It’s Saturday night in Death Valley. Everyone can feel the energy running through the crowd. Now there’s only one thing that stands between everyone and the rest of the night — getting home.
While the pregame festivities and the game in Tiger Stadium might be a slice of heaven, navigating around campus to get back home can be an ordeal straight out of hell.
But for students living near the University, Student Government will be providing something cheaper than an Uber this weekend.
On Saturday, SG will be offering students a free bus ride home following the Mississippi State game. SG president Zack Faircloth said the idea originated from their campaign to improve overall transportation on gamedays.
“It was born out of the Forward campaign really,” Faircloth said. “One of the things we found that was always a frustration for students was contraflow.”
Students may sign up to reserve their seats on SG’s website, but space is limited. A total of five buses will drive students along two different routes to designated sites located near off-campus student housing complexes. A map with the drop-off points can be found on the SG website, as well. All drop-off sites are current bus stops for the University’s Campus Transit.
Burbank/Ben Hur Route: four buses
University Crescent stop
Burbank Commons stop
Arlington Cottages/The Exchange stop
The Woodlands/The Cottages of Baton Rouge stop
Alvin Dark/Brightside: one bus
Corner of Alvin Dark stop
Jim Taylor Dr. stop
Sharlo Ave. stop
Brightside View stop
Blox stop
Varn Villa/Brightside Manor stop
Campus Crossing stop
Faircloth said SG has been working with both BRPD and LSUPD to ensure a quick, safe route. Buses will be allowed access to the otherwise blocked-off Burbank Dr. and could even beat the contraflow traffic, depending on when it begins.
“We’re gonna get to avoid some barriers that other people don’t necessarily get to avoid,” Faircloth said.
Buses are set to depart from South Stadium Drive on the west side of Tiger Stadium following the game. Space is limited, so SG is encouraging students to sign up before all spots are completely filled. To sign up, visit the SG website.
Both Faircloth and SG Director of Transportation Charles Mock Jr. said the program is something they would like to implement on every home gameday. But both said that student involvement would be a major key to the success of the initiative.
“This could really be something that grows, but it’s going to need student support,” Faircloth said.