The more than 2,000 acre campus in the cultural heart of Baton Rouge offers amazing sports, performing arts, food, and much more. So put your tiger ears on, fire up the crawfish pot, and don’t miss any of these top ten experiences for LSU visitors.
Sports
It is completely unacceptable to visit LSU in the fall semester without attending a football game in one of Tiger Stadium’s 92,500 seats. The outrageous fans, world class Tiger Band, hi-tech tailgates, and the famous heart-stopping plays from coach Les Miles make the experience a true Louisiana Saturday Night.
LSU also boasts award-winning teams in many other sports. There are basketball, volleyball, and soccer games multiple times per week. The baseball team, now housed in the newly renovated Alex Box Stadium, has won six out of the past twenty College World Series titles and provokes almost as much school pride as the football team. Also check out LSU’s wonderful gymnastics, golf, tennis, softball, swimming and diving, and track and field programs.
Groovin’ on the Grounds
Student Government annually hosts this spectacular music festival on the grassy expanse of the LSU parade grounds. Past artists include One Republic, Jay Sean, Chevelle, Akon, Shinedown, Three Six Mafia, Big Boi of Outkast, Better Than Ezra, Wyclef Jean, Chamillionaire, Puddle of Mudd, and Marc Broussard. The event usually takes place in conjunction with a wellness fair and is a free service to LSU students and visitors, attracting thousands of concertgoers every year.
Fall Fest
This event is typically held in the fall semester in the Quad, a beautiful open gathering space for students, to promote school spirit. Staples of the festival include performances by the Tiger Band, cheerleaders, LSU Golden Girls, and step teams. Thousands of hamburgers and hotdogs are handed out for hungry students, as well as chips, cookies, and beverages. Many on- and off-campus vendors and 800 volunteers make the event a success.
The Chimes
Ask any student on campus for a restaurant recommendation, and you will hear this answer over and over again: “The Chimes!” This restaurant and bar is located in LSU’s Northgate area just a few steps off campus. The Cajun food is exquisite, and every Monday is trivia night; prizes include concert tickets from the venue next door and free rounds of liquor. If you eventually drink all of their beers, imported from every country in the world, you earn a plaque on the wall and the respect of college kids everywhere.
Indian Mounds
Legend says that these two miniature hills in the heart of campus date back to ancient times. No one truly knows, but rolling down them is a rite of passage for every LSU student, tailgating youngster, and curious visitor. Recent measures have been taken to reduce the amount of traffic on the mounds, but a nice stroll around them on a cool bayou night can be just as nice.
The Lakes
Whether running, biking, walking, canoeing, kayaking, or fishing them, visitors frequent the group of four lakes at all hours of the day and night, enjoying the beautiful southern architecture of the surrounding neighborhoods. There is a small man-made beach, park, and picnic area on the southeastern side that is perfect for families; be sure to catch the Ninja Snowballs or Taco de Paco trucks that sometimes park there!
The Dairy Store
Since LSU is primarily an agricultural university, you better believe that their dairy is to die for. Ag students help create the delicious flavors such as Tiger Bite and Rum Raisin from pure, farm fresh ingredients. The store is located in the Dairy Science building and also sells meats such as hot boudin, sandwiches, cheese, and delectable coffee drinks.
Performing Arts
Performing arts at LSU are perhaps its best kept secret. Full scale operas and symphonies take place regularly, with choir, band, and orchestra concerts and recitals every week. Concert Spectacular, a revue featuring samples of all of LSU’s performing arts, takes place in the fall, and a choral/orchestral masterwork takes place in the spring, in addition to the zany musical theater spectacle Singo de Mayo. Theatrical productions are fantastic; some even have “pay what you can” nights and are produced almost entirely by students. Last year marked the complete renovation of all three exquisite performing venues on campus, making them visual landmarks in their own right.
Candlelight Celebration
Each winter, LSU sets up a gorgeous Christmas tree in front of its famous bell tower to celebrate all holidays of the season. On one special night, families gather around the tree to sing carols with the LSU choir and enjoy performances from the dance department, cheerleaders, and others. Refreshments are served and the night is consummated with the first lighting of the tree and a visit from Santa Claus.
Mike’s Habitat
No visit to LSU would be complete without witnessing the pride and joy of the campus, Mike the Tiger. Mike VI is a six-year-old Bengal tiger weighing almost 600 pounds who spends his time lounging in his lush new habitat next to Tiger Stadium. The enclosure is 15,000 square feet and boasts a waterfall, splashing pool, live oak tree, Italian-style tower, and plenty of green space to paw around. Mike is available for visiting during most daylight hours and is most popular on game days!
Carly Zimmerman - I am a self-proclaimed world traveller looking to inspire others while being inspired!
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