Tailgating Time in Louisiana
Learn how to tailgate like an expert with this roundup.
Tailgating in Louisiana this fall? Learn about football culture in the South, Louisiana’s SEC legacy and how to set up the perfect tailgate.
Explore Our Top Tailgating Resources:
Few events are as fun as a Southern tailgate — especially in Louisiana. These all-day affairs blend the best of our state’s communal culture: From enjoying good food and fun to celebrating friendly rivalries, we know how to bring the spirit.
Louisiana’s Top Football Teams
Whether it’s the Who Dat Nation proudly cheering the New Orleans Saints or passionate alumni rooting for our college teams, Louisiana loves football. Learn a bit about some of our top teams.
1. Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge
Mascot: Tigers
Did You Know: LSU's most recent live tiger mascot, Mike VII, arrived at his state-of-the-art habitat on campus on Aug. 21, 2017, at just 11 months old. Tailgaters can visit Mike and see him splashing in the water, playing with his ball or taking a snooze.
Where to Celebrate a Victory: Walk-On's Bistreaux and Bar is located around the corner from Tiger Stadium, and their tailgates and post-game concerts are not to miss.
2. Louisiana Tech University, Ruston
Mascot: Bulldogs
Did You Know: In the 1960s, NFL great Terry Bradshaw played second-string quarterback behind Phil Robertson at Louisiana Tech. Robertson gave up the game with a year of eligibility left to pursue his passion for duck hunting. His family can be seen on A&E’s Duck Dynasty.
Where to Celebrate a Victory: After enjoying all that downtown has to offer, head to Ponchatoulas, where you can savor authentic Louisiana cuisine — think gumbo, etouffee and po’boys.
3. Grambling State University, Grambling
Mascot: Tigers
Did You Know: Leaving your seat at halftime is a big mistake. The World-Famed GSU Tiger Marching Band is known for putting on a high-stepping, exciting show. Wait to get your snack and drink, or you’ll be sorry.
Where to Celebrate a Victory: Just minutes from Grambling's campus, head to downtown Ruston for a nice selection of restaurants with beers, game-day eats and patio seating.
4. Tulane University, New Orleans
Mascot: Green Wave/Riptide the Pelican
Did You Know: Yulman Stadium is home to Tulane Green Wave football and is located on the university's Uptown campus in New Orleans. This stadium features two elevated club decks with several bars and more than 30,000 seats. Catch a home game for a chance to see the Tulane University Marching Band in action and to witness the antics of Riptide the Pelican, the school’s mascot.
Where to Celebrate a Victory: Just a few minutes away from Tulane’s campus is Snake and Jake’s Christmas Club Lounge. Yes – you heard that right. It’s a dive bar that’s Christmas-themed all year round!
5. New Orleans Saints, New Orleans
Mascot: Sir Saint and Gumbo the Dog
Did You Know: Caesars Superdome is home to the New Orleans Saints and has hosted the Super Bowl, the College Football Playoff National Championship game, the famous Bayou Classic held each November and the annual Allstate Sugar Bowl held in January. With a seating capacity near 80,000, this stadium is a great spot to catch a game between the Saints and their most famous opponents, like the Atlanta Falcons and the Carolina Panthers.
Where to Celebrate a Victory: Share a round at Walk-On's Bistreaux & Bar, or sample elevated Louisiana fare like chili-glazed shrimp and grits, pepper jack boudin or catfish po’boys.
Head to Louisiana State University for an unforgettable SEC football experience.
Come early, get loud and stay late! It's football season in Louisiana.
Where to Tailgate in Louisiana
From SEC to college games, here’s where we love to tailgate — and what conference and division you can expect.
- The Saints in New Orleans: National Football League (NFL)
- Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge: Southeastern Conference (SEC)
- Tulane University in New Orleans: American Athletic Conference (AAC)
- Grambling State University: Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC)
- University of Louisiana at Monroe: Sun Belt Conference
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette: Sun Belt Conference
- Louisiana Tech University in Ruston: Conference USA
- Northwestern State University in Natchitoches: Southland Conference
- Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond: Southland Conference
- Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge: Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC)
Top 5 Tailgating Tips
- Dress the part: Game days in Louisiana call for a proper outfit. Dress like a local and wear your team’s colors, making note of any specific game-day requests. Since most teams have two signature colors (and since some teams have seasonal white-out and blackout games), double-check the institution’s football calendar for reference. Shop locally throughout the state to find game-day outfits.
- Plan a menu: Keep it simple for ease. If you’re grilling, opt for finger foods, like burgers or hot dogs. Keep chilled foods to a minimum on hot days, bring a well-insulated cooler and pack extra trash bags.
- Remember the essentials: Since you’ll be outside for most of the day, pack essentials like hats, sunglasses and sunscreen. You’ll want to bring chairs, portable fans and refillable water bottles, too.
- Choose nearby accommodations: Making a weekend out of it? Stay near your stadium of choice.
- Respect the Rules: Each facility has different safety rules in place. Be mindful of rules around grilling, alcoholic beverages and clear bag policies.
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