Carol of Lights kicks off Texas Tech Centennial with fireworks, music and more

Texas Tech kicked off celebrations for its 100th birthday in grand fashion - with traditions, music and fireworks in front of an audience of tens of thousands of Red Raiders Friday evening in Lubbock.

The 64th annual Carol of Lights holiday campus lighting celebration set the stage for what will be a year of events marking the university's centennial.

"We will honor a century that has turned potential into power, education into inspiration and passionate students into proud alumni," Texas Tech President Lawrence Schovanec said.

With performances by the Maines Brothers Band and Wade Borden, the festivities came to an apex with a countdown to the lights being switched on and a fireworks display lighting up the night sky.

The event sparked conversations on Twitter from Red Raiders.

Some even chimed in hoping that this newly reimagined Carol of Lights continues into the future.

But the fireworks were definitely the highlight of the night.

Texas Tech will be celebrating its centennial throughout the year with events in Lubbock, around the state and across the nation. More information can be found at 100.ttu.edu/.