LSU Football in Baton Rouge

By Graham McKenzie

The holy grail for most destinations is a fully integrated community tourism offering.

When I think of this my mind normally turns to small rural hamlets or agricultural regions that offer local food, drinks and customs.

After my visit to the Louisiana State Capitol, Baton Rouge to watch the collegiate team of LSU play football I need to think again.

From the Wednesday to way beyond match day on Saturday the Capitol was transformed into a sea of purple and gold. The entire city becomes a massive tailgate party, with fans of all ages gathering to celebrate the Tigers. The air is filled with the sounds of live music, the aroma of sizzling barbecue, and the excited chatter of fans.

The energy is palpable, and it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement.  The bars, the diners, the restaurants are overflowing with team insignia, carboard cutouts of former players and the omnipresence of Tigers as LSU are known.

Tailgating, which is basically having a massive Picnic/BBQ from the back of your vehicle, tops the pre-game bill and at LSU is an art form. Fans arrive early to set up their elaborate spreads, which often include Cajun delicacies like jambalaya, gumbo, and etouffee. The competition is fierce, with fans vying for the best tailgate setup. Some tailgates even feature live bands, beer pong tables, and even swimming pools.

Televisions the size of your front room are commonplace as are massive boom boxes blaring out every variation of Southern music known to man. It’s a feast for the senses, and a great way to spend time before the game. And this is all before you even get to the stadium.

Tiger Stadium, affectionately known as “Death Valley,” is one of the most iconic stadiums in college football. With a capacity of over 102,000, it is a fortress that has been designed to intimidate opponents and inspire the home team. The atmosphere inside the stadium is electric, with fans roaring their approval and booing the opposing team in equal measure but it never has the feel of hostility just good-humoured banter.

The sound of the crowd, which is mainly made up of college students who have ‘enjoyed’ the tailgating, can be deafening, making it one of the most intimidating places to play sport of any kind let alone the ever-competitive college football season.

While the football game is undoubtedly the highlight of any trip to Baton Rouge, there’s much more to the city than just sports.

The State Capitol Building is a magnificent example of Beaux-Arts architecture. The Louisiana State Capitol is one of the tallest state capitol buildings in the United States and visitors can take a guided tour of the building, learn about the state’s history, and admire the stunning murals and stained-glass windows.

Most interesting to me was the Huey Long Legacy. Huey Long, a controversial but influential figure in Louisiana politics, left a lasting impact on the state. His legacy can be seen throughout Baton Rouge, from the towering state capitol building to the many public works projects he initiated. His untimely death on the footsteps of the capitol building seems shocking to this day and perhaps one of the great untold stories outside of the state.

The Mississippi River runs through the centre of Baton Rouge, and the riverfront is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Visitors can enjoy riverboat cruises, dine at waterfront restaurants, stroll along the riverwalk or, like me, take a bike ride to take in the sights and sounds.

A trip to Baton Rouge to watch an LSU football game is more than just a sporting event; it’s a true cultural experience. The combination of passionate fans, delicious food, and rich history makes it a destination that should not be missed.

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