“BA BA BUM BUM” 

Those four notes are the first to ring out in Tiger Stadium, sending chills down the spines of fans and the Louisiana State University cheerleading team. The traditions on game day at LSU are like no other and cheering for the Tigers is an experience that is indescribable.

Varsity TV had the pleasure of following the Tiger cheer team on game day as they faced off against Northwestern State. From the Parade Down Victory Hill, to the Alma Mater in the 4th quarter, the energy and school pride never stop! We were able to experience first-hand what makes their game day so special.

Senior, Raul Vazquez says it is the fans that make LSU game day so special. “They create an atmosphere that is so unique, Louisiana people are crazy, and they go crazy for everything,” Raul said. “It’s definitely an adrenaline rush, it’s really hard to describe because you just have to experience it." 

"There is no way to say it other than LSU game day and LSU football are something so special.”  

LSU traditions include much more than the crazy Cajun fans. Before every LSU home football game, the Tiger Stadium speakers blast 'Callin’ Baton Rouge' with all 102,321 fans singing along. The cheerleaders “dosey doe” with each other while in shoulder stands.

For sophomore Shannon Coulon, this signifies an unmatched tradition. “When 'Callin’ Baton Rouge' and 'Louisiana Saturday Night' come on, you get butterflies in your stomach,” Shannon said. “The feeling of unity and the feeling of family is truly one of a kind.”

With these traditions, the LSU Cheerleading team is held to a high standard by the university, alumni, fans, and coaches. 

“We are here to represent LSU. We are the spirit behind the letters.” - Spirit Director/Coach Pauline Zernott

No matter where they GEAUX, generations of LSU cheerleaders will be able to look back at their time cheering when “the sun has set in the Western sky, and it’s Saturday Night in Death Valley” with those special kinds of memories that give you the chills.

Written By: Madeline Bassett