Dear Tiger Fan,
College athletics is special for many reasons, but perhaps most important is its appeal to men and women and boys and girls of all generations and all backgrounds. Once again this Saturday night, Tiger Stadium will be a melting pot of the great people of Louisiana, joined by our visitors from Florida, as the nation looks on.
No. 1 Florida vs. No. 4 LSU. Not since 1959 have two Top Five teams squared off in Tiger Stadium. It will be played at night ? as it should be ? and Death Valley will be rocking at epic proportion.
The eyes of the sporting world will be focused on Baton Rouge and it is important we put our best face forward. I encourage you to relish the moment and consider the historic event you will be witnessing. It is important we show the world the great sportsmanship of the best fans in America.
Outside the stadium, welcome visitors into your tailgate parties. Treat our visitors from Florida with courtesy. Inside the stadium, roar at your loudest and do it in a positive manner that supports the Tigers without criticism of our opponent.
Saturday Night in Death Valley is a time to have fun with friends and family. Wear something gold and come to the campus early because the crowds will be heavy. Join us on the Parade Ground at 9 a.m. as ESPN College GameDay beams the LSU campus into millions of homes across the country.
Enjoy the revelry of Tiger One Village in front of the Pete Maravich Assembly Center starting with bands playing at 1 p.m., including local favorite Cowboy Mouth for a performance that starts at 2:30 p.m.
Welcome the Tigers as they walk down Victory Hill at 5 p.m., and then cheer the Tiger Band when they arrive at 5:15 p.m.
Go to your seats early and take as few personal items as possible as heightened security measures could result in backups at the gates. Beware of counterfeit tickets. Games like this are ripe for counterfeiters, so only buy your tickets from close friends or family members or dependable resources like the LSU Ticket Marketplace at LSUsports.net.
If you do not have tickets to the game, join us in the Pete Maravich Assembly Center for a free view-in. The cheerleaders will be there to help create a game atmosphere where you can be part of the crowd in cheering on your team across the street from Tiger Stadium. Concession stands and restrooms will be open. Doors open at 6 p.m.
Between the first and second quarters, watch for a special presentation as we honor only the second retired jersey in the history of Tiger football. Tommy Casanova’s No. 37 will have a permanent home in Tiger Stadium.
Enjoy the day and enjoy the game. We have seen some amazing moments from our Tigers this season, including stubborn goal line stands, spectacular punt returns and heart-stopping last minute touchdown runs.
Memories will be created this Saturday night in Tiger Stadium. If you cannot be there, watch on television or listen on radio. One day you will say “I remember that night in Death Valley.”
We welcome your comments at athletics@lsu.edu. Unfortunately we cannot answer every e-mail we receive, but please be assured they will all be read.
Geaux Tigers!
Joe Alleva
Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics