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Started By
Message
Do you remember your first game in Tiger Stadium?
Posted on 9/13/13 at 8:32 am
Posted on 9/13/13 at 8:32 am
I apologize for the long message in advance. Feel free to skip it if you don’t like feels.
I've been a lurker for quite some time, and I rarely ever feel compelled to post, but due to some recent events, I feel it's time (for me) to share why I’m a tiger fan with my fellow tiger faithful.
In the spirit of full disclosure, I must admit up front that I had no choice in becoming an LSU fan.
I was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana while my dad was a graduate assistant at LSU (in '86). By all accounts I wasn't an overly bright child, but I do remember realizing when my father was upset.
Some of my very first memories are of my mother carefully pulling LSU shirts and memorabilia out of our kitchen trashcan. She would always wash the shirts and clean the programs the best she could, because she knew it was only a matter of time before my dad would come back offering to give those tigers just one more chance.
Needless to say, my dad was obsessed with LSU football. One of my most cherished memories growing up was the first time I asked my dad if we could go to an LSU game. The '99 season was quickly approaching, and we were living in Memphis at the time. I had way of knowing how really poor we were with my dad being a minister at a small church. But without a moment's hesitation, he shouted, "Yes, we have to!” and to this day I truly believe he never even considered the alternative, despite everything my mother said. I assume she eventually gave her approval, although she reminded me several times that this was a special trip and I would not be getting any souvenirs.
September 4, 1999. A day I’ll never forget.
As we were walking down the hill towards Tiger Stadium, my dad pulled me over to the side from the crowd. He reached inside a white plastic bag and pulled out a brand new LSU football. I couldn’t believe it. Looking back, that football was about as good as any recent Christmas. But the best part was when my dad slowly leaned in and whispered, where only I could hear, “This isn’t just any ordinary football.” I didn’t know what he meant by that, but he had my undivided attention. He said, “This ball could determine whether or not we win the game.” “But how?”, I replied. “Well, get to throw it. And if we catch of the first seven passes we throw to each other, every single one, then LSU will have good luck in the game.” We probably ended up throwing over a hundred passes before we had to go in to the game, and it was so incredibly fun.
As the band made it’s way out onto the field, I stood on the front row of section 105, trying desperately to see over the crowd and take it all in. The crowd, the band, the colors, the smell... It was much more than a thrill or mere excitement; it was something so completely… unique! It was peaceful and nerve racking at the same time. It was joyous and sickening all within seconds... It was pure entertainment, but it was also satisfying… but not just because of the victory.
Yes, LSU did beat San Jose State that night 29-21, behind Rondell Mealey's 158 rushing yds and 2 touchdowns (despite his two fumbles), but honestly, that's not really what I remember about the experience. I remember mimicking the bow to the Chinese Bandits. I remember spelling out T-I-G-E-R-S as loud as I could with every first down. I remember the first time I joined in yelling for the defense on third down. And I remember hugging my dad after the play as if we were the ones who stopped them.
Now, I’m sure this sounds pretty silly to some of you. “It’s only a game”, some say, and they’re mostly right. But for me, I still remember that seventh pass I threw my dad on September 4, 1999. That pass is just as clear as the seventh pass he threw to me outside the chapel on his wedding day, just as clear as the seventh pass I threw him before I got into my car to leave for college, and just as clear as the seventh pass he threw me outside of AT&T Stadium two weeks ago.
We have a very special team this year. Enjoy every minute of it! Because the same as in life, you aren’t promised tomorrow.
TL; DR: GEAUX TIGERS!
I've been a lurker for quite some time, and I rarely ever feel compelled to post, but due to some recent events, I feel it's time (for me) to share why I’m a tiger fan with my fellow tiger faithful.
In the spirit of full disclosure, I must admit up front that I had no choice in becoming an LSU fan.
I was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana while my dad was a graduate assistant at LSU (in '86). By all accounts I wasn't an overly bright child, but I do remember realizing when my father was upset.
Some of my very first memories are of my mother carefully pulling LSU shirts and memorabilia out of our kitchen trashcan. She would always wash the shirts and clean the programs the best she could, because she knew it was only a matter of time before my dad would come back offering to give those tigers just one more chance.
Needless to say, my dad was obsessed with LSU football. One of my most cherished memories growing up was the first time I asked my dad if we could go to an LSU game. The '99 season was quickly approaching, and we were living in Memphis at the time. I had way of knowing how really poor we were with my dad being a minister at a small church. But without a moment's hesitation, he shouted, "Yes, we have to!” and to this day I truly believe he never even considered the alternative, despite everything my mother said. I assume she eventually gave her approval, although she reminded me several times that this was a special trip and I would not be getting any souvenirs.
September 4, 1999. A day I’ll never forget.
As we were walking down the hill towards Tiger Stadium, my dad pulled me over to the side from the crowd. He reached inside a white plastic bag and pulled out a brand new LSU football. I couldn’t believe it. Looking back, that football was about as good as any recent Christmas. But the best part was when my dad slowly leaned in and whispered, where only I could hear, “This isn’t just any ordinary football.” I didn’t know what he meant by that, but he had my undivided attention. He said, “This ball could determine whether or not we win the game.” “But how?”, I replied. “Well, get to throw it. And if we catch of the first seven passes we throw to each other, every single one, then LSU will have good luck in the game.” We probably ended up throwing over a hundred passes before we had to go in to the game, and it was so incredibly fun.
