There’s nothing like the tradition of Friday night lights in Texas. Dripping Springs has its own high school football traditions, but one in particular sets the Tiger Stadium experience apart: fresh fried catfish.
Nobody can say for sure when the tradition started, but it goes back more than 20 years.
It takes about 60 volunteers to handle the concessions for every home game. The Dripping Springs Tiger Band Boosters run the entire operation to fundraise for the 200-member band.
“We could not do much of what we do without it,” says Luke Hassell. “The cook has to be taken seriously, and I do believe we have held well to that tradition.”
It’s the fourth year Luke’s been in charge of the operation. “For me, it’s a serious tradition. With my kids in band, it’s essential to help,” he says.
The boosters cook around 200 pounds of catfish each week. That’s enough for about 500 servings.
“It is hot, greasy, smoky, hectic, crowded and not to be traded for anything. Many great lifelong friendships are forged here. We are all bonded by the task at hand: serving the best food possible to thousands in a ninety-minute window,” says Luke. “It is such a satisfying experience.”