

TCU

The rundown: Forth Worth continues to grow and evolve. Head coach Sonny Dykes describes Forth Worth as a “cosmopolitan city with some West Texas flair.”

He pointed to the Stockyards to check out honkytonks and rodeos if you’re planning a weekend around a TCU game.

The tradition: We got a few here…

Frog Horn: It is exaclty as it sounds: a horn that looks like a frog. It was a gift from Burlington Northern Railroad and demands immediate attention when it goes off.

 

Riff Ram – A chant that dates back to the 1920s. What does it mean exactly? That’s a great question…

 

Hypnotoad – The hypnotaod is a character from Futurama that TCU athletics started to use on their videoboard. It gained national relevance during the Horned Frogs’ College Football Playoff run. 

It’s weird, and it’s perfect. 

All hail hypnotoad. 

 

The place to eat:

Sonny Dykes’ choice: Panther City BBQ – The TCU coach says this spot does a good job mixing Texas and Mexican flair to their BBQ.

 

Sports360AZ (and noted TCU alum) Eric Sorenson’s choices:
Dutch’s – A burger joint named after former TCU coach Leo “Dutch” Meyer. It’s an old school place with a look “from a bygone era.”
Uncle Julio’s – A Mexican food spot known for their fajitas and mesquite-grilled options. 

Texas Tech

The rundown: Like many of these venues, Saturdays mean it’s an all-day affair for Texas Tech fans. Pregame DJs and guitar players help get the crowd amped up to enter the stadium. The Raider Walk helps hype up the crowd that can max out at over 60,000 attendees.

The tradition: The Tortilla Toss

 

On the first kickoff, Red Raider fans will throw tortillas in the air. Why? Because it’s awesome. 

But there is a debate as to the origin of this tradition that dates back to the late 80s. 

According to Lubbock Avalanche Journal, students would throw the lids of their sodas onto the field, but that tradition was short-lived. The tortillas came into play because they were much easier to sneak in.

Another theory comes from an ESPN broadcaster saying Lubbock was “nothing but Texas Tech football and a tortilla factory.” 

According to the legend, the fans leaned into it.

The place to eat: 

Here are a few recommendations from running back Tahj Brooks:

Blue Sky Texas – a burger spot that prides itself on the best ingredients, from hatch chiles from New Mexico to their homemade ranch dressing.

Spanky’s – has been in Lubbock since 1982 with old style burgers and “the coldest beer on the planet.” 

Abuelos if you’re in the mood for Mexican food. 

UCF

The rundown: UCF’s home stadium is known as “The Bounce House.” Fans are going to get a cardio workout from jumping up and down on the bleachers. 

“When we’re in the locker room, the doors are busting open (from the jumping),” wide receiver Kobe Hudson said. 

It’s an atmosphere that has helped the Knights go 18-4 at home since the 2021 season.

The tradition: Lights Up, Lights Down

In a newer tradition, UCF reps added on to the bounce house reputation with “lights up, lights down,” where the lights shut off, and the fans use their cell phones to illuminate the stadium. 

Here’s a bird’s eye (drone’s eye?) view of the setting:

 

The place to eat: Kobe Hudson believes Huey Magoo’s – which claims it is the filet mignon of chicken – is a great spot for fans to check out ahead of a UCF game.

 

Utah

The rundown: Rice Eccles Stadium is in the heart of Salt Lake City. I’ve been there on multiple occassions where the sky has just opened up during night games. The way the stadium is built, it feels like the stands are right on top of the field, creating a homefield advantage for an already impressive program. 

The tradition: Moment of Loudness

This one is powerful. 

After players Ty Jordan and Aaron Lowe passed away, the Utah football program introduced the Moment of Loudness to express joy for 22 seconds – the number both players wore with the Utes – at the start of the 4th quarter. 

 

The place to eat: 

Defensive lineman Junior Tafuna’s recommendation: Honolulu Grill in West Jordan. It’s a family-owned restaurant that specializes in Hawaiian barbeque. 

Author’s recommendation: The Pie Pizzeria can be tough to spot right off campus, but head downstairs, grab some pizza and watch some football. The Red Iguana has authentic Mexican and Southwest menu items. 

West Virginia

The rundown: I could explain what West Virginia games are like for visitors, but I’ll let Aubrey Burks explain the atmosphere: “Expect our fans to not like you. Expect them to talk a lot of crap.”

 

The tradition: Country Roads

As Burks mentioned, “Country Roads” and West Virginia are about as synonomous as a program and song can be. With each win, comes the strong at full blast. 

 

The place to eat: Burks’ recommendations are for a pregame meal are Kegler’s and Mario’s for the wings. In a non-gameday setting, he says Fusion Japanese Steakhouse is his go-to spot.

 

 

Hopefully this helps fans enhance their trips to new campuses as we enter this new era. Is there anything that should be added to these guides? Let us know.

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