This is all you'll ever get...: Geaux Tigers

Panoramic view of Tiger Stadium/Death Valley (click to view a larger image)

I've now been to all four LSU Tigers (that's the LSU American Football team) home games so far this season at Tiger Stadium/Death Valley. The stadium is massive, seating 92,542 people, and it sells out for every single game. So far this season the LSU Tigers are undefeated, have destroyed almost every team they have played, and are ranked #1 in the entire country. People in Louisiana are extremely passionate about football, just like we are about rugby in New Zealand, and LSU has a proud tradition, having won the national championship three times, in 1958, 2003, and 2007. This year there is a real possibility that they could do it again. However, their next game is away from home against #2 ranked University of Alabama, which should be their biggest test so far this year. If they win then they should be on track to go to the championship game in late December.

The games I have been to so far have been a lot of fun. Before the game most people go "tailgating" which is basically just setting up a marquee and having a BBQ and a few beers. Campus is usually buzzing on game day with all the people who come to watch. The university has a huge marching band (must be around 200 people) who play before and during the game, and who lead the student section of the stadium in their LSU chants. Sadly, I'm yet to see a close game as we have won every one so far by around 30 or more points. Inside the stadium it can be very loud and the atmosphere is electric at times (almost as good as when watching an exciting run chase in cricket), but I'm sure that during a close game it will be at its best. I'm sure I will get to experience it at some point while I'm here as I intend to go to as many games as I can.

As for American football itself, I definitely enjoy the game. It's exciting, there's a lot of big hits, and a high level of skill involved also. However, I wish there weren't so many breaks during the game; a game which has only 60 minutes of actual playing time should not take over three hours to finish!

Below are a few pictures from the various games I've been to so far: