LSU Encourages Community to Welcome South Carolina Fans and Team

Support the relief efforts through the Red Cross

10/08/2015

BATON ROUGE – Ten years ago, LSU was forced to move a home football game to Arizona State University and the Sun Devil community welcomed Tiger fans with open arms. Now, with the LSU vs. South Carolina game being moved to Baton Rouge, Tiger fans get to show the same hospitality to Gamecock fans.

“South Carolina is facing a tragic situation right now, and we want to show our support for them by welcoming their fans and team to Baton Rouge,” said LSU President F. King Alexander. “Unfortunately, our community can closely relate to what South Carolina is facing right now, and we want to do everything we can to make them feel welcome and provide some sense of normalcy during this time.”

South Carolina will serve as the home team on Saturday in Tiger Stadium for game, which kicks off at 2:30 p.m. CDT. The Golden Band from Tigerland is learning some of South Carolina’s songs, and LSU Athletics is looking for other ways to make Tiger Stadium feel more like home for the South Carolina Team and fans.

“We ask the Baton Rouge community to be welcoming and courteous, and if you are able to, please support the relief efforts in any way you can,” Alexander said.

In times of need, many individuals and groups wish to help, including the LSU community. Currently, the most effective way to assist is by providing monetary donations, which enable organizations to meet changing needs in affected areas more quickly and efficiently.

LSU will encourage monetary donations to the American Red Cross at this Saturday’s football game in Tiger Stadium. Volunteers will be on hand at entrance gates to collect donations. Individuals can make online contributions to the Red Cross as well. Visit www.redcross.org/news/article/Red-Cross-Works-Day-and-Night-to-Help-Flood-Victims for more details.

All proceeds generated from ticket sales, minus the expenses that LSU incurs for hosting the game, will be given to South Carolina.

Prior to the game, LSU Student Government will host a ceremonial transferring of the keys to Tiger Stadium to South Carolina’s Student Government. Student Government representatives from both schools will enter the stadium at 1:30 p.m.

To foster a home-team environment and welcome South Carolina fans, LSU will also host a tailgate for all South Carolina and LSU fans from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on the LSU Parade Ground. Free food and non-alcoholic beverages will be served. South Carolina students traveling to Baton Rouge for the game are encouraged to contact LSU Student Government at sg@lsu.edu for more details.

To learn more about the response and recovery effort, and the needs of South Carolinians, follow @UofSCRelief on Twitter.

Contact Ernie Ballard

LSU Media Relations

225-578-5685

eballa1@lsu.edu