The fall semester is here, and you know what that means: it’s time to tailgate. The SEC brings in fans from all over the country to set up their tents days in advance and watch the LSU Tigers play in Death Valley.
Not only does tailgating bring good vibes and hype up fans for the game, it brings people together. There’s something to enjoy whether you’re a third generation LSU student or a first generation college student. From the Parade Ground to the 50 yard line, there’s no place like Baton Rouge on a Saturday night.
While it’s usually families, students and alumni partying in their designated tents, Taylor Davlin found herself upon the threshold of the tailgate of a very popular fast food chain: Taco Bell. It was during the Army vs. LSU game in October 2023 that the public relations junior found the tailgate and ordered herself a Doritos Locos Taco.
“I really hope that they come back this season,” Davlin said.
Nikhia Sims, better known as Miss LSU 2024, was lucky enough to have her own family tailgate near the stadium last year. The kinesiology junior said that she hopes it becomes a tradition over the years that she can share with her family and friends.
“My favorite part about my family’s tailgate is all of the delicious food that they made,” Sims said.
Emele Renderos doesn’t even attend LSU, but the Montclair State University student said tailgates are definitely worth the travel because the energy is unmatched and the fans are even crazier. Through this, she’s able to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones all with the same goal: winning.
“My favorite tailgating memory was reconnecting with family and friends as we prepared to cheer on our Tigers,” Renderos said.
One of the most predominant spots to tailgate is the Parade Ground, which is where you can find Allison Antoon. This is a hotspot for all students as the LSU fraternities set up their tailgates here. Antoon said her favorite spot is right by Tiger Stadium because not only is it full of fond memories, but it’s right near the Kona Ice Truck.
“This spot has seen me in so many stages of my life,” Antoon said. “From age five to now 21, I have changed so much, but the undying love and memories LSU has given me remains.”
Digital advertising senior Mary Dum’s favorite place to tailgate is “near the roundabout with the decorative trucks and vans.” She said that they always play good music and always give people food, whether you’re family or not.
“I literally high-fived this older lady and she gave me a plate of boudin balls,” Dum said
Whether you’re fresh on campus as a freshman at LSU or you graduated in 1976, there’s always a spot for you to tailgate and cheer on the LSU Tigers. Look out for your favorite clubs’ tents and don’t be afraid to make a new friend this season, as you never know where the Saturday night might take you.
“Nothing beats the uniquely interesting people that you will find on the Parade Ground,” Dum said.
According to the official LSU athletics webpage, tailgating set up can start the day before each game at 5 p.m. For more detailed policies, visit the LSU athletics website.
