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Tiger Stadium - home of LSU in Baton Rouge, LA
Photo: getmahesh · CC BY-SA 2.0
NCAA FBS

Tiger StadiumBaton Rouge, Louisiana

LSU

About Tiger Stadium

Tiger Stadium, known as "Death Valley," is one of the most intimidating venues in college football. With a capacity of 102,321, it's the fifth-largest stadium in the NCAA. Bear Bryant famously said, "Baton Rouge happens to be the worst place in the world for a visiting team. It's like being inside a drum."

Tiger Stadium History

Origins

Opened on Thanksgiving Day 1924 with 12,000 seats for a matchup against Tulane, replacing State Field on LSU's old downtown campus. Governor Huey Long famously funded a 1930s expansion by building dormitories with stadium seating—students lived in Tiger Stadium until the late 1980s.

Major Renovations

1932Huey Long's dormitory-stadium expansion pushed capacity to 46,000
1953South end zone enclosed, creating bowl shape (67,720 capacity)
2005$85M west upper deck with premium seating and new press box
2014South End Zone Expansion: 66 suites, 3,000 club seats (102,321 capacity)
2024Centennial upgrades: new video boards, LED lights, enhanced sound system

Notable Moments

Oct 3, 1931First night game at Tiger Stadium: LSU beat Spring Hill 35-0
Oct 31, 1959Billy Cannon's legendary 89-yard Halloween punt return beat #1 Ole Miss 7-3
Sep 2005Hosted displaced New Orleans Saints after Hurricane Katrina
Oct 12, 2024100-year celebration game vs Ole Miss

Visiting Tiger Stadium

Best Seats

Sections 515-517 (LSU side) or 534-536 (visitor side) offer elevated midfield views with chairbacks. Lower bowl sections 102-104 put you near the LSU bench. West sideline shades first for afternoon games. The West Stadium Club offers climate-controlled lounges and all-inclusive hospitality.

Parking Tips

Free lots include Golf Course, Gourrier South, Hayfield, and Levee Lot South (first-come, first-served). Reserved parking runs $45-$140. Use LSU's custom Waze map for real-time traffic. RVs park at Alex Box Hall of Fame Lot. Do NOT park on Nicholson Drive shoulders—you will be towed.

Game Day

Clear bag policy enforced (12" x 6" x 12" max). Maravich Center opens 5 hours early with free seating and restrooms. The Golden Band from Tigerland performs 2 hours before kickoff. Campus tailgates feature crawfish boils and jambalaya—The Chimes nearby is a 40-year gameday tradition.

Local Recommendations

Bars & Drinks

The Chimes

$$

Legendary LSU sports bar since 1983. Over 100 beers on tap and famous Cajun food.

0.5 miles3357 Highland Rd

Arrive 3+ hours early on gameday. Try the crawfish étouffée.

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Fred's Bar

$

No-frills dive bar right by campus. Cash only, strong drinks.

0.3 miles1184 Bob Pettit Blvd

True local experience. Gets loud and packed.

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Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux

$$

The original location of the national chain, started by two LSU walk-ons. Prime gameday energy directly next to the stadium.

0.2 miles3838 Burbank Dr

Amazing atmosphere with DJs and massive screens. Get here very early.

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The Bulldog

$$

Craft beer haven with 70+ taps and a famous beer-tap fountain on the patio.

2.5 miles4385 Perkins Rd

Dog-friendly with a 21+ vibe. Great for a more relaxed gameday.

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Restaurants

Raising Cane's (Original)

$

The original Raising Cane's location - started here in 1996 near LSU campus.

0.5 miles3313 Highland Rd

Pilgrimage spot for Cane's fans. Same great chicken, historical location.

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Parrain's Seafood Restaurant

$$$

Upscale Cajun seafood with great atmosphere. Excellent gumbo and crawfish dishes.

2 miles3225 Perkins Rd

Reservations recommended for gameday weekends.

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Pastime Restaurant & Lounge

$$

Historic Baton Rouge staple since 1945. Famous for Thin Crust Pizza and Roast Beef Po'boys.

2 miles252 South Blvd

LSU tradition. Excellent pre-game meals.

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Louie's Cafe

$

Legendary 24-hour diner serving LSU students and fans since 1941.

0.4 miles3322 Lake Shore Dr

Perfect for a post-game late night meal or pre-game breakfast.

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Hotels

The Cook Hotel at LSU

$$$

On-campus boutique hotel. Walking distance to stadium and the best location in town.

0.4 miles3848 W Lakeshore Dr

Books up a year in advance for big games like Alabama.

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L'Auberge Casino Hotel

$$$

Full-service casino resort with upscale rooms and restaurants.

5 miles777 L'Auberge Ave

Good option if Cook Hotel is booked. Free shuttle on gamedays.

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Attractions

Mike the Tiger Habitat

Free

Free to visit. LSU's live tiger mascot lives in this state-of-the-art habitat.

0.1 milesStadium Dr

Right next to Tiger Stadium. Visit before the game.

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March Down Victory Hill

Free

Iconic tradition where the LSU team, band, and cheerleaders march down Victory Hill to the stadium.

0.1 milesVictory Hill

Starts ~2 hours before kickoff. Arrive early for a good viewing spot.

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LSU Memorial Tower

Free

Stunning 175-foot clock tower honoring WWI veterans, centrally located on campus.

0.5 milesMemorial Tower

Beautiful photo spot. The bells ring-3 every 15 minutes.

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Parking Options

Golf Course Lot

Free
Tailgate0.8 miles

First-come, first-served. Opens at 6 AM. Best tailgating atmosphere.

Alex Box Hall of Fame Lot

$45
Lot0.5 miles

Reserved for baseball fans but often has football availability. Easy walking.

Parker Coliseum Lot

Free
Lot0.3 miles

Very popular free option. Fills up extremely early.

Suggest a Tip

Know a great bar, restaurant, hotel, attraction, or parking spot near Tiger Stadium? Share it with us.

Discover More Stadiums

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Stadium Rankings

Tiger Stadium ranks among the venues tracked on Fan Stamp as the 5th-largest and the 32nd-oldest.

#5 Largest StadiumView top 50 by capacity#32 Oldest StadiumView top 50 oldest
Learn more on Wikipedia

LSU Rivals

Saban Field at Bryant–Denny StadiumAlabama · Tuscaloosa, ALDonald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium, Frank Broyles FieldArkansas · Fayetteville, ARBattle for the Golden BootPat Dye Field at Jordan–Hare StadiumAuburn · Auburn, ALSteve Spurrier-Florida Field at Ben Hill Griffin StadiumFlorida · Gainesville, FLDavis Wade Stadium at Scott FieldMississippi State · Mississippi State, MSVaught–Hemingway Stadium at Hollingsworth FieldMississippi · University, MSMagnolia BowlKyle FieldTexas A&M · College Station, TXBenson Field at Yulman StadiumTulane · New Orleans, LABattle for the Rag

Closest Stadiums to Tiger Stadium

A. W. Mumford StadiumSouthern Jaguars · Baton Rouge, Louisiana8 miStrawberry StadiumSoutheastern Louisiana Lions · Hammond, Louisiana43 miManning Field at John L. Guidry StadiumNicholls Colonels · Thibodaux, Louisiana49 miOur Lady of Lourdes StadiumLouisiana · Lafayette, LA53 miBenson Field at Yulman StadiumTulane · New Orleans, LA71 miCaesars SuperdomeNew Orleans Saints · New Orleans, LA73 mi

Frequently Asked Questions About Tiger Stadium

What is the capacity of Tiger Stadium?
Tiger Stadium has a seating capacity of 102,321.
Where is Tiger Stadium located?
Tiger Stadium is located in Baton Rouge, LA.
What team plays at Tiger Stadium?
Tiger Stadium is the home stadium of LSU in the SEC.
When was Tiger Stadium built?
Tiger Stadium opened in 1924.
Where are the best seats at Tiger Stadium?
Sections 515-517 (LSU side) or 534-536 (visitor side) offer elevated midfield views with chairbacks. Lower bowl sections 102-104 put you near the LSU bench. West sideline shades first for afternoon games. The West Stadium Club offers climate-controlled lounges and all-inclusive hospitality.
What are the best parking tips for Tiger Stadium?
Free lots include Golf Course, Gourrier South, Hayfield, and Levee Lot South (first-come, first-served). Reserved parking runs $45-$140. Use LSU's custom Waze map for real-time traffic. RVs park at Alex Box Hall of Fame Lot. Do NOT park on Nicholson Drive shoulders—you will be towed.
What type of surface does Tiger Stadium have?
Tiger Stadium has a grass playing surface.
What stadiums are near Tiger Stadium?
The closest stadiums to Tiger Stadium are A. W. Mumford Stadium (8 mi), Strawberry Stadium (43 mi), Manning Field at John L. Guidry Stadium (49 mi), Our Lady of Lourdes Stadium (53 mi), Benson Field at Yulman Stadium (71 mi), Caesars Superdome (73 mi).
Who are LSU's biggest rivals?
LSU's rivals include Alabama, Arkansas (Battle for the Golden Boot), Auburn, Florida, Mississippi State, Mississippi (Magnolia Bowl), Texas A&M, Tulane (Battle for the Rag).
How old is Tiger Stadium?
Tiger Stadium opened in 1924, making it 102 years old. It ranks #32 among the oldest stadiums in the country.

References

Content sourced from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) and official team sites. Additional information verified against public sources.