What to do in Baton Rouge on an LSU Game Day

Get ready to root for the Tigers as LSU game day approaches. While showing off your team spirit is a great way to spend some time, you need to know what to do in Baton Rouge to have the ultimate day. There’s plenty to do for sightseers, party-goers and sports fans throughout the area that’ll pack your visit with fun, food and more. Our LSU game day guide will help make sure you get in on all the action.

Fill your schedule with things to do in Baton Rouge on game day, before and after the excitement. You can even extend your stay to experience more of Baton Rouge on game day and beyond, which you’ll want to do once you see all there is to experience around LSU, downtown and in other areas of the city.

Before the Game

Make the lead up to kickoff more exciting when you know what to do in Baton Rouge on game day. Whether you stick around Louisiana State University’s campus or venture around the city before heading back for the game, you’re sure to find something to do. Here’s what we would recommend checking out to get in the spirit:

Fuel Up for the Day

You can’t skip your morning meal, especially when you need all your energy for game day and other fun that Baton Rouge offers. Before the day begins, fuel up at some popular breakfast spots in the area:

• Highland Coffees: Get coffee that’s roasted in-house, loose-leaf teas and amazing pastries to start your day. Highland Coffees is conveniently located at Louisiana State University’s North Gates, making it easy to stop by whenever you’re around campus. The shop is open early and closes late, so try their coffee as soon as you get up or right before the game to get your caffeine dose and prepare for all the excitement.
• Prince Donuts: This LSU-area shop serves up fresh, specialty donuts and trendy bubble tea, making it popular with college students and Tiger fans looking to start game day morning right. Grab some to go, and don’t forget to try their popular croissant donut.
• The Kolache Kitchen: The LSU location of this restaurant isn’t far from Tiger Stadium and serves sweet and savory breakfast options, making it perfect for all palates. Enjoy a Central European kolache, a versatile soft pastry that’s filled with anything from fruit to bacon and cheese. These delights are the perfect grab-and-go option to pick up and bring with you to campus as you gear up for the game.

Now that you’ve had your coffee and something to munch on for breakfast, you can explore LSU’s campus or venture out around Baton Rouge.

Sightsee

If you’re in Baton Rouge earlier in the day and have some time, experience some of the sightseeing the city has to offer before heading to the game. There’s plenty to see, and some favorites include:

• Old Governor’s Mansion
• Old State Capitol
• Magnolia Mound Plantation
• The Louisiana Art and Science Museum
• LSU Rural Life Museum

Experience the history and culture of Baton Rouge before immersing yourself in the action of game day. A lot of the city’s attractions are free to enjoy, meaning you can add plenty of fun to your game day without breaking your budget.

Tailgate

It doesn’t quite feel like football season unless you get involved in some tailgating, especially when it’s a college football game. On LSU game day, you’ll see plenty of fans prepping for the events of the day by cooking popular Louisiana fare and flexing their own football skills. Louisiana State University’s campus is home to a few different hubs that sports fans enjoy tailgating at, so be sure to check out:

• The Parade Grounds: Most tailgaters head to this area at the center of campus to get ready for the game. The large, open area is a beautiful stretch of green space, perfect for meeting fellow fans and digging into some delicious food. Relax before the game surrounded by LSU’s scenery or get pumped up for the upcoming event. Stick around at noon to hear the LSU Alma Mater play from Memorial Tower to get in the game day spirit and show your pride for the Tigers.
• Touchdown Village: As the name implies, these RV lots are home to football fans and tailgaters galore. Fulfill your tailgating dreams in this area, where football fans come to prep for game day in luxury. To get a spot in this coveted village, you’ll need to prepare in advance and request parking passes to reserve your spot, but it’s worth putting on your bucket list to experience on an LSU game day in the future.
• The Greek Amphitheater: Watch the Golden Band warm up when you spend time in this tailgating area. Meet the band and get a sample of the performance to come — a game day activity that kids and football fans alike enjoy. Stay as game time approaches, and you’ll get to see dancers and flag girls begin their march with the band to the stadium.

No matter where you tailgate, you’ll be surrounded by fellow fans and those of rival teams, but LSU is welcoming to all before the game begins. Most of all, you’ll find that food is an essential part of the day. Many fans cook up Cajun favorites like:

• Jambalaya, typically of the Cajun variety that doesn’t contain tomatoes.
• Boudin, a combination of rice, meat, vegetables and seasonings in a sausage casing.
• Sausage, including the popular andouille variety.
• Crawfish, often in a crawfish boil with corn, potatoes and more.
• Etouffee, a popular seafood and rice dish.
• Gumbo, a flavorful stew usually saved for colder game days.

Pack up the portable grill to make these or your own tailgating favorites, or check out the restaurants in the area that offer tailgating menus. You’ll get amazing food without the prep work, and you can relax and enjoy tailgating without the stress of cooking for yourself and your friends.

One option to simplify your tailgating experience is Milford’s on Third’s tailgating menu. Place your order 48 hours in advance to get a meal package that’s sure to feed a group of hungry sports fans. Choose from delicious selections like:

• Breakfast burritos
• Biscuits and sausage
• A variety of sandwiches and wraps
• A po boy platter

Tailgate like a Tiger with all the convenience of grab-and-go meals that’ll get you ready for kick off with delicious flavors. Now that you’re full and fueled up, it’s time to take part in LSU game day traditions.

