LSU Tigers Overview

Fast facts

League: Division I (NCAA)

Head Coach: Matt McMahon

Team Mascot: Mike the Tiger

Year Opened: 1972

Capacity: 13215

City / State: Baton Rouge / Louisiana

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

LSU vs Arkansas Rivalry

Rival Team: Arkansas Razorbacks

On the gridiron LSU and Arkansas battle for the Golden Boot, and while there may not be a trophy at stake when the two meet in basketball there are still bragging rights on the line. If you want to see an intense matchup, then make sure to be in attendance for the annual LSU-Arkansas game at the Maravich Center.

LSU vs Alabama Rivalry

Rival Team: Alabama Crimson Tide

LSU and Alabama have an intense rivalry in football and basketball is no different. These two fan bases hate each other, and whenever they get together you’ll experience a great atmosphere, so don’t miss it when the Crimson Tide come to town.

LSU Tigers Stadium Guide

In Game

LSU is home to one of the best experiences in college football and does an excellent job of trying to match that experience when it comes to providing an incredible college basketball experience. While it may still pale in comparison to the one of a kind gameday party that is an LSU football game, you’ll still have a great time attending an LSU basketball game.

One of the most incredible things about attending an LSU basketball game is the sheer amount of extra things to check out around the arena. Not only are there tons of displays and exhibits dedicated to past players on the concourse, right outside the arena you’ll be able to see a live tiger. The Mike the Tiger Habitat is a must see that alone makes the trip to LSU well worth your time.

Once the game starts, you’ll be surrounded by some of the most diehard fans in existence. Football may be king at LSU, but the fans show up in strong numbers for basketball games and create an incredible in-game atmosphere. The pageantry provided by the LSU cheerleaders, the Tiger Girls, and the Bengal Brass also do a great job of making you feel like you’re watching a big-time college basketball game.

You’ll also want to stop by some local favorites like Chimes, Louie’s, and Raising Cane’s before or after the game to experience some delicious cuisine. There is also The Varsity if you want to enjoy a show after the game or Slinky’s if you’re looking to grab a drink. No matter what you’re looking to do before or after the game, you’ll have plenty of options when attending an LSU game.

Football may be the sport LSU is most known for, but attending an LSU basketball game is an unforgettable experience as well! So, book your trip to Baton Rouge today.

Things to check out

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.

play Watch video

Shaquille O'Neal Statue

Stop by the LSU Basketball Practice Facility and snap a picture with the 900 lb bronze Shaquille O’Neal Statue. The statue honors one of the best players LSU and professional basketball history, so make sure to check it out during your trip to Baton Rouge.

play Watch video

LSU Hall of Fame, Pistol Pete, and Shaq Displays

All around the concourse you’ll see displays dedicated to the best athletes in LSU history. The exhibits honoring basketball greats Pistol Pete and Shaq is especially interesting for basketball fans, so arrive early and see all of the displays the concourse has to offer.

Banners

Hanging from the rafters of the PMAC are banners honoring LSU's best basketball, gymnastics, and volleyball teams and players. Check these out to remember all of your favorite Tiger memories.

Tiger Statue

Outside of the Mike the Tiger Habitat is a giant tiger statue. Stop by the statue and take a picture to commemorate your visit to see Mike before the game.

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.

play Watch video

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)!”

play Watch video

Tiger Bait

LSU fans will yell out “Tiger bait!” to fans from the opposing team. If you’re wearing the opposing team’s colors come prepared to be heckled when attending a Tigers basketball game.

play Watch video

Bengal Brass

The 60 member Bengal Brass band pumps up the crowd with their brass music throughout the game. The band play a variety of LSU favorites and will keep everyone’s energy high even when the Tigers aren’t doing well, so enjoy these talented musicians when attending an LSU basketball game.

play Watch video

LSU Cheerleaders

Join in on the cheers led by the LSU Cheerleaders. These men and women do an excellent job of pumping up the crowd and are a can’t miss part of any LSU basketball game.

play Watch video

LSU Tiger Girls

Make sure to enjoy the LSU Tiger Girls dance team when attending a game at the Maravich Center. These talented women put on quite the show with their dance routines, so give your full attention to the court when you hear them announced.

play Watch video

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. 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!

  5. 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!

  6. Geaux Tigers!

    Geaux Tigers!

    Geaux Tigers!

    Geaux Tigers!

LSU 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 - $$