LSU Gameday Guide
There are college football games, and then there's gameday at LSU. The tailgates start early, the food is serious, and by the time the Golden Band from Tigerland begins its march down Victory Hill, you'll understand why Tiger Stadium earned the nickname Death Valley. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned fan, here's everything you need to do gameday right in Baton Rouge.
Tailgating: Where to Set Up or Join the Fun
LSU tailgating isn't just pre-game; it is the game. Campus transforms hours before kickoff, and the cooking is no joke. Expect jambalaya, boudin, and smoked meats to make an appearance. You can even get fried alligator for the Florida game and a whole roasted pig for Arkansas or Alabama. Strangers share plates, guests get invited in, and that's just how it works here. Here's a spots, located on one end campus to the other.
Greek Amphitheatre
Tailgates circle the Greek Amphitheatre, putting you right in the middle of the Golden Band from Tigerland's rehearsal before the March Down Victory Hill. The Golden Girls and LSU Flag Girls join them here before the procession kicks off. If you want to feel like you're part of the tradition rather than just watching it, this is your spot.
Parade Grounds
Large, open, and packed with energy, the Parade Grounds is home base for students and Greek-affiliated tailgaters alike in the heart of campus. Stick around at noon and you'll hear the LSU Alma Mater ring out from Memorial Tower.
Touchdown Village
Gameday is a lifestyle. The dedicated RV lots draw fans who arrive days early and leave late. If you want to see what full commitment looks like, here's your stop.
Campus Mounds
These Native American ceremonial mounds are among the oldest in North America, and yes, they're right in the middle of an LSU tailgate. The mounds themselves are preserved and fenced off, but the energy around them is pure gameday. A uniquely Baton Rouge moment you won't find anywhere else.
The Revelry
As the official tailgate partner of LSU Athletics, The Revelry takes care of everything so you can just show up and enjoy the game. Full-service, turnkey tailgate experiences for groups are available for purchase. Find more info here.
Fan Zone
No tailgate invite? No problem. Located directly across from Tiger Stadium, the Fan Zone opens five hours before kickoff with food trucks and live music ranging from zydeco to funk and soul.
Parking Information
Navigating traffic during game day doesn't have to be a hassle! Check out LSU's information page to find parking lots, restroom maps, post-game routes and more.
Pre-Game Traditions
March Down Victory Hill
An hour and a half before kickoff, the LSU football team, Golden Girls, Tiger Girls, cheerleaders, and the 325-member Golden Band from Tigerland march from the Greek Amphitheater to Tiger Stadium. As one of the oldest and most beloved pre-game traditions in college football, this is one you will not want to miss!
Visit Mike the Tiger
Stop by Mike VII's habitat near Tiger Stadium before kickoff. He's been on campus since 2017 and holds the rare distinction of being one of the only live tiger mascots that lives on a college campus. The 15,000-square-foot habitat near Tiger Stadium is open to visitors year-round, so you can stop in any time, but there's something special about seeing him on gameday. If you catch him swimming, consider that a good omen. LSU students swear by it.
Gametime
Callin' Baton Rouge
Garth Brooks' 1994 hit "Callin' Baton Rouge" opens every LSU home game and the crowd goes wild once it begins. In 2022, Brooks performed it live at Tiger Stadium for the first time and literally caused a small earthquake. That's Death Valley for you.
Geaux Tigers
Louisiana's French and Cajun heritage shows up even in the cheers. "Go" gets the "-eaux" treatment, and while the spelling looks complicated, it sounds exactly like you'd expect. Just follow the crowd and the cheerleaders with directions.
