2022 LSU Gumbo - Book - Page 71
There may be over 30,000 students that call Louisiana
State University home right now, but not every single one
can leave a lasting legacy. However, there is a small group of
six students that’s managed to do just that this year.
The Balcony Bengals—a collection of friends from
Baton Rouge—never expected to grow so big and have such
a strong social media presence. What initially started as
a Twitter account grew into something much bigger than
these friends could ever imagine. They started in football
season, tailgating only 15 minutes away from the stadium.
One day, they looked up from their usual spot and noticed
some people up on a balcony. Sooner than later, they ended
up on the balcony having a party, playing music, just how
you would do on any LSU gameday.
A couple weeks passed and the group started to gather a
liking. People would wave up to the balcony and the group
would even chant “GEAUX TIGERS” with fans. The group
is composed of six LSU students: Brandon Barrient, Eli
Coleman, Dean Compton, Myles Diez, Gant Gautreaux and
Jacob Hall, who is more commonly known as “Goatman.”
They decided they needed a name as their following
continued to grow, and Gautreaux came up with “Balcony
Bengals.” Compton got straight to work and made a Gmail
and Twitter account in the middle of Tiger Stadium during
the Central Michigan game. They got a sign made with
their name spray painted on and rolled from there.
“None of this was really planned,” Barrient said. “This
was all by chance and by passion and by sharing our
experiences.”
Not only did they have a strong energy in football
season, but they carried it straight into basketball season, as
well. Having a strong fan presence caught the eye of many
people, including Director of Basketball Operations Nelson
Hernandez, Associate AD of Marketing and Broadcast
Operations Dave Heskin and then-Men’s Basketball Head
Coach Will Wade.
These men were hoping they could lead the way to
revitalize the student section with the Balcony Bengals’
help. The group caught some traction and began to get
noticed by the student section. Its hype video on Twitter
also sent the Balcony Bengals into the public eye. This led
to partnerships with brands including The Jordy Culotta
Show, One Team One Podcast, Fred’s Bar and Modesto.
On a regular day at a basketball game, the first step is to
get there early. The group makes sure it gets a good spot in
the PMAC, and once the six are in, the hour clock seems
to pass fairly quickly. They describe it as pure chaos in the
student section and they like to have a good time. Diez
describes the experience as “electric” and he encourages
everyone to join him and his friends. Absolutely no sitting
down is allowed, and the Balcony Bengals are always found
on their feet.
“My favorite part is the connections we’ve made,”
Coleman said. “I never would have thought three months
ago I would have the contacts I have now. Once you
graduate college and move on, you’ll still have these great
connections.
At the end of the day, the Balcony Bengals are a great
group of friends who share the same passion. They plan
to continue their journey through the baseball season and
show support to women’s athletics, as well. Their biggest
thing is that they’re here with the students, rooting for the
same cause. If you’re here to yell for the Tigers, you’re a
friend of the Balcony Bengals.
Photos by Chynna McClinton
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