Tigers Overview

Fast facts

League: NCAA Football

Head Coach: Brian Kelly

Team Mascot: Mike the Tiger

Year Opened: 1924

Capacity: 102321

City / State: Baton Rogue / Louisiana

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

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LSU vs Alabama

Rival Team: Alabama Crimson Tide

LSU and Alabama have consistently played each other since the 1960s, and many trace the origin of the rivalry to a fifteen game undefeated streak Alabama had in Tiger Stadium. The rivalry gained significant momentum in 2007 after Alabama hired former LSU head coach Nick Saban and is one of the best games to see during the season.

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Golden Boot Trophy

Rival Team: Arkansas Razorbacks

The University of Arkansas joined the SEC in 1991 and began a yearly matchup against Louisiana State University. The winner of the game receives the Golden Boot, a gold trophy combining the shapes of Louisiana and Arkansas to create a boot. Many of the games in this series hold serious weight in each school’s season such as the 2002 game in which the winner would represent the Western Division of the SEC in the championship game. The two teams are often evenly matched athletically speaking, making this one of the more interesting games to watch.

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Magnolia Bowl

Rival Team: Ole Miss Rebels

The traditional SEC rivalry between Louisiana State University and Ole Miss is referred to as the Magnolia Bowl and is most often the second to last regular season game for both schools. Throughout the fifties and sixties, each matchup seemed to hold conference or even national title implications and the rivalry is still going strong between these two programs.

Tigers Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

When it comes to tailgating at Louisiana State University, the first things to come to mind are food, family/tradition, and a whole lot of fun. Many people who tailgate at LSU have been doing so for many years and in some cases, for multiple generations. Because of this, the tailgating scene often feels like a massive family reunion. One of the most notable aspects of tailgating at LSU is the food that many will share; jambalaya, gumbo, multiple types of seafood, or even alligator if Florida is in town. It is definitely in your best interest to come to an LSU tailgate hungry and ready to party.

In Tiger country, getting to campus even three hours before kick-off is considered late, and for the die-hard Tiger fans, borderline offensive as tailgating is just as much of a sport as the actual football game. A majority of LSU tailgaters will begin their game day celebration five hours before kick-off in the many lots surrounding Tiger Stadium; some fans will even show up on a Thursday before the game to set up their tailgate, especially the motor home, tent, and RV tailgaters.  

Louisiana State University has been consistently ranked as one of the top tailgating locations in the United States. With accolades such as “The Top Tailgating Destination in America” (ESPN.com) and  “The Best Tradition in College Football” (The Sporting News), it’s no wonder that the tailgating scene regularly draws in over 90,000 fans to Tiger Stadium.

One of the must-see pregame events at LSU is the team walk from Victory Hill. The LSU football players, coaches, cheerleaders, and Mike the Tiger (in his cage, of course) walk down Victory Hill on North Stadium Drive before each home game at Tiger Stadium. Thousands of fans will line up to greet and cheer on their team, firing them up for a great day of football inside Death Valley. You’ll have a great time cheering on the Tigers as they enter the stadium before taking the field.

Another great LSU tailgating tradition is the LSU Salutes Tailgate. Every year the home game weekend closest to Veterans Day is reserved for a celebration and memorial for graduates of the Ole War Skule. LSU is behind only the service academies and A&M in sending officers to WWII and the mandatory ROTC enrollment for freshmen and sophomores only ended in 1969. Ceremonies include a memorial service on the parade grounds which entails the induction of a few service members into the Hall of Honor, a flyover, and a 21 gun salute from the artillery battery.

No matter what time of the year you go to Baton Rouge, you’ll have a great time tailgating. The unique and delectable cuisine combined with the good old Louisiana style hospitality makes a trip to LSU a treat that any tailgater will love.

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LSU Tigers fans tailgating
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LSU Tigers tents at tailgate lot
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LSU Tigers fans tailgating rv
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LSU Tigers football fans tailgating
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Traditions

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Victory Hill

Before the game be sure to watch the Tigers walk down Victory Hill and into the stadium. The walk allows you an incredible opportunity to get up close to both the LSU players as well as Mike the Tiger, so make sure to get there early.

