Hidden Facts About LSU Tigers and Their Fans
The Louisiana State University (LSU) Tigers are one of the most storied and passionate programs in college sports. The Tigers are especially well-known for their football team, but the school’s athletics, history, traditions, and fanbase all contribute to the broader identity of the university. While LSU is a household name for college football fans, there are many lesser-known facts that are deeply tied to the Tigers’ success and the culture of their supporters.
In this essay, we’ll uncover some of these hidden facts about the LSU Tigers and their fans, ranging from obscure historical tidbits to traditions that many people outside of Baton Rouge may not be familiar with.
1. The Origins of the LSU Tigers
While many associate LSU with their formidable football team, the school’s athletic program has been a part of Louisiana’s culture for over a century. LSU was founded in 1853 as the Louisiana State Seminary of Learning & Military Academy in Baton Rouge. It wasn’t until the 1890s, however, that LSU’s sports program began to take shape.
LSU’s football program, originally called the LSU Cadets, played its first season in 1893. The Tigers didn’t immediately become a dominant force in college football, but their rise to prominence began in the 1930s under coach Bernie Moore. By the 1950s, LSU had gained national attention with several successful seasons, and the Tigers’ reputation as a powerhouse started to take shape.
While LSU has always had strong athletics, it wasn’t until the 2000s, under coach Nick Saban and later Les Miles, that the football program reached the pinnacle of success, winning multiple national championships.
2. The Meaning Behind “Geaux Tigers!”
The phrase “Geaux Tigers” is an iconic expression among LSU fans, but it isn’t spelled in the traditional way. “Geaux” is a Louisiana-based variation of the word “go,” influenced by the state’s French-speaking Creole culture. The use of “Geaux” reflects the strong French influence in Louisiana’s culture and adds a unique local flair to the expression.
LSU fans use this phrase to cheer on their Tigers during sporting events, and it has become synonymous with the spirit of the fanbase. Whether at Tiger Stadium on a football Saturday or in the stands at an LSU basketball game, you’ll hear fans shouting “Geaux Tigers!” in unison, contributing to the unmistakable atmosphere that surrounds LSU athletics.
3. The Power of Tiger Stadium
Nicknamed “Death Valley,” Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge is considered one of the most intimidating environments in college football. The stadium can hold up to 102,321 spectators, making it one of the largest stadiums in the country. The atmosphere in Tiger Stadium is electric, and the noise level is famously deafening.
What many people don’t know, however, is that the nickname “Death Valley” was actually coined by the great Alabama coach Bear Bryant in the 1960s. It was after a particularly grueling loss at LSU that Bryant reportedly referred to the stadium as a “place where visiting teams’ dreams go to die.” The name stuck and became a badge of honor for LSU fans.
The intensity of the fanbase is palpable at every game, with fans known for their passionate, often rowdy behavior. On a typical game day, the stadium’s stands vibrate with the collective roar of 100,000 fans, creating a nearly tangible energy that intimidates opposing teams. The LSU football program has also been successful at home, with Tiger Stadium serving as a fortress where many of the team’s most iconic victories have taken place.
4. The 2003 National Championship: A Turning Point
The LSU Tigers’ 2003 national championship under coach Nick Saban is an often overlooked yet extremely significant moment in the history of LSU football. This victory marked LSU’s first national title in college football in over four decades, and it served as a turning point for the program’s national stature.
The Tigers defeated the Oklahoma Sooners 21-14 in the BCS National Championship Game, a victory that was propelled by the stellar play of quarterback Matt Mauck, running back Joseph Addai, and wide receiver Michael Clayton. LSU’s defense was also exceptional, with key players like linebacker Lionel Turner and safety Jack Hunt making game-changing plays.
The 2003 championship helped solidify LSU as a true contender in the college football world and set the stage for future success under Saban and his successor, Les Miles. It was a triumph not only for the team but for the entire LSU fanbase, who had long awaited a national championship.
