Tailgating in Louisiana Guide
Learn how to tailgate like an expert with this roundup.
At a Glance
- Popular football teams to tailgate in Louisiana include the Louisiana State University Tigers, Louisiana Tech University Bulldogs, Grambling State University Tigers, Tulane University Green Wave and the New Orleans Saints.
- Popular activities while tailgating in Louisiana include dressing in the team's colors, cooking up Southern foods, playing music and enjoying the local community.
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.
Louisiana’s Top Football Teams
Whether it’s the Who Dat Nation proudly cheering on the New Orleans Saints or passionate alumni rooting for our college teams, Louisiana loves football. Learn a bit about some of our top teams.
Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge
Mascot: Tigers
Did You Know: LSU's current live tiger mascot, Mike VII, arrived at his state-of-the-art habitat on campus on Aug. 15, 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 Sports Bistreaux is located around the corner from Tiger Stadium, and their tailgates and post-game concerts are not to be missed.
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. Today, Robertson's 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, étouffée and po’boys.
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.
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 year-round!
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 75,000, 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 Sports Bistreaux, or sample elevated Louisiana fare like chili-glazed shrimp and grits, pepper jack boudin or catfish po’boys.
LSU's Tiger Stadium
Grambling State football player
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.
- New Orleans 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 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is tailgating like in Louisiana?
Tailgating in Louisiana is a full-day social tradition centered around food, music, and community. Fans gather hours before kickoff to cook, socialize, and celebrate team spirit across college and professional sports venues throughout the state.
When should I arrive for a Louisiana tailgate?
Most tailgaters arrive early in the morning, often 4–6 hours before kickoff to secure a good spot, set up equipment and enjoy the full pre-game atmosphere. Popular venues like LSU can fill up even earlier on major game days.
What foods are commonly served at Louisiana tailgates?
Typical Louisiana tailgate menus include Cajun and Creole favorites like jambalaya, gumbo, étouffée and boudin, alongside traditional game-day foods such as burgers, wings, chips and dips.
What should I bring to a tailgate in Louisiana?
Essential items include a grill, cooler with ice, portable table and chairs, tent or canopy, plates and utensils, napkins, trash bags and a separate speaker for music. Many fans also bring lawn games like cornhole.
Are Louisiana tailgates family-friendly?
Yes! Most tailgates are welcoming, community-focused environments where families, alumni and students gather together. Many areas include games, music and food suitable for all ages.
Do I need tickets to join a tailgate in Louisiana?
Not always. Many tailgating areas on or near campuses are open to the public, though some reserved or donor-specific lots may require permits or parking passes depending on the venue.
What teams are popular for tailgating in Louisiana?
Major tailgating cultures revolve around the New Orleans Saints, LSU Tigers, Tulane Green Wave, and other collegiate programs such as Louisiana Tech, Southern University and Grambling State.
