Letter from Joe Alleva - Parking and TAF Leadership Changes

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Dear Tiger Fan,

Just over two weeks remain before we kick off the 2014 football season against Wisconsin, and Les Miles, his staff and players are engaged in the grueling August preparation necessary for success at the highest level. It’s amazing that Coach Miles is already entering his 10th season at LSU – the Tigers have a remarkable 95 wins during the nine-season Miles Era, the most in the SEC and the second-most in the nation during that time span. Like you, I can’t wait to watch the intensity, drama and excitement of the upcoming season unfold.

CHANGING OF THE GUARD
As you know, the Tiger Athletic Foundation is a non-profit organization that supports our athletic program through the generous donations of LSU fans worldwide. Last month, the TAF announced changes in its leadership structure, as Major General Ron Richard stepped down as President and CEO of the organization. I know you’ll join me in expressing our sincere gratitude to General Richard for his tremendous service to LSU and the TAF for the past 12 years. During the General’s term, LSU has experienced tremendous growth in its athletic facilities with the completion of several vital projects, including the Cox Communications Center for Student Athletes, the Football Operations Center, the West Side addition to Tiger Stadium, the opening of the New Alex Box Stadium and, most recently, the South End Zone expansion of Tiger Stadium. These and many other projects are part of General Richard’s enduring legacy at LSU.
Fortunately, the General is transferring the TAF reins into the extremely capable hands of Rick Perry, who takes over as President and CEO after serving as Senior Vice-President. Rick is an LSU alumnus who has worked in the TAF for the past 27 years, and he has played an integral role in the evolution of Fighting Tiger Athletics. Rick exemplifies excellence in everything that he does, and he has established important relationships with LSU supporters from all parts of the world. I’m confident his passion for our athletic program will help raise TAF to even greater heights.

SAFETY FIRST
Last week we announced some adjustments to our football parking and traffic policies for the 2014 season that we believe will ease both pregame and postgame traffic congestion. The safety of everyone who visits our campus was a primary concern in formulating the new policies, and they address safety issues while helping to create a more pleasant gameday experience for all Tiger fans. The changes were made after a series of meetings with a consultant group that carefully studied our traffic and parking issues during the 2013 season. I certainly understand how important effective traffic and parking policies are to all of you, and we feel these changes will enhance your enjoyment of fall Saturdays.
Some of the most prominent changes involve Nicholson Drive - southbound traffic on Nicholson Drive/Highway 30 will be contraflowed (all lanes in use) from south of Skip Bertman Drive to Bluebonnet Drive. In addition, for safety concerns, street parking will not be allowed on Nicholson Drive/Highway 30 and Burbank Drive south of Skip Bertman Drive. Tailgating is still allowed in the grass areas adjacent to Nicholson Drive, however, vehicles will not be allowed to park in this area.

Significantly, LSU Athletics and the Tiger Athletic Foundation have made substantial investments in additional parking areas for the 2014 season, which includes the addition of 2,300 new parking spaces.

We will increase pregame communication to fans with suggested incoming routes, current conditions, and any midseason adjustments made to our traffic plan. Fans will be notified by email and through social media. I also encourage you to visit www.LSUsports.net/parking so that you may review all of the updated parking and traffic policies.
100,000 STRONG

We look forward to seeing you on campus September 6 for the home opener versus Sam Houston State. Tiger Stadium will roar as never before as it becomes the fifth-largest on-campus stadium in America with a capacity of 102,321!

As always, we welcome your comments at athletics@lsu.edu. Unfortunately we cannot answer every e-mail we receive, but please be assured they are all read.


Geaux Tigers!
Joe Alleva
Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics

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