re: Advise for 1st time visitor (LSU-BAMA)

If you're heading to NOLA sunday and go early enough, the Saints play a home game at noon vs Seattle. Even if you're not going to the game, Champion Square right outside the Superdome is a good NFL pregame experience and its within walking distance of the French Quarter. Plenty of bars to catch the game at downtown and in the Quarter. I'm not a fan of Bourbon St but theres bars and strip clubs there. Check out Frenchmen St (the 2 blocks nearest to the river and Decatur Sr). Theres a bunch of nice live music places and nicer bars to hangout in. Check out French Market area for touristy souvenoirs. Plenty of good places to eat all around downtown and FQ, but I'd recommend making sure to try Drago's in the Hilton hotel and get some charbroiled oysters, and Cafe du Monde for some beignets.

Edit: Disregard part about Champion Square and Saints pregame....I'm thinking of Saints vs Seahawks game this weekend coming, not next week. Saints are on the road weekend of Bama game.

Posted this in another thread. Several good options for game day, but a good Game day plan:

Get to campus early 9:30-10:00 AM latest and have the game day itinerary in your phone or on hand.

Drive by TD village RV parking on Nicholson Extension to see the RVs parked for as far as you can look out with plumes of smoke from grills and pots filling the air between the flags flying with school colors. My Brother-in-law couldn't believe it when I drove him by it for his first game (He's from Boise).

I would make my way to the north gates of campus and hit Chimes around 10:30-11:00AM for appetizers and a cold draft beer. You could try some alligator, boudin balls and/or crawfish macaroni or even a boudin omelet and a bloody Mary.

Then walk through the north gates of campus south on highland to the parade grounds to view/enjoy some of the tailgating and partying and grab some food/drink.

I would next suggest walking between/around the indian mounds through more tailgating in that area. Then walk down the hill of North Stadium Dr. to see Mike's habitat (even though he's gone it's still cool to see) and there will likely be a band playing that starts around 3PM in front of PMAC. Then loop around south of the stadium through lot 101 and see the South Stadium Dr area tailgating.

Get back to the PMAC area to watch the LSU band come down the hill. After watching The Golden Band From Tiger Land play go back to a friendly tailgate to get a good drink before entering the stadium 45 minutes to an hour before kickoff.

If you're drinking, don't overdo it and miss out on the atmosphere of pregame, and you may want to pack an energy drink and consume before entering the stadium. Also may want to smuggle enough for a drink to avoid a headache in the second half (small flexible flask in the underwear).

Enjoy the entire pregame experience and be ready to feel Tiger Stadium. It's truly alive when its full on. It's like a carnival, circus and a gladiator colosseum with choreographed cheers.

Between plays pay attention to the band area and student section when it's rocking, and be sure to scream like a psychopath when the Tigers are playing defense.

Also, GET BRUNCH IN NOLA.

There are literally countless places to get awesome brunch, but I'll suggest Brick & Spoon. The build-your-own-bloodys are amazing.

I'd recommend renting a truck and arrive on campus Friday night drink til 2am.

Nap in truck and repeat at 6am