The rivalry with Southern Miss is one of the Bulldogs fiercest and their only currently active one. It dates back to 1935 when the Bulldogs shutout the Golden Eagles 27-0 and only has gotten more intense over the years. The name for the rivalry was coined in 1976 when Louisiana Tech head coach stated, “This is the finest rivalry in Dixie.” Southern Miss holds a 31-15 lead in the all-time series. However, the Bulldogs have won the last two meetings.
Bulldogs Tailgate Guide
Atmosphere
A Louisiana Tech tailgate is an event within itself and can rival tailgates found at much larger schools. One thing that makes a Louisiana Tech tailgate stand out is the fact that most tailgates at Louisiana Tech have a theme. These themes go a long way in giving each gameday a unique feel and mean that you’ll experience something new when attending a Bulldogs tailgate.
On game days, you’ll find that die-hard Bulldogs fans flood the parking lots around the stadium and pack the nearby bars before kickoff in preparation for cheering on their team. You’ll find the parking lots are the place to be if you like cold beer, grilled meat, good music, and playing bags with the Rabid Dawgs fans before the game.
If you aren’t grabbing food at a tailgate before the game, then check out the Dawg House and get an order of fried corn for a unique treat to fuel up before kickoff. Pair that with Claude’s Burger and a cold drink and you are ready for gameday. If you’re in the mood for chicken, get an order of Paw’s Claws chicken fingers, a local favorite.
Great food and the camaraderie between fellow fans creates an excellent pregame atmosphere at Louisiana Tech that will leave any diehard college football begging for me.
Bulldog Village, located on the steps of the Thomas Assembly Center, offers fans the opportunity to take part in a variety of pre-game activities. This area offers music, inflatables, student-athlete autograph sessions, and lots more. Stop by Bulldog Village for a chance to show off your Bulldogs pride and get into the gameday spirit.
Each game a group of student athletes goes around and tastes the food from different tailgates. After the tasting is done a winner is selected, which is announced during the fourth quarter of the game. This fun competition is an excellent way to get into the Louisiana Tech gameday spirit, so don’t be afraid to join in if you get the chance.
Alumni TailgateLocated at the Argent Pavilion, the Alumni Tailgate has plenty to offer those looking for a place to hangout before the game. Here you’ll find free food and drinks as well as a group of diehard fans who even take their tailgate show on the road.
Bulldog Village Bulldog Village, located on the steps of the Thomas Assembly Center, offers fans the opportunity to take part in a variety of pregame activities. This area offers music, inflatables, student-athlete autograph sessions, and lots more. Stop by Bulldog Village for a chance to show off your Bulldogs pride and get into the gameday spirit.
Bulldogs Stadium Guide
In Game
Louisiana Tech games are truly a small school football experience, the first thing you’ll notice is the fan support is overwhelming and comparable to a major program. The town takes pride in the team and pretty much shuts down as everyone heads out to the game each time the Dawgs take the field.
The notorious fan group, the Rabid Dawgs, embodies the spirit of the fans to a T. These individuals can be seen dressed in full colors while wearing Dawg heads barking, chanting and hollering at opponents. The rest of the fans join in with the Rapid Dawgs belt out chants like “MOVE THE CHAINS, MOVE THE CHAINS, SCORE MORE POINTS,” after every Bulldog first down. The chant is a traditional favorite of the fans, and when they join in unison, it creates a thundering atmosphere in the stadium. A word of advice is to avoid wearing away colors the day you are going to the game because the passionate Rabid Dawgs will let you hear it throughout the game.
If you want to experience the best atmosphere at Joe Aillet Stadium then make sure to attend the annual “red out” game. It’s an excellent opportunity to see the Bulldog fans at their best and the stadium looks like a sea of red with everyone from the players to the alumni dressed head to toe in red.
The Spirit of ‘88 is a bronze bulldog statue located at the south end of the stadium. It commemorates the 1988 Louisiana Tech Bulldogs football team, who were pivotal in the programs ascension to Division I-A. The statue also plays a major role in a pregame tradition, as before each game Bulldogs players touch the statue as they make their way onto the field.
The giant video scoreboard sits in the north end zone and is 25 by 45 feet. The scoreboard was the largest in the WAC when it was unveiled in 2009. Dawgzilla gives fans an excellent view of replays as well as the action on the field, so you’ll never have to worry about missing a play.
In 1968 Ruston’s old fire bell was moved to Joe Aillet Stadium, which has sparked a great tradition where the bell is rung before every football game. The tradition not only signals to fans that the game is about to start, but it also pays tribute to the bravery of a bulldog who lost his life saving two Tech students from a fire in 1899.
Tech is the live bulldog mascot at Louisiana Tech. He is an English bulldog and can be seen on the sidelines at every Louisiana Tech game. Keep your eyes peeled for him during the game as you wouldn’t want to miss this fan favorite.
The Rabid Dawgs is the nickname given to the passionate LA Tech students who aren't afraid to paint themselves head to toe in team colors. The student section leads all the chants throughout the game and enhances the “in game” experience.
The official 184 man band of Louisiana State creates a lot of the atmosphere at a Bulldogs game. They put on excellent pregame and halftime shows as well, so make sure to get to your seat early as you wouldn’t want to miss their outstanding performance.
Fight! Fight! Fight! For ole red and blue! Show your might and we’ll root for you! Get on your toes when you meet your foes, and don’t let them break through! TECH! TECH! TECH! Hit those lines like good ole canines! Break through for a touchdown or two! Hold up your chin and let’s all go in to win for the red and blue!
Alma Mater
O Tech, thy halls so beautiful, Thy pleasant walks, thy noble trees, That charmed me in my college days, Are ever dear to me. (Chorus) Louisiana Tech I love thee, My Alma Mater, my Alma Mater; I will ever loyal be To thee, my Alma Mater. Those old Tech days, those joyful days, So cherished in my memory, Though days of toil, in many ways Were happy days and free.
MOVE THE CHAINS, MOVE THE CHAINS, SCORE MORE POINTS!
Move the chains! Move the Chains! Score more points!
Wingstop is not fast food; our wings are made with care and served up piping hot. Every order is made fresh when you order it; nothing sits under a heat lamp.
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