Last weekend, I took my first trip to LSU. We drove the
whole way because airline tickets were only slightly less expensive than hiring
a private jet. Seriously, don’t even get me started on air-travel, but I digress.
I had heard all sort of stories about how horrible LSU fans were. I had heard they
threw AA batteries down on opposing fans from above, threw pee-filled water-ballons,
and were generally rowdy, rude drunks. I wasn't really worried about a
confrontation, but I was slightly apprehensive that I would face a bunch of
rude folks who would spoil a great tailgate and game.
I tailgated over by the law school and walked all over
campus. Everywhere I went, people were nice, polite, and after a "tiger
bait" chant, which was not really in a mean spirit, I had great
conversations with folks. LSU fans were generous with their food, were
knowledgeable about the game, and were really polite. One student even gave me a
koozie right off his beer because he wanted me to keep it as a souvenir. Off
his own beer.
I walked all over the parade grounds, went to the student
union, and over to The Chimes before heading to the stadium, so I got a good
cross-section of the fans. Young, old, everyone. They couldn’t have been nicer.
Now granted, I wasn’t out there talking a bunch of trash. Mostly, when I would
ask advice on where to go, the LSU folks really wanted me to feel at home and
have a great time. One little old lady (who was drinking a Bloody Mary the size
of a small car) kept telling me “You’re in the Old South now, dear. You’re our
guest.” It was certainly borne out. Everyone was great.
As for the game experience – the stadium was loud. Wow. I
was sitting way up in the cheap seats and I had to scream to Mrs. Permanent
Press (sitting right next to me) to discuss the plays. I cannot imagine how
loud it must have been down lower where the sound would concentrate. That stadium
came alive that night, and the energy went right to the LSU players.
I wish that we could have stopped LSU's first down running
more, but we couldn't. That was the difference in the game (overall), and
that's how it usually goes in the SEC. If you win the battle in the trenches,
you win. That's what happened. Sometimes you just have to tip your cap to the other team.
If any LSU fans make the trip to Columbia next time, I'll
be sure to check back here and offer my thoughts on where to go and what to do.
Heck, I may even give an LSU fan my ol' Gamecock Koozie. Maybe.
Thanks to all the great LSU fans for making my first trip to Tiger Stadium a great
one.
The view from my seats. |
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