What is the capacity of 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."

🏛️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

🎟️Visitor Guide

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.