Participate in LSU Game Day Traditions

It’s not game day without some of the Tiger’s traditions. If you’re curious about the traditions surrounding LSU football, there are many unique and beloved rituals that fans participate in on game day. One of the most famous traditions is the “First Down Cheer”, where fans cheer loudly and play the iconic “Tiger Rag” musical phrase when the Tigers earn a first down. The LSU marching band, known as the Golden Band from Tigerland, is an integral part of the game day experience and plays a key role in many of the school’s traditions. The “Pregame Salute” is another important tradition, where the band leads the team and fans in singing the LSU alma mater, “”Darling of LSU””, and the school fight song, “Fight for LSU”. Whether it’s tailgating with friends, wearing purple and gold, or participating in the many cheers and chants, LSU football traditions are an essential part of the game day experience for fans and players alike.

Feel like you’re a part of the team before watching the game with some of the popular LSU game day traditions that students and other fans alike participate in:

• Get in gear: Don’t show up to LSU game day without sporting the team’s signature purple and gold. If you forgot your team colors, check out some of the shops on campus. The overall feeling of the day is laid back, so feel free to keep your clothes more casual, as long as they sport the Tiger’s colors. If purple isn’t your color, you can also match the team’s unique home jerseys by wearing white. Fans believe the team wearing their purple jerseys for home games was bad luck, and after battling the NCAA’s rules, the Tigers were able to don their white jerseys in 1995.
• Watch the march: Every part of the team makes their way from Victory Hill to the stadium. Watch as the coaches, band, dancers, flag twirlers and the team itself make their way to the field. The band plays “Pregame Salute” and the start of “Touchdown for LSU” to get fans pumped for the game.
• Visit the mascot: Make a special stop by Mike the Tiger’s habitat — that’s right, Louisiana State University is home to a live mascot. Many students make it a tradition to stop by and say hello to Mike before the game begins, so get in on the tradition.

Feel the spirit of the day surrounded by fellow Tigers fans as you prepare to cheer on the team. Nothing will get you excited for the day quite as much as these Tiger traditions.

After the Game

Just because the clock runs out doesn’t mean the fun has to end. Baton Rouge offers plenty by way of drinking, nightlife and dining. College-age sports fans and lifelong Tigers will find something throughout the area to enjoy after supporting their team all day, so take a look at the locations below to plan your evening.

Get Drinks to Celebrate

Take your Tiger pride to one of the bars and breweries of Baton Rouge. Watch the game at one of the bars or head there after seeing the action live — either way, you’ll get a taste of local brews and handcrafted cocktails. Some popular spots for Tigers fans include:

• Walk-On’s Bistreaux and Bar: Visit Walk-On’s on Burbank Drive to celebrate game day. It’s only a three-minute drive from Tiger Stadium, but if you don’t have tickets to the game, you can always get in on the action at this sports bar.
• Tin Roof Brewing Company: Early LSU games mean you’ll have time to stop by the largest craft brewery in the city. The brewery closes at 10 p.m., but with a prime location in the middle of your journey between downtown and campus, it’s worth a visit.
• The Radio Bar: With late hours and high ratings, The Radio Bar has a great atmosphere to help cap off your game day. While the bar is only a short drive from the stadium, LSU’s shuttle service gets you closer with a drop-off location on Florida Street.

These and other Baton Rouge bars often have entertainment to offer, but they aren’t your only options for continuing the celebration into the night.

Keep the Party Going Downtown

Celebrate game day with dancing, live music, even more drinks and other excitement at venues throughout Baton Rouge. With popular downtown joints just a short drive from Tiger Stadium, you can keep the party going at:

• City Bar Baton Rouge: With a sports bar, nightclub and live music, City Bar is a great hub to visit on game day. Plus, it’s open late, so you can party well into the night.
• The Basin Music Hall: Catch a live show at The Basin, which hosts national, regional and local performers. Mellow out after an exciting day with relaxing live performances or keep the party going with something upbeat.
• Hollywood Casino Baton Rouge: Keep your adrenaline pumping with a visit to Hollywood Casino. The venue offers 24-hour Vegas-style fun with slots and table games, so you can stop in no matter when the game ends. Visit with a group of friends and fellow football fans to party into the night or stop by with a significant other for a low-key evening.

No matter who you’re catching the game with, you’ll all find something throughout the city to keep your party rolling well into the night. Get rowdy or relax without heading back home or to your hotel, and experience the nightlife that Baton Rouge provides.

Refuel After a Busy Day

All the game day thrills have left you hungry, even after filling up beforehand on tailgating fare. You’ll find a range of dining atmospheres throughout Baton Rouge, from quick and casual to modern and upscale. Tigers fans end their busy days at restaurants in the city like:

• Louie’s Cafe: No matter what time the game ends, you can grab a bite at Louie’s Cafe — the eatery is open 24 hours every day. Located at the North Gate of LSU, it’s a popular spot for sports fans to dine at any time of day.
• Creole Cabana: Taste island-inspired dishes crafted with local ingredients at this Baton Rouge restaurant. There’s a Creole twist to their Caribbean meals, which you can wash down with cocktails and other beverages.
• The Gregory: With fresh, local and organic ingredients, The Gregory provides modern menus in a stunning atmosphere. Indulge in meals with a southern twist for an experience that combines authenticity with contemporary delights.

Sit back after a delicious meal and reflect on the best plays of the day and how much you enjoyed your time in Baton Rouge at these and other restaurants throughout Baton Rouge. No matter what you’re craving, you’ll find something that satisfies your appetite.

Extend Your Game Day Stay

One day in Baton Rouge isn’t enough to experience all the city has to offer. Extend your stay if you’re from out of town, or treat yourself to a night away from home if you live in the area. The Watermark Hotel, home of The Gregory, makes for a luxurious stay after a busy and thrilling LSU game day.

If you won’t be in Baton Rouge for long, be sure to join us at The Gregory for brunch, a mid-day meal or dinner and drinks. Contact us at 225-408-1800 to make your reservation, and experience our fresh, southern-inspired menu for yourself.