The LSU administration launched the “Tradition Matters” campaign prior to the Tigers game against Texas A&M game in an attempt to steer Tiger fans away from the profane lyrics that have found their way into fan favorite songs in the past.
Stadium workers distributed 5,000 stickers, 10,000 “Tradition Matters” fliers and 150 mini- posters before the Tigers’ 34-10 victory, reminding students and fans of the campaign.
Hours later, the campaign faced its first test as the Golden Band from Tigerland played the infamous song “Neck,” while LSU cheerleaders held “Keep it Clean” signs in the air.
“It [the vulgarities] wasn’t as vocal,” said senior architecture major and four year Tiger Band member Christopher Doiron. “It wasn’t as bad as it was, but it was definitely still there.”
Songs like “Neck” and “Oh Wee Oh” were shelved in recent years due to vulgar chants. Without these energetic songs in their repertoire, Tiger Band members admit the challenge in pumping up the fans.
LSU Associate Athletic Director Michael Bonnette said he and the administration recognize the challenge in creating the balance between fun and tradition.
“I think at this point the results are mixed,” Bonnette said. “We’re going to continue to figure out ways to keep these songs part of Tiger Stadium, but we have to make sure in doing so, we don’t compromise the family atmosphere.”
But the solution isn’t so easy. The band, administration and football team collaborate to create Tiger Stadium’s lively atmosphere, but it’s ultimately the fans that control the game day environment.
After freshman wide receiver Travin Dural scored the late, go-ahead touchdown against Arkansas, Tiger fans erupted to the sound of “Neck.”
The moment produced pronounced profanities that roared through Death Valley and sounded through to the nationally televised audience.
“The vulgarity is a little much for young fans and families,” Bonnette said. “We’ve got to be cautious there, but at the same time we don’t want to take away from the atmosphere in Tiger Stadium.”
LSU football players agree that certain songs are vital for creating the LSU game day experience. Junior wide receivers Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry addressed the need for students to embrace the “Tradition Matters” campaign in a video showed both in Tiger Stadium and displayed on all LSU football social media outlets.
“We love to play it, and the stadium loves to hear it,” Doiron said. “The atmosphere has been missing this entire season, and the administration has noticed that it’s been dull even when the games are exciting.”
Tradition is something that is built not overnight but over time. “Tradition Matters” looks forward to the 2014-15 season as an opportunity to reinstall songs and attitudes that improve the Tiger Stadium experience.
“The Athletic Department has pinpointed the problems and will meet with LSU President F. King Alexander and others in the offseason to address the campaign,” Bonnette said. “The Athletic Department and marketing department are collaborating to bring back some of the songs that we all love to hear in Tiger Stadium.”