Tailgating always has been a favorite LSU pastime during football seasons, but one group of students carries the tradition throughout the year.
Brandon Soileau, a computer engineering junior, began hosting barbecues in the grassy area between the Union and Louise Garig Hall every Wednesday last semester with some of his friends. The group went all out, setting up lawn chairs, a tent, Tiki torches, a barbecue grill and a radio.
The students even held the barbecue when school was canceled for Hurricanes Lili and Isidore.
Soileau said he grilled an average of 12 pounds of steak, hamburger and hotdog meat every week last semester, giving the group its slogan “We got the meat.”
“Our goal is to develop a closer knit community, put a smile on people’s faces and grow a little every time,” Soileau said. “We’re trying to bring back our number one party school reputation.”
Besides eating food, students get a chance to play football and meet other students each week. The group sets up around 11:30 a.m. and cleans up around 7 p.m. on Tuesdays this semester, hanging out sporadically. Many students who live on the east side of campus have stopped by after class to relax, eat or find out why the group meets.
“It’s more relaxing than anything else,” said Thomas Ferrell, a construction management senior, as he lounged in a camping chair. “I like hanging out with a group of people. It’s cool because people come and go as they please.”
The group is open to all students but asks for either food or money donations to keep the costs down. They display a “pitty pot” for cash donations.
“It’s a blast,” said Lynn Schiffman, a sociology junior. “I’ve met a lot of people.”
Although the barbecue lasts all day, some students said they still can maintain study time.
“It’s helped my academics because I get all my social energy out in one day, so I’m not pressured all week,” Soileau said.
Ashley Pastorek, a criminology sophomore, agrees. She brings her books outside to read. “It’s a great place to study with perfect natural lighting,” she said.