5. LSU’s Unbreakable Bond with the Bayou
LSU’s location in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, provides an unmistakable backdrop for the university’s identity. The Bayou State’s geography and culture influence the team and its fans in ways that go beyond just football. The bayou, with its winding waterways, dense forests, and rich wildlife, provides a unique setting for the school and its athletic programs.
The bayou has a symbolic meaning for LSU fans, who view the area’s mystique and natural beauty as representative of their grit, toughness, and passion for sports. The unique mix of cultures in Louisiana—French, African, Spanish, and Native American—gives LSU’s fanbase a cultural diversity that is seen in the way they support their team.
For example, LSU tailgates are famous for their Creole and Cajun food, with dishes like jambalaya, gumbo, crawfish, and po’ boys being staples in the parking lots around Tiger Stadium. Fans cook and serve these local delicacies, fostering a sense of community and family that is distinctively LSU.
6. The LSU Fight Song: “Hold That Tiger!”
The LSU fight song, “Hold That Tiger!” is an anthem that fans sing with pride before and after every game. The song was composed in 1939 by LSU students, and its lyrics reflect the strength and resolve of the LSU Tigers. The song has become an essential part of the gameday experience in Baton Rouge.
What makes “Hold That Tiger!” unique is its ability to galvanize the crowd with its catchy melody and spirited lyrics. Fans sing the song in unison, often at the top of their lungs, and it serves as a rallying cry for the team and a demonstration of the unbreakable bond between the players and their supporters.
In fact, many LSU fans will argue that there is no better feeling than standing in the stands of Tiger Stadium and singing “Hold That Tiger!” together, with the entire stadium shaking with the force of the fans’ collective voice. The song is a central part of the gameday experience and symbolizes the passion and pride of LSU fans.
7. LSU’s Traditions: More Than Just Football
While LSU is most famous for its football team, the university has a rich tradition in several other sports, and its fanbase supports those programs just as passionately. The LSU Tigers are not only successful in football but also in baseball, basketball, and track and field.
LSU baseball, for example, has won multiple national championships, including in 1991, 1993, 1996, and 2009. The Tigers’ baseball program, under legendary coach Skip Bertman, built a dynasty that is still celebrated by fans today. Tiger fans pack Alec Box Stadium for home games and cheer just as passionately for the baseball team as they do for football.
Similarly, LSU’s basketball program has produced many talented players who have gone on to successful careers in the NBA. While basketball doesn’t receive as much attention as football, the LSU basketball fanbase is just as devoted. The Tigers’ historic victories, including their 1981 Final Four appearance, remain key moments for LSU basketball fans.
8. LSU Fans: A Family Affair
One of the most unique aspects of LSU fandom is how it transcends generations. LSU fans tend to be lifelong supporters who pass their passion for the Tigers down through the family. It’s not uncommon to find families in the stands at LSU games that have been attending together for decades, with multiple generations of Tigers fans bonding over their love of the team.
The LSU experience is not just about watching football or attending sporting events—it’s about building community and relationships. Families, friends, and even strangers bond over their shared love for the Tigers, and the entire state of Louisiana seems to rally around the team. It’s common for alumni to return to Baton Rouge to watch games, and the fervor for LSU sports is something that unites people from all walks of life.
LSU’s football program, and the university itself, is a cultural phenomenon. The Tigers have established a legacy that is deeply intertwined with the traditions and identity of Louisiana. From the origins of the school to the modern-day triumphs of the athletic programs, LSU continues to be a force to be reckoned with in the world of college sports.
The fans of LSU are among the most passionate and dedicated in the nation. Whether it’s their fervent support for the football team, their love for baseball, or their deep connection to Louisiana’s unique culture, LSU fans create an electric environment that is unlike any other. The hidden facts about LSU and its fans reflect a rich, storied history full of pride, tradition, and a fierce desire to support the Tigers in every arena.
LSU isn’t just a school or a team—it’s a way of life for its fans. It’s a tradition that runs deep through the heart of Louisiana, a tradition that will continue for generations to come.
