I have a confession: until my freshman year, I’d never been to an LSU football game. Not a big deal if you’re not from Baton Rouge, but near criminal if you are.
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fans even begin setting up the afternoon before the game. We recommend visiting Mike the Tiger, the Parade Grounds and Indian Mounds before the game. And don’t miss the famous march down Victory Hill featuring the football team, coaches, Golden Girls and LSU band an hour and a half before kickoff. Hearing those first chords of the band’s famous pre-game number is guaranteed to induce goose bumps.
Then I went to an LSU game – and realized what I had been missing. The massive sense of community and school spirit begins from the moment you enter LSU. No wonder it’s said that LSU fans “bleed purple and gold.” There truly is nothing like spending the whole day on campus, wearing those colors and wondering if it’s ever been so hot outside. You meet new people, share laughs and discuss how LSU is the best team on the planet . . . naturally. Still, your first LSU game can be intimidating. Figuring out where to park in itself requires skill, courage and patience. We are not exaggerating. Pro tip: The Tiger Trails campus buses run a special gameday route. Once you arrive, expect masses of people. Safety first – always. Campus police and other law enforcement officials monitor throughout the whole day to guarantee safety and order (which is a must during those high-pressure games . . . I’m looking at you, 2018 LSU-versusAlabama home game). You’re never too old to use the buddy system. Always bring at least one friend to avoid ever feeling unsafe or overwhelmed. Page 23 has more info on LSU’s safety smartphone app, free for any student. Moms, you can thank us later.
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And then it’s time to enter Tiger Stadium, also known as Death Valley. Don’t let the name fool you. It’s the liveliest place in
Most in the student section stand during the whole game and sit during half-time. You won’t have much elbow room, but that’s just classic LSU bonding time. Remember, you can’t cheer too loudly. Geaux get ’em, Tigers!
LSU Football Trivia
Team colors. Tradition has it, according to LSU Athletics, that in 1893 football coach Dr. Charles Coates (also a chemistry professor!) and his players wanted to spruce up their dull gray jerseys before their first game. Mardi Gras was coming up, and stores were overflowing with purple, gold and green ribbon. But the particular store on Third and Main streets that Coates and his team went to hadn’t received its shipment of green ribbon. So purple and gold ribbon it was – and remains.
Get in line early Louisiana on Saturday nights. Get in line early to enter the stadium to avoid the impatient rush in the student section. Imagine you’re in Disney World, but change the mouse ears to tiger stripes. You’ll need an LSU student ID and a backup form of ID such as a driver’s license. Only certain items are allowed in the stadium, and the only acceptable form of bag is clear and no larger than 12 inches. Pro tip: go without a bag to use the “no bag” express lane (the word “express” is relative, but it’s definitely faster than the other line).
Mascot
How, you might ask, did our mascot become the Tiger instead of our native alligators? According to LSU Athletics, the name has roots in a Civil War volunteer company nicknamed the Tiger Rifles. In time, all Louisiana troops fighting in the Army of Northern Virginia would be called Tigers. Maj. David French Boyd, first LSU president after the war, adopted the name Tigers for the football team. After a history of impressive wins by 1955, they became the “Fighting Tigers.”
Gameday celebrations begin early. Tailgating starts early in the morning. Some
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MAGNOLIA PUBLICATIONS
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ISSUE 1