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LSU Salutes Tailgate

Every year the home game weekend closest to Veterans Day is reserved for a celebration and memorial for graduates of the Ole War Skule. LSU has a strong military history with mandatory ROTC enrollment for freshmen and sophomores only ending in 1969, so come out and show your support for the military during this special tailgate.

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Mike the Tiger Habitat

Situated between Tiger Stadium and the Pete Maravich Assembly Center is the home of Mike the Tiger, the official mascot of Louisiana State University. Mike’s habitat consists of a variety of plants, a waterfall, a flowing stream that empties into a wading pond, and rocky plateaus. The habitat also serves as a research and conservation center that offers educational and recreational activities.

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Victory hill LSU Tigers Image Source

Victory Hill

Before the game be sure to watch the Tigers walk down Victory Hill and into the stadium. The walk allows you an incredible opportunity to get up close to both the LSU players as well as Mike the Tiger, so make sure to get there early.

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Where to tailgate

Tigers Stadium Guide

In Game

Tiger Stadium often referred to as Death Valley, originally opened in 1924 with a capacity of 12,000 and has since been renovated and expanded to a massive capacity of 102,231, making it the third largest stadium in the SEC. Tiger Stadium is unique in the fact that most games are played at night as opposed to during the day, and the Tigers have a better record under the lights than during afternoon games.

The atmosphere inside Death Valley is intimidating, exciting, and very, very loud. Many surveys have found that the home of the Tigers is one of the loudest and craziest stadiums in all of college football, most recently in 2013 when the NCAA declared Tiger Stadium as the loudest stadium in college football. Other surveys include being voted the most difficult place to play by multiple publications/associations (1987, 1989, 1995, 1998) and ESPN ranking Death Valley as the scariest place to play (2007).

It’s hard to put exactly how loud and crazy the fans are at LSU, but it is worth mentioning that they once caused an earthquake. On October 8th, 1988 the LSU-Auburn rivalry game was given the title of the earthquake game. Why do you ask? Auburn led 6-0 with two minutes left in the 4th quarter when LSU quarterback Tommy Hodson led the team down the field and threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to Eddie Fuller. LSU fans erupted into cheering and stomping their feet so loudly that the seismograph in LSU’s Howe-Russell Geoscience Complex registered it as an earthquake and securing the LSU fan base as one of the loudest in college football.

There are a couple unique and defining features of Tiger Stadium that make the stadium stand out among others in its conference, including “H” style goal posts and marking yard lines ending in “5” (most stadiums only mark the yard lines ending in “0”). Between a successful football program and some of the loudest fans in all of the SEC, game day at Tiger Stadium is an experience you will never forget.

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Things to check out

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Crossbar from Original Goalposts

The crossbar from the goalposts that stood inside Tiger Stadium has been mounted above the door which leads from the LSU locker room onto the playing field. The crossbar also has the word “Win!” painted on it to give the players some extra motivation.

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Upper Deck Views

From the upper deck, the beautiful surroundings of Tiger Stadium can be seen such as the state capitol, the campus oaks, and the clay-tiled roofs on campus.

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Welcome to Death Valley

LSU wants their opponents to know exactly where they are and that is Death Valley, one of the loudest and most intimidating stadiums in all of college football. LSU wears this title proudly and has massive lettering inside the stadium proclaiming “Welcome to Death Valley.”

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Mike the Tiger

Mike is the name of both the live and costumed versions of LSU’s official mascot. During home football games, Mike’s cage on wheels is positioned right outside the opponent’s locker room at the southeast end of the stadium, forcing the opposing team to run past him to access the field. Mike also rides through Tiger Stadium with the LSU cheerleaders before the game. When it is time for a new tiger to be found, LSU fans await the white smoke that will blow from the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine signifying a new mascot has been found.

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First, Second, and Third Down Cheers

The first down cheer includes the “Hold That Tiger” musical phrase from Tiger Rag played by the LSU band and is followed by a “Geaux Tigers.” The second down cheer is a musical selection followed by the fans chanting “L-S-U!” and finally, the third down cheer is based on the song “Eye of the Tiger.”

