The 17th annual Bayou Bash provided LSU football fans the opportunity to come together in good spirits for the first time since the disappointing loss to rival Alabama that concluded the college football season.
LSU fans gathered at the Baton Rouge River Center on Wednesday to celebrate the signing of 22 new Tigers in festivities that mimicked a Saturday night in Death Valley.
Fans were able to hang out with fellow LSU supporters for a day filled with food. Though no game was held, LSU football spirit was in full force.
In a tailgate-like atmosphere, drunken fans debated the talent of the 2012 recruiting class while playing drinking games, listening to music and watching highlight videos of the newly signed Tigers.
“It was unbelievable food and drinks,” said first-time basher Jimmy Plauche. “Its really exciting to watch the recruits come in and to see the changes.” Video: Les Miles speaks to fans at Bayou Bash
 
In a year that provided little to the imagination for LSU fans in recruiting, many Tiger fans appeared satisfied with the work of the LSU coaching staff and simply enjoyed the Cajun cuisine and beer provided at the Bash.
“It’s always a good time if you’re an LSU fan,” said Bayou Bash veteran Vince Matherne of Ponchatoula. “It’s a great time to come and mingle with your friends.”
After a rough January that saw a heartbreaking title-game defeat, top Louisiana recruit Landon Collins pledging to the Crimson Tide and the tease of five-star quarterback recruit Gunner Kiel, who opted for Notre Dame, Tiger fans could have easily skipped the Bash.
“It would have been easy to say not to come [to the Bash] this year after what happened in the national championship game, but that’s for fair-weather fans,” Matherne said. “We’re good fans, and we’re going to come and pull for the Tigers.”
Bash-goers were able to sit back and listen to former Tigers, including Darry Beckwith, Demetrius Byrd and Justin Vincent, reminisce about their days as a recruits. LSU baseball coach Paul Mainieri also spoke as the crowd eagerly awaited LSU coach Les Miles to make his appearance at the River Center.
With all letters of intent being received before lunch time, the afternoon was quiet in comparison to the busy morning. Fans participated in giveaways like a silent auction, raffles and a game known as “Last Tiger Standing” that brought 52 lucky fans on stage for the chance to win two tickets to next year’s game against Texas A&M.
The Golden Band from Tigerland, accompanied by cheerleaders and Golden Girls, played fan favorites such as “Hey Baby” and “Eye of the Tiger” as all fans in attendance gathered to greet Miles and his staff.
A passionate Miles entered to a sea of purple and gold that was more than excited to see its beloved leader.
“There is no other place in America where we can celebrate in a live auditorium selling beer,” Miles said. “I promise you.”
Miles went on to introduce the coaching staff that made this recruiting class possible, including defensive coordinator John Chavis, who received the largest of all cheers among the staff. Miles was also appreciative of the efforts of defensive line coach Brick Haley and running back coach Frank Wilson.
Miles spoke at length about the 2012 class, especially its Louisiana natives.
“We represent, in this state, that if your family wants to watch you play football, you need to come to Tiger Stadium,” Miles said emphatically. “And we represent, in my opinion, everything that is good and right about college football, and we offer it first and foremost to those men that come from Louisiana.”
 
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