Filed under College Living on October 8th, 2008:
Game Day Tailgating Party with the LSU Tigers
Whether you are a lifelong fan of the Louisiana State University Tigers or just moved into Baton Rouge apartments and are getting acquainted with the Purple and Gold, you need to be prepared for football.
For well over a century, each fall this most sacred of seasons is celebrated in many ways throughout Baton Rouge. But, perhaps the most memorable (and yes, slightly over-the-top) form of cheering on the team is at a LSU tailgating party.
What’s so Great about Game Day at LSU?
Tailgating in Baton Rouge is as old as LSU college football itself. A whopping 100,000-plus fans gather on campus each home game Saturday to support their LSU football team and have been known to start the partying up to 24 hours before kickoff.
Tailgating on game day occurs at a variety of on-campus sites, from open fields to random grassy areas in the midst of campus buildings. Of course, ticket holders generally enjoy the privilege of permit-only parking lots, so check online first to see where parking and tailgating is allowed on game day. Fans erect tents, set up barbeques, open the coolers and declare the party started, often on Friday evening.
LSU Tailgating Rules
The university itself encourages tailgaters, but if you plan to set up shop, you’ll need to follow a few campus rules. First of all, be respectful of LSU property and the property of others, as well as the fans of the visiting team. The university discourages use of glass bottles, and does not allow cookers in reserved lots. They also forbid live musical bands at tailgating sites and ask that all flammables (i.e. charcoal), be disposed of properly and safely.
Tailgating Food Ideas
If you need tailgating ideas, all you need to do is take a stroll through the many parties that take place on game day. Tailgating food becomes an art form in Cajun country. From spicy Boudin (dirty rice in the form of a sausage) to crawfish etouffee, the barbeques at LSU games don’t just offer up the ordinary burgers and dogs. Jambalaya, gumbo and other deep south favorites can be found in abundance. To wet your whistle, you can partake in some traditional game day Bourbon – or pace yourself with a beer or two.
So when game day arrives, check the weather report (rain is a common backdrop to LSU tailgate parties), grab your poncho if needed, sunscreen for when the clouds clear and head down to campus. LSU fans take their tailgating as seriously as they do their football. So get ready to party with the Tigers at a tailgate you’ll never forget!
September 9th, 2009 at 6:33 pm
my friend and i are heading down from philadelphia for the game on oct 10th vs. florida….we would like to know if there are any tailgate parties we can buy tickets to attend before the game…thank you