The SEC announced Sunday that LSU will be fined $250,000 for a violation of the league’s access to competition area policy. The fine comes after fans stormed the field following LSU’s homecoming football game against Ole Miss on Oct. 12.
Fines levied for violations are paid to the opposing institution, meaning that LSU’s payment will go to Ole Miss. The policy reflects the SEC’s growing concern for maintaining safety and order during high-energy sporting events.
This is the university’s second offense under the conference’s revised policy, which was updated at the SEC Spring Meetings in 2023.
The SEC’s access policy, originally adopted in 2004, strictly limits field access to participating student-athletes, coaches, officials and authorized personnel. The policy is in place to ensure the safety of both players and fans. According to the SEC, “at no time before, during or after a contest may spectators enter the competition area,” and violations carry hefty financial penalties.
The university has yet to comment on the fine, but is expected to comply with the SEC’s ruling. LSU now faces heightened scrutiny moving forward, as a third violation could result in a $500,000 fine under the league’s tiered penalty system.