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Hot Boudin

Before and during football games, fans will yell this cheer about famous food in Louisiana. “Hot boudin, cold coush-coush (pronounced koosh-koosh), come on Tigers, push push push (pronounced poosh to rhyme with koosh)!”

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Tiger Bait

Louisiana State University fans will also yell out “Tiger bait!” to fans from the opposing team.

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Jersey Number 18

In 2003, LSU quarterback Matt Mauck guided the Tigers to a national championship, thus starting the tradition of his jersey number being synonymous with success. After his final season, Mauck passed on the jersey to running back Jacob Hester who also helped obtain a national championship in 2007. Taking into account athletic performance as well as good character and selfless attitude, the receiver of jersey number 18 is voted on each season.

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Tiger Bandits

Whenever LSU forces a turnover or gets the ball back via a defensive stop, the band will play Chinese (Tiger) Bandits while the fans bow in respect to the defensive line.

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Victory Gold

A more recent tradition was started in 2012 in which the lights that illuminate the upper arches on the north end of the stadium light up in gold following an LSU victory.

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White Jerseys

One of the most unique things about the LSU Tigers is their white home jerseys, as most NCAA teams will wear their darker color jersey for home games. The tradition started in 1958 when Coach Paul Dietzal decided the Tigers would wear white at home and ended up winning a national championship that year. Due to rule changes in the NCAA, the only time LSU currently wear their white jerseys is for the home opener and home games against their SEC opponents.

Fight Songs

  1. Alma Mater

    Where stately oaks and broad magnolias
    shade inspiring halls,
    There stands our dear Old Alma Mater
    who to us recalls
    Fond memories that waken in our hearts
    a tender glow, And make us happy for the love that we have learned to know.  All hail to thee our Alma Mater,
    molder of mankind,
    May greater glory, love unending
    be forever thine. Our worth in life will be thy worth we pray to keep it true,
    And may thy spirit live in us, forever L-S-U.

  2. Fight For LSU

    (MAIN VERSE) Like Knights of old, Let’s fight to hold
    The glory of the Purple Gold.
    Let’s carry through, Let’s die or do
    To win the game for dear old LSU. Keep trying for that high score; Come on and fight,
    We want some more, some more.
    Come on you Tigers, Fight! Fight! Fight!
    for dear old L-S-U.

    (Repeat “MAIN” Verse) We are the strongest,
    We are the bravest
    Football team in history.
    Here’s to the honor, Here’s to the glory Marching on to victory.
    Cheer for the Tigers! Cheer for the Tigers! Tigers! Fight! Fight! Fight!
    (Repeat “MAIN” Verse Again)

  3. Pregame Salute

  4. Touchdown LSU

    Tigers! Tigers! They’ve come to town,
    They fight! They fight! Call a first down,
    Just look them over, and how they can go,
    Smashing the line with runs and passes
    high and low. Touchdown! Touchdown! It’s Tigers’ score. Give them hell and a little bit more.
    Come on you Tigers, Fight them, you Tigers, Touchdown for LSU.
    (REPEAT VERSE)

  5. Hey Fightin' Tigers

    Hey, Fightin’ Tigers, Fight all the way
    Play, Fightin
    Tigers, win the game today. You’ve got the know how,
    you’re doing fine, Hang on to the ball as you hit the wall
    And smash right through the line You’ve got to go for a touchdown Run up the score. Make Mike the Tiger stand right up and roar. (YELL) ROAR!  Give it all of your might as you fight tonight
    and keep the goal in view.
    Victory for L-S-U!
    (YELL LOUDLY)
    T-I-G-E-R-S, TIGERS!

  6. Tiger Rag

    Long ago, way down in the jungle
    Someone got an inspiration for a tune,
    And that jingle brought from the jungle
    Became famous mighty soon. Thrills and chills it sends thru you! Hot! so hot, it burns you too! Tho’ it’s just the growl of the tiger It was written in a syncopated way,
    More and more they howl for the ‘Tiger’
    Ev’ry where you go today
    They’re shoutin’ Where’s that Tiger! Where’s that Tiger! Where’s that Tiger! Where’s that Tiger!
    Hold that Tiger! Hold that Tiger! Hold that Tiger!  (YELL LOUDLY)
    T-I-G-E-R-S, TIGERS!

