In the world of college football, few rivalries are as intense or anticipated as those of the LSU Tigers and the Alabama Crimson Tide. For decades, these two powerhouse programs have battled it out on the field in high-stakes matchups that shape the SEC and national rankings.
But as fierce as the competition is on the gridiron, there’s another aspect of this rivalry that actually unites both fanbases in a way that is uniquely American: tailgating.
One of these places where love of tailgating and enjoying time with each other unites rivals is Hoppy’s Corner, staked out on Nicholson Drive and North Stadium Drive. This infamous tailgate has been featured in The New York Times and the hit Amazon Prime series “The Money Game.”
It’s most notable for its extreme set-up, which takes up almost a whole block.
Since 1974, Howard Benoit, also known as “Hoppy,” has been tailgating with all his close friends and family. This large extravagant set-up wasn’t always the size it is now, though.
“I would bring everything that could fit in my car: an FM battery radio, a foldable table and my barbeque pit,” Benoit said.
Over 50 years of tailgating has collected hundreds of memories, of which half are attributed to the games against the Tide that have taken place in the electric atmosphere of Death Valley. Anyone who’s ever experienced a tailgate at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge or Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa knows that the feeling is passionate.
Although “Hoppy” is the face of this corner, the tailgate isn’t run by one person. Benoit is accompanied by dozens of his friends, family and even people coming in off the street.
“We watched every game, and people just kept coming, but I am so lucky to have all these people making this possible,” Benoit said.
However, it’s in the tailgating lots around these hallowed stadiums where the rivalry takes on a different life. Amidst the smell of good ol’ Cajun food, the sounds of music and the friendly banter, fans of both teams engage in a different kind of competition — the battle for the best tailgate.
“It’s about the experience,” says Lance Cortez, the mastermind behind the fryer and grill and a key piece of Hoppy’s Corner. “We want to win the game, no question, but tailgating is what unites us. It’s not just about LSU, it’s like a big family reunion every weekend. I’ve been cooking out here since 1995, and I have been able to cook dozens of new recipes. It’s still about the love for the sport and being with friends.”
One of the most striking aspects of tailgating is how it allows fans to express their unique team pride while also sharing a common experience. For LSU fans, that often means enjoying a pot of gumbo or a platter of crawfish étouffée, while Alabama supporters might be grilling up some classic Southern barbecue or preparing a signature dish like Alabama white sauce chicken.
Despite the rival teams, food serves as a universal hospitality, with both groups welcoming strangers with open arms — only for a moment, before the trash talk begins.
“It’s rivalry, but it’s a good kind of rivalry,” says Wayne Knight, another long-time member of Hoppy’s Corner who is Hoppy’s “right-hand man.” “We talk smack, but at the end of the day, we all love football. There’s something special about tailgating — it’s a way for us to come together before the game and enjoy each other’s company, regardless of who wins.”
While it’s true that fans of LSU and Alabama share a fierce rivalry on the field, tailgating creates a unique togetherness, even during “Bama Hate Week.” At the heart of it all is a shared passion for college football, which, in many ways, becomes the equalizer.
“You’ll see LSU fans sharing drinks with Alabama fans,” Benoit says. “You’ll even see people from both sides laughing together over food. The rivalry is real, but the love for the traditions surrounding it always shine through. It’s a different kind of connection.”
As the game approaches, fans begin to shift their focus back to their teams, preparing for what will undoubtedly be a charged game. The intensity returns, but the spirit of community that tailgating has helped cultivate stays.
The LSU-Alabama rivalry is a special one that’s here in Baton Rouge this weekend: full of passion, tradition and a history that stretches back over a century. But before the players step onto the field, it’s in the tailgate lots where the true magic happens.
For all the intensity and emotions that come with such fierce competition, tailgating provides a space for fans to connect, especially in Hoppy’s Corner, which has been staked out for 50 years now.
Whether it’s in Baton Rouge, Tuscaloosa or anywhere else where LSU and Alabama fans gather, tailgating proves that while rivalries are fierce, the bonds of sport — and the joy of game day — are even stronger.