As the band made it’s way out onto the field, I stood on the front row of section 105, trying desperately to see over the crowd and take it all in. The crowd, the band, the colors, the smell... It was much more than a thrill or mere excitement; it was something so completely… unique! It was peaceful and nerve racking at the same time. It was joyous and sickening all within seconds... It was pure entertainment, but it was also satisfying… but not just because of the victory.
Yes, LSU did beat San Jose State that night 29-21, behind Rondell Mealey's 158 rushing yds and 2 touchdowns (despite his two fumbles), but honestly, that's not really what I remember about the experience. I remember mimicking the bow to the Chinese Bandits. I remember spelling out T-I-G-E-R-S as loud as I could with every first down. I remember the first time I joined in yelling for the defense on third down. And I remember hugging my dad after the play as if we were the ones who stopped them.
Now, I’m sure this sounds pretty silly to some of you. “It’s only a game”, some say, and they’re mostly right. But for me, I still remember that seventh pass I threw my dad on September 4, 1999. That pass is just as clear as the seventh pass he threw to me outside the chapel on his wedding day, just as clear as the seventh pass I threw him before I got into my car to leave for college, and just as clear as the seventh pass he threw me outside of AT&T Stadium two weeks ago.
We have a very special team this year. Enjoy every minute of it! Because the same as in life, you aren’t promised tomorrow.
TL; DR: GEAUX TIGERS!
Posted on 9/13/13 at 8:33 am to Purple Tiger 20
Washington vs. LSU - 1983
Posted on 9/13/13 at 8:34 am to Purple Tiger 20
quote:
In the spirit of full disclosure, I must admit up front that I had no choice in becoming an LSU fan.
You don't possess free will?
Posted on 9/13/13 at 8:35 am to udtiger
quote:
Washington vs. LSU - 1983
this was mine too
Posted on 9/13/13 at 8:35 am to Tommy Patel
Sept 8th, 1990
LSU 18
Georgia 13
LSU 18
Georgia 13
Posted on 9/13/13 at 8:36 am to Purple Tiger 20
LSU vs Aurburn '88. I was 7, went with my dad. Found the stub on here not too long ago, framed it and gave it to my dad this past Father's Day. Csb blah blah.
Posted on 9/13/13 at 8:36 am to Purple Tiger 20
quote:
Do you remember your first game in Tiger Stadium?
Of course
Posted on 9/13/13 at 8:36 am to Purple Tiger 20
Your dad was re married? Your story builds well but is kind of confusing. You may want to re read it.
Posted on 9/13/13 at 8:38 am to Purple Tiger 20
Colorado St. 1992. Bought 2 tickets off a guy for $20. Hallman's Tigers we 14 pt faves and got housed by 21. Awesome.
My first experience with LSU football though was my 8th grade team playing U high. We got to watch LSU practice and got to meet the players after. Hodson, Andolsek, Wendell Davis, etc... Dave Browndyke gave me a wrist band.
My first experience with LSU football though was my 8th grade team playing U high. We got to watch LSU practice and got to meet the players after. Hodson, Andolsek, Wendell Davis, etc... Dave Browndyke gave me a wrist band.
Posted on 9/13/13 at 8:38 am to udtiger
quote:Same.
Washington vs. LSU - 1983
Posted on 9/13/13 at 8:39 am to Purple Tiger 20
Pretty sure it was an LSU Vandy game. i'd have to look back at the schedule to see when we played them at home, but it would have been around 1975 or 1976.
Posted on 9/13/13 at 8:40 am to Purple Tiger 20
1995 vs Arkansas. 28-0 win!
Posted on 9/13/13 at 8:45 am to Purple Tiger 20
LSU vs Florida State in 1982. Hilliard and James freshman year and the students threw oranges on the field at the end of the game because we wrapped an Orange Bowl berth with the win. Great game!
This post was edited on 9/13/13 at 8:46 am
Posted on 9/13/13 at 8:45 am to dpd901
quote:That game sucked, for sure.
Colorado St. 1992
My first game was Mississippi St. in 1968.
Posted on 9/13/13 at 8:48 am to Purple Tiger 20
Think I got something stuck in my eye....
Reminds me of my first LSU game with my Dad at age 6. Oct. 25, 1969. LSU 21 Auburn 20
You're right. You do remember everything. The smells, the sights and sounds. I remember riding up Airline Highway with my Dad and the State Trooper's son past the Snake Farm, Bluebird's and Hoppers.
I remember the huge shell parking lot in the South end. (It had to be the south end because there were poles, not roman arches :) The end zone was painted orange with big blue letters.
And we scored on the first play of the game. I thought my little ears were going to explode :)
Reminds me of my first LSU game with my Dad at age 6. Oct. 25, 1969. LSU 21 Auburn 20
You're right. You do remember everything. The smells, the sights and sounds. I remember riding up Airline Highway with my Dad and the State Trooper's son past the Snake Farm, Bluebird's and Hoppers.
I remember the huge shell parking lot in the South end. (It had to be the south end because there were poles, not roman arches :) The end zone was painted orange with big blue letters.
And we scored on the first play of the game. I thought my little ears were going to explode :)
Posted on 9/13/13 at 8:49 am to Purple Tiger 20
LSU vs. Wake Forest - 1978. I still have the pennant my folks bought me hanging on my wall at work.
Posted on 9/13/13 at 8:52 am to Purple Tiger 20
It was sometime during Stovall's coaching tenure. All I remeber is LSU lost and some guy was trying to rally support in the stands to go and kill him.
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