During an LSU-Auburn football game in the fall of 1988, LSU fans created enough noise in Tiger Stadium to produce a vibration that registered on the Geology Department’s seismograph.
For many University students, alumni and fans, the “Earthquake Game” epitomizes the passion felt for LSU athletics.
Now, in a contest sponsored by Planters Peanuts, LSU fans have the opportunity to compare their passion with fans of other Division I universities.
Contest participants are asked to choose the university with the “nuttiest fans” in an online poll on Planters’ Web site.
LSU is currently seventh in the online poll. Texas A&M University is the current leader. The university that wins Planters’ “Nuttiest Fans” contest will receive a $10,000 donation.
Many University students said LSU deserves to win the contest.
“Our fans are into it more than anywhere else,” said Sarah Jones, an elementary education senior.
Justin Dorbandt, a mass communication junior, agreed.
“We have the best atmosphere around,” he said. “The gameday atmosphere is amazing.”
Josh Dantin, a construction management senior, said Louisiana culture contributes to fans’ passion.
“We like to party and get drunk,” he said. “It’s the Louisiana atmosphere.”
Students also said the passion of fans is beneficial to the University in many ways.
“If it were not for sports, we wouldn’t have as much school spirit,” said Sandy Lambert, international trade and finance sophomore.
Jones said the fans’ passion helps to unite them.
“Young and old can enjoy gameday festivities together,” she said.
LSU’s passion and atmosphere has been documented by many national media outlets.
“These are the most sublime fan experiences in American team sports: An afternoon game in the middle of summer at Wrigley Field, a crisp fall Saturday morning at Notre Dame, a cold winter night inside Allen Fieldhouse and a balmy Saturday evening at Tiger Stadium when the grills are firing outside, Mike the Tiger is roaring and the Golden Band of Tigerland is playing the slow, opening chords to ‘Hold That Tiger’ with such passion that they produce goosebumps the size of Mardi Gras beads,” said ESPN.com’s Jim Caple in an October column.
Despite their passion for LSU sports, all four students said they were unaware of Planters’ contest.
Michael Szul, Athletics Department business director, said he was also unaware of the contest and said it was unclear what would happen to the money if the University won.
“It all depends on what they specify [the money] for,” Szul said.
Currently, the top 10 universities are Texas A&M, Virginia Tech, Marshall, West Virginia, Rutgers, Nebraska, LSU, Duke, Louisville and Kentucky.
Voting ends on April 14. Students can vote on Planters’ Web site, www.planters.com.