Make the Most of LSU Football Weekends in Baton Rouge
Whether donning purple and gold to cheer on the LSU Tigers or traveling with the visiting team, Baton Rouge has much to offer fall football fans all season long.
Here’s what you need to know when visiting Baton Rouge this weekend.
Where to stay:
Accommodations are likely to fill up fast for home game weekends, but the downtown area, with hotels such as the Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center, Hotel Indigo Baton Rouge, and The Watermark, is an ideal location for access to the weekend's activities. Sonesta ES Suites Baton Rouge is within walking distance of the LSU campus. There are also a variety of hotels along the College Drive and Acadian corridors.
Beyond the ballgame:
Arrive in town on Friday and head to the downtown area, where you can park the car once and spend the day on foot exploring attractions such as the Louisiana Art & Science Museum, the Capitol Park Museum, and both the new and old Louisiana State Capitol Buildings.
As the day winds down, head to City Hall Plaza downtown for the free concert series, Live After Five. This eight-week, family-friendly series runs on Fridays in the fall and features different bands playing everything from zydeco to funk and soul. Food and beverages are also available.
Find more live music at Third Street’s bars, popular among the college and young professional sets. Or stop by the Shaw Center for the Arts and catch a show at Manship Theatre. The entertainment venue for live music, theatre and dance also screens a mix of independent, art and family films.
Where to Dine:
While at the downtown, head up to Tsunami. This rooftop sushi restaurant has a great outdoor patio for drinks and views of the Mississippi River.
Just a short ride from downtown, the Mid-City Arts and Entertainment District is thriving with restaurant options. Head over to Government Street and pop into Elsie's Plate & Pie for homemade savory and sweet pies, among other local delicacies. Or try Rocca Pizzeria for Italian fare blended with some Louisiana kick. If you're looking for a great, classic burger, check out Curbside - and stay for the live music! And if you're a vegetarian or vegan, MJ's Café is a must-try for fresh, farm-to-table, plant-based meals.
Before game day tailgating kicks off, head to Coffee Call for a beignet breakfast. Other options for dining before or after the game include The Chimes outside the North Gates of LSU, TJ Ribs, and Louie's Cafe - which is available for 24-hour grub. The Perkins Road Overpass also offers a mix of locally owned bars and boutiques good for passing the time on game day.
Do This on Game Day:
Even if you don’t have a ticket to the game, you can take part in the festivities. Stroll through campus on North Stadium Drive, and don’t miss watching the players walk down Victory Hill. Later, the band marches down Victory Hill while playing “Hold That Tiger-Pregame.” While you’re there, don't miss the chance to stop by and see Mike VII, LSU's live tiger mascot.
Where to Park:
Find free public parking in the Hayfield and Levee lots off of River Road and Gourrier Avenue.
A complete LSU football schedule is available here.
