Geaux Tigers! A Fan’s Guide to LSU Tigers Football Game Day

Death Valley is anything but quiet on an LSU game day. As one of the loudest stadiums in college football, Tiger Stadium, commonly referred to as “Death Valley,” lives up to its intimidating reputation thanks to the fierceness of the fans inside. With LSU Tigers tickets and Tiger Stadium tickets in hand, take a swipe at the biggest game day tips and traditions for all Tigers football fans.

Pre-Game Traditions

There’s plenty to do around the Baton Rouge campus before stepping into Tiger Stadium. While landmarks like the Memorial Tower, LSU Campus Mounds or the six university lakes could charm any guest, football fans will especially want to stop by the Andonie Museum for LSU athletics and Mike the Tiger’s outdoor habitat. Although the live Bengal tiger and longtime LSU mascot no longer attends football games, his 15,000-square foot enclosure is located right across from Tiger Stadium.

On a home LSU game day, spend Saturday morning at the Greek Amphitheatre to hear the Golden Band of Tigerland’s pregame rehearsal, then watch as they launch the Victory Hill March toward Tiger Stadium. Along with the players, coaches, LSU Flag Girls and Golden Girls dancers, the LSU marching band parades through campus and down the hill to Tiger Stadium starting about an hour and a half ahead of kickoff. With excitement at an all-time high, celebrate at an LSU tailgate in the Fan Zone, but leave enough time to be in your seat 30 minutes before kickoff to catch the marching band’s Pregame Salute performance.

Tailgating a Tigers Game

For LSU football game days, tailgating is the way to geaux. On campus, there are plenty of pregame party options ranging from free fan events to private, reservable spaces and premium, VIP experiences. Popular tailgate areas include the Parade Grounds and LSU Campus Grounds, which generally open up on a first-come, first-served basis at 5:00 p.m. on the Friday before game day, as well as lots on Nicholson Drive, South Stadium Drive and Touchdown Village. Tailgating at the Greek Amphitheater gives a front-row seat to the marching band’s rehearsal, while live music is also offered at the free Fan Zone outside of Pete Maravich Assembly Center starting five hours prior to kickoff. Reserved parking spaces for tailgating can be booked via the LSU website.

Meanwhile, premium tailgating at LSU home games can be found in the Nicholson Gateway at The Huddle and Three Olives Tailgate District via Revelry Sports + Entertainment. Fans can also access VIP tailgates hosted by KOCKA Tailgating and Damn Strong Tailgate.

When it comes to food at LSU football tailgate, be prepared to try every kind of Cajun specialty. The Baton Rouge dishes you’re likely to see served up include jambalaya, gumbo, deep-fried boudin balls and crawfish boils. Also, feel free to wear the team’s purple and gold, but don’t expect the team to wear anything but white at home, as is tradition.

Inside Tiger Stadium

Standing since 1924, Tiger Stadium holds just as many traditions as it does esteem in college football. Geaux beyond its best-known features, like the five-yard markers and classic H-style goalposts, to learn more about the in-game traditions inside the LSU Tigers football stadium.

Geaux Tigers

Embracing Louisiana’s French and Cajun heritage, “Go” gets some flair with its French “-eaux” ending. As the most common cheer in Tigerland, the secret is in the spelling. No need to practice your pronunciation though; it sounds exactly the same.

“Callin’ Baton Rouge”

Garth Brooks’ 1994 cover of the country staple opens the game at every LSU football home game. In 2022, Brooks performed the song during a concert at Tiger Stadium for the first time and caused a small earthquake. Speaking of which…

The Earthquake Game

Although Death Valley has become infamous for its high noise levels during home games, fans accomplished a rare feat during a 1988 rivalry game against the Auburn Tigers. Following a game-winning fourth quarter LSU touchdown, the crowd reaction measured on the campus’ seismograph.

“First Down Cheer” 

Each time LSU secures a first down, the stadium will erupt into the “Hold That Tiger” portion of “Tiger Rag,” following each phrase with “Geaux Tigers!”

Jersey 18 

As the players take the field, look out for one (or two) players wearing the No. 18 jersey. In honor of National Championship-winning LSU quarterback Matt Mauck, the number has been passed down since 2003.

Hot Boudin

The playful, in-game cheer toasts to one of Louisiana’s staple dishes. If you still haven’t eaten some by the time the “push push push” chant starts, make a postgame plan immediately.

LSU Alma Mater

The Golden Band from Tigerland performs the LSU Alma Mater at the end of games, with fans in the stands often linking arm-in-arm to sing along.

Keep the Party Going After the Game

After the final whistle, the LSU game day activities continue in Tigerland. Nearby, fans can be found at The House, Murphy’s on Chimes, The Radio Bar or Fred’s, the latter of which has been dubbed “Baton Rouge’s oldest college bar.” For those looking to sample local brews, head over to the Mid City Beer Garden or Tin Roof Brewing Company. Finally, complete your Tigers football game day with a bite at The Chimes, Parrain’s Seafood or Louie’s Cafe.

LSU Tigers Game Day Schedule

Catch every moment of a Tigers game day by checking out LSU’s regular season football schedule.