Saturday Night in Death Valley: An LSU Game Day Through Students’ Eyes
October 24, 2025
It is a pantheon of concrete and steel. From the fireworks to the band to over 100,000 fans roaring and shaking the stands beneath your feet, it is a magical experience unlike any other. It is a Saturday night in Death Valley. This is the story of that experience—told through the lens of the students who live it.
The March Down Victory Hill
Mike the Tiger waves a flag during the march down Victory Hill.
The spirit of an LSU game day comes alive before fans enter the gates of Tiger Stadium.
Every home game, generations of fans line both sides of the street to watch the Golden Band from Tigerland parade the football team down Victory Hill while playing the Pregame Salute as they head to Tiger Stadium.
Pregame
The Golden Band from Tigerland lines up to lead the LSU Tigers onto the field.
– Photo by Will Bergeron
LSU’s pregame show is one of the most iconic traditions in college football.
The ceremonial buildup of adrenaline when those first four notes of the “Pregame Salute” echo through Tiger Stadium transforms the stadium into pure electricity. The crowd begins to chant “LSU!” with joy as the Golden Band from Tigerland lines up to lead the LSU fighting Tigers onto the field.
The Golden Band from Tigerland
– Photo by Kadence Luu
The Student Section
Mike the Tiger waves a flag during the march down Victory Hill.
– Photo by Will Bergeron
The energy in the student section is electric, no matter who the opponent is.
From purple and gold painted chests to tiger jumpsuits, LSU students love to show up and show out in their game day outfits; it’s all part of the LSU experience.
LSU’s student section is the loudest and most intimidating environment in college football. It is constantly roaring with students from across the nation that share a love for one team, no matter how much of a football fan you are. Even between plays, students continue to chant with the band, high-five, and shout at the top of their lungs, making Death Valley a place where opponents’ dreams come to die.
Fireworks take off on Game Days in Tiger Stadium
– Photo by Will Bergeron
On the Field
Saturday nights in Tiger Stadium are exciting for the fans in the stands and the football players on the field.
Now, it’s time for kick off.
Football players are required to adhere to the rigorous demands of SEC football with year-round practices and workouts, all while maintaining their physical health and well-being, and taking classes.
LSU’s student athletic trainers are highly skilled sports medicine interns who provide medical care and support every gameday. LSU victories rely on their help and expertise.
An LSU student athletic trainer helps stretch a football player
– Photo by Will Bergeron
Spirit Squads
LSU cheerleaders fire up the crowd inside Tiger Stadium.
– Photo by Nick Adams
LSU Spirit Squads bring the energy and pride of Tiger Nation to life at every football game in Tiger Stadium.
The cheerleaders' pride and excitement embody the passion and tradition that make Saturday nights in Death Valley unforgettable.
The LSU cheerleaders and Golden Band from Tigerland perform in Tiger Stadium.
– Photo by Will Bergeron
Halftime Performance
The LSU Golden Girls represent the oldest and most established danceline on the LSU campus.
Time for halftime.
Every home game, the Golden Band from Tigerland curates a halftime performance accompanied by the iconic Golden Girls and Colorguard, all made up of LSU students. Each performance has a different theme, featuring unique student-choreographed dances from the Golden Girls. The Golden Girls are known for combining elements of traditional dance with contemporary choreography, blending precision and grace, making their performance a spectacle that all fans look forward to.
The LSU Tiger Band Colorguard is comprised of approximately 30 individuals out of the 325-member Tiger Marching Band
– Reagan Cotten, LSU Athletics
Mike the Tiger
Mike the Tiger inside Tiger Stadium
Mike the Tiger isn’t just LSU’s mascot—he’s the ultimate fan and spirit leader.
Whether he’s hyping up the crowd in Tiger Stadium on Saturday nights or bringing smiles to students and fans at campus, charity, and community events, Mike’s energy captures what it means to be a Tiger all year long.
Behind the scenes, Team Mike—a dedicated group of LSU students—helps keep the tradition alive. These students manage Mike’s busy schedule, represent LSU with pride, and bring Tiger spirit to every corner of campus. It’s a yearlong commitment filled with excitement, teamwork, and plenty of purple and gold pride.
Alma Mater
The LSU Alma Mater evokes fond memories for generations of students and alumni.
LSU football is more than just a game.
It is about tradition, rituals, and belonging to a community that feels like home. After every victory in Tiger Stadium, the student section shows its school pride by swaying and singing as the band plays the LSU Alma Mater. The words “Forever LSU” can be heard from miles away, creating a sentimental and unifying moment that students and alumni will remember forever.
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