Dean Hotard’s signs have become a hallmark of the gameday atmosphere at the University.
His twin-sized bed sheet signs are made out of spray paint and Sharpie pens. He asks for ideas from fellow tailgate group members and runs with it.
“I’m an architect. I like to create things, so I’ve been doing these signs since I can remember,” Hotard said.
His father made signs on small cardboard for Hotard to carry around campus on gameday when he was a boy.
“One time I had a sign that a fan really liked and he asked me how much would I take for it,” Hotard said.
He sold the sign for $20, and the tradition began.
Now, he doesn’t sell his signs, but people notice them and look forward to walking past the sarcastic, good-humored banners each Saturday the Tigers play in Death Valley.
Hotard and his friends and family have been tailgating in the same shaded spot sandwiched between the PMAC and the Cox Academic Center for Student Athletes on campus for years. The spot is owned by Mike Creel, but Creel enjoys giving friends and family a place to enjoy the football season.
“I’ve been tailgating at LSU for 30 years, but I’ve been in this plot for 15 years,” Creel said. “We just like to hang out and have a good time.”
The group arrives on campus early Saturday morning to play music, eat food and play games like Drinko Plinko.
“Drinko Plinko is something one of the wives found on Pinterest one day, and it’s just something fun to add to the tailgate,” Dale Crochet said.
The object of the game is to pop open a beer and see where the cap lands through the several slots on the board. Depending on where it lands, the player has to do a dance, take a drink or do a purple and gold colored Jell-O shot.
Crochet owns DC’s Grill in Port Allen and is a long-time member of the group.
On occasion, the group will toil tirelessly over Crock-Pot roasts and gumbos, but on the average Saturday they’ve switched to catered food, usually from DC’s Grill.
A newer addition to the group is a large, white van used for transporting the tables and chairs adorned with University-themed decals. The decals featured are the classic “Win Today” and “Geaux Tigers”, but also include humored decals like an arrow pointing to the back tire labeled “Saban.”
Rain or shine, Hotard’s signs, the feel-good atmosphere of Creel’s plot and food from Crochet’s restaurant can be found on campus a short distance from Tiger Stadium.
From their purple and gold hats to their custom Nike ID purple and gold sneakers, the group embodies Tiger spirit and inspires others to do the same as they cheer on the Tigers under the lights on Saturday nights.
