2022 LSU Gumbo - Book - Page 69
After three years off campus, LSU’s fraternities returned
to the Parade Grounds on Saturdays to tailgate before
home football games. The weekend of Sept. 18 kicked off
the return of the rich tradition after a long hiatus before
the Tigers’ first home game of the season against Central
Michigan.
Since fall of 2018, LSU has limited tailgating to the fields
near University High and University Laboratory School.
Following the tragic death of Max Gruver at the hands
of senseless hazing, LSU banned Greek chapters from
tailgating on the Parade Grounds. This was also due to lack
of security that was willing to work the day-long event.
Students, especially in Greek life at LSU, were especially
eager to return to their known tailgating spot. With
16 fraternities posted with tents, the parade grounds
were filled. LSUPD officers were present and made sure
everything was always OK.
“I came to some parade ground tailgates before I was a
student,” junior Delta Chi member Campbell Owen said. “I
think it was a lot of fun, it was cool having everyone in one
spot.”
To keep campus clean, LSU’s Facility Services
Department distributes trash bags throughout campus on
game days.
“The Parade Ground is a central location that gives us
the best opportunity to offer adequate security and facilities
to all the student organizations holding tailgates on game
days.” LSU Media Relations Director Ernie Ballard said via
Twitter.
While the vaccine policy stood in place for entrance to
the stadium, the outdoor tailgating event did not have a
restriction on whether attendees were vaccinated or not.
Tailgating can begin as early as the Friday before game day
at 5 p.m. Even for games starting at 11 a.m., LSU students
did not fail to make it out and tailgate before cheering on
the Tigers.
Photos by Peter Nguyen
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