TIGER TV ONLINE REPORTER
Picture an enthused group of friends adorned in purple and gold crowded under a canvas tent cooking jambalaya and drinking ice cold beverages while upbeat music blares from speakers.
Tailgating is typical of most Saturdays during the University’s football season. It is as much a part of University tradition as the stately oaks are a part of campus.
Orlando Gunn, senior running back, says he’s seen people park their vehicles and begin tailgating preparations days in advance.
“I love the pride of the fans, the LSU pride,” he said. “I’ve never seen so many fanatics. [Tailgating] has its own type of culture.”
Tiger fans begin game day celebrations as early as Friday night or Saturday morning. Some tailgates have ice chests and coolers, while others boast margarita machines and televisions.
Chris Jones, mathematics junior, offered a couple of his tailgating tricks.
“Go out there kind of early and walk around,” he said. “Go to where it smells good.”
Jones said tailgating is as important as the actual game.
“I’m a diehard LSU fan, but I’m also a diehard tailgating fan,” he said.
Ashley Stewart, a graphic design sophomore, said ladies should dress cute for the game.
“But be comfortable,” she said. “Sunglasses are a must.”
Steward said free food is easy to find on game days.
“I don’t understand people who eat before [tailgating],” she said.
Brianna Piche, mass communications sophomore, has played the mellophone in the Tiger Band since her freshman year.
“I’ve never been tailgating for an LSU game, but I don’t feel like I’m losing anything because this is the experience I’m used to,” she said.
Gunn said his only experience tailgating was his freshman year.
“My family would come out and hang out all day,” he said. “You can basically meet anybody because people are so open.”
Gunn said he remembered playing cards and hanging out on the parade grounds, but his favorite part was the music.
“The music’s the [most fun] part because you get to watch drunk people dance,” he said.
Despite game day traffic and a rainy forecast, Baton Rouge was pumped for the Vanderbilt game.
“The truth is there’s no atmosphere like being in Baton Rouge on a Saturday night,” Gunn said. “The whole day is like an endless celebration. The whole country is on some kind of hiatus until football season starts then you feel this frenzy that just starts up.”
