Lubbock Legacies: Who is Jones AT&T Stadium Named After?

If you live in Lubbock or even just visited for a football game, you've heard of "The Jones." This nationally-recognized stadium has stood the test of time, serving as the home for one of college football's greatest teams—the Texas Tech Red Raiders.

What many don't know is the surprising history of the stadium and who this Jones person is that it's named after. According to the Texas Tech website, the truth is not very well known.

The Birth of Jones AT&T Stadium

Let's go back in time. The year was 1947, the Cold War is in its infant stages between the U.S. and the Soviet Union, folks were balking at an unidentified flying object landing in Roswell, New Mexico, and Jones AT&T Stadium became the official home of Red Raider football.

The name comes from former Texas Tech president Clifford B. Jones, having been named in the honor of him and his wife, Aubrey, in 1947.

In 2000, following a massive donation of over $25 million from SBC Communications (now AT&T), the stadium was renamed to Jones SBC Stadium in recognition of the support.

Six years later, in 2006, it was renamed for the last time in recent history to the Jones AT&T Stadium—the name we all know and love.

Upgrades to The Jones

In 2004, a whopping $51.9 million project was launched to revitalize the outer appearance to fit the Spanish Renaissance-style architecture found throughout the campus.

2016 saw a $16 million project to improve the north end zone, complete with enhanced sound systems and video boards. Shortly later was another major renovation surpassing $33 million for the East Stadium Building adding new concession areas and restrooms, among other upgrades.

Jones AT&T Stadium has left its mark on Red Raiders and football fans alike, and its journey isn't even over. Only time will tell what other feats Lubbock's wonder will accomplish in the future.