BATON ROUGE — LSU leaders say fans should expect noticeable changes to parking, tailgating, and law enforcement presence at future football games following a series of violent incidents on and around campus this fall. Most notably, pregame traffic changes will go into effect starting at 2:30 p.m. Fans should plan to arrive as early as possible and expect delays in abnormal areas with redirected traffic patterns. Those attending the game should plan to enter the stadium in a timely fashion, as fans will notice increased security and diligent checking at gate entry. (More specifics on changes are below)
LSU Board Chairman Scott Ballard and Interim President Matt Lee joined local law enforcement officials to outline new security measures that will take effect ahead of the Tigers’ next home game on October 25 against Texas A&M.
The changes come days after Governor Jeff Landry ordered Louisiana State Police to assist LSU Police, Baton Rouge Police, and the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office in developing a more aggressive game day security plan. Two shootings and a riot near campus last weekend, the latest in a string of violent incidents this season, prompted the move.
MORE: Gov. Landry orders stronger law enforcement presence at LSU football games after campus violence
“Recent events have reminded us that we must always remain vigilant, and it is because of this that we are strengthening our security plan,” Ballard said.
What’s changing for fans
Among the most immediate changes:
- Tighter access to campus: Vehicles without an LSU parking permit will no longer be allowed to enter campus from Highland Road on game days. University officials said more details about traffic routes will be released soon.
- Fenced-off areas: The popular Unity Field tailgating area at Highland Road and South Stadium Drive will be fenced off indefinitely. LSU officials said the area has been the source of “significant issues,” including recent firearm-related incidents.
- Increased police presence: Fans will see more uniformed officers around campus and inside tailgate areas, aided by new surveillance technology aimed at identifying and responding to problems faster.
- Stricter enforcement: Police will take a “proactive” approach to addressing underage drinking, overly loud or explicit music, and unruly crowds.
- Smoke-free enforcement: LSU reiterated that it is a smoke-free campus and said officers will be patrolling for marijuana use. Those caught smoking or carrying illegal amounts could face arrest.
- Firearm restrictions: As a reminder, LSU remains a firearm-free zone, with exceptions only for law enforcement officers.
- Rushing the field: Postgame access to the field at Tiger Stadium is strictly prohibited, and doing so will result in a $500,000 fine for LSU to be paid directly to the opposing team. Those who seek to inappropriately access the field postgame will be subject to arrest and prosecution.
“Tailgating is a big part of the gameday experience, and we want people to have fun,” Ballard said. “But if your tailgate is interfering with others, law enforcement will be paying you a visit.”
Lee added that while the changes may feel strict, they’re meant to ensure a safe environment. “Our priority is a premier gameday experience for those who are attending the game,” he said.
MORE: Riot and double shooting under investigation underway at LSU
MORE: Fight leads to shots fired near LSU’s Law Center
A response to growing safety concerns
The new measures follow a tumultuous few weeks for LSU.
On Saturday, a double shooting near campus injured two people, just hours after a riot broke out near Highland Road and State Street. Earlier in the season, shots were fired near LSU’s Law Center during the LSU–Florida game, and a separate self-inflicted shooting occurred last weekend.
Traffic & Permit changes
Beginning at 2:30 PM, non-permitted traffic will be directed around campus to free parking lots at the following locations:
- Highland Rd @ W Parker – northbound traffic diverted down Parker to Burbank to free parking areas
- S Stadium/ W Parker/ W Lakeshore – westbound traffic diverted to W Lakeshore Dr or Parker across to Burbank to free parking areas
- Dalrymple Dr @ State St – westbound traffic diverted to Highland Rd northbound to Aster St and W Roosevelt St to filter to River Rd to free parking areas
- Highland Rd @ W Roosevelt St – southbound traffic diverted onto W Roosevelt and filtered to River Rd to free parking
- South Quad @ Nicholson – will be closed to permits only
If you arrive within four hours of kickoff and do not have a parking permit, the only potential free parking options will be along the Gourrier Avenue corridor.
For those with permits, in-bound driving directions and traffic flow have NOT changed. Please have your parking passes out and clearly displayed before arriving to campus. Additionally, follow all police traffic instructions when directed as both practices will speed up traffic flow.
Gameday Safety
There will be an increased law enforcement presence on campus.
LSU is designated a firearm-free zone by law. This will be strictly enforced by law enforcement on campus and in Tiger Stadium.
“Possession of a firearm or weapon is strictly forbidden. Possession of a weapon will result in immediate confiscation, ejection and/or possible arrest. Law enforcement officers that do not have jurisdiction in East Baton Rouge Parish will not be permitted to carry weapons inside the facility,” LSU said in a news release.
Text Help Line
If there is an issue to report on gameday, fans are highly encouraged to utilize the text help line by texting “LSU” followed by your issue and location to 69050 for assistance from event staff.
The text line is available both pregame and during the game, and begins being monitored at 10 a.m. on gamedays.
69050 is a short code, meaning your message will go through even if you’re not connected to Wi-Fi or if the cellular network is busy. Call 911 in case of an emergency.
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