Tigers Bars & Restaurants

  1. Fred’s Bar & Grill

    Freds Bar and Grill

    Fred's is Baton Rouge and LSU's oldest and most-storied college bar.

    1184 Bob Pettit Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70820, USA

    225-766-3909

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  2. Brewbachers

    Brewbachers

    Come taste the tradition at Brew-Bacher's Grill. We have been crafting delicious burgers, salads and po' boys since 1983.

    8415 Bluebonnet Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70810, USA

    225-927-3344

    Bar website

    american - $$

  3. George’s

    Georges

    Restaurant, Bar, Po-Boys, Burgers, Good Food, Good Drinks, Good Times.

    2943 Perkins Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, USA

    225-343-2363

    Bar website

    american - $$

  4. Ivar’s Sports Bar and Grill

    Ivar Sports Bar and Grill

    Awesome music, cold beer and sports!

    2954 Perkins Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, USA

    225-388-0021

    Bar website

    bbq - sportsbar - $$

  5. Sammy’s Grill

    Sammys Grill

    Serving up all of your Louisiana favorites from their current homemade Fried Cheese to their award-winning Boiled Crawfish and Grilled Shrimp Poboys!

    8635 Highland Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, USA

    225-766-9600

    Bar website

    american - $$

  6. Pastime Restaurant & Lounge

    Pastime Restaurant and Lounge

    Good food, great atmosphere, good friends and great history.

    252 South Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70802, USA

    225-343-5490

    Bar website

    american - pizza - $$

  7. Walk-On’s Bistreaux & Bar

    Walk Ons Bistreaux and Bar

    Walk-On’s is a place where over-the-top enthusiasm and culture is the daily norm.

    3838 Burbank Dr, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, USA

    225-757-8010

    Bar website

    american - $$

  8. The Chimes

    The Chimes

    The Chimes Restaurant & Tap Room has been a Baton Rouge and LSU tradition serving fine patrons for over 25 years.

    3357 Highland Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70802, USA

    225-383-1754

    Bar website

    american - $$

  9. The Chimes East

    The Chimes East

    The Chimes has been serving up Louisiana Comfort food and quality beer for over thirty years.

    10870 Coursey Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70816, USA

    225-296-4981

    Bar website

    american - $$

  10. Cane’s

    Canes

    Because Raising Cane’s focuses on only one thing – chicken fingers – we are able to do it better than anyone else.

    3313 Highland Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70802, USA

    225-387- 3533

    Bar website

    american - $

  11. Louie’s Cafe

    Louies Cafe

    Louie’s Cafe is a 24 hour diner located at the North Gates of LSU. It is a popular spot for LSU students, faculty and sports fans.

    3322 Lake St, Baton Rouge, LA 70802, USA

    225-346-8221

    Bar website

    american - $

  12. Juban’s

    Jubans

    Juban's is a local family owned business serving Contemporary Creole Cuisine and Prime Steaks.

    3739 Perkins Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, USA

    225-346-8422

    Bar website

    american - $$$

  13. Tj Ribs

    Tj Ribs

    Every college town needs a good rib joint to satisfy the carnivorous cravings of its rabid fans and Baton Rouge is no different.

    6330 Siegen Ln, Baton Rouge, LA 70809, USA

    406-551-4982

    Bar website

    bbq - steakhouse - $$

  14. Mike Anderson’s Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar

    seafood

    It's the South Louisiana restaurant that food lovers and football fans alike turn to.

    1031 W Lee Dr, Baton Rouge, LA 70820, USA

    225-766-3728

    Bar website

    american - $$

  15. Drusilla Seafood Restaurant

    Drusilla Seafood Restaurant

    Southern hospitality and Louisiana cuisine makes Drusilla Seafood Restaurant “A Real Louisiana Tradition.”

    3482 Drusilla Ln d, Baton Rouge, LA 70809, USA

    225-923-0896

    Bar website

    american - $$