First LSU Game - Advice Appreciated!

I don't know where you are from but it is going to be HOT.

Skip the opener and go to an SEC game

It's going to be incredibly hot or wet, or both. The fans will be very excited because it's the home opener, but the in game atmosphere will probably diminish quickly simply because of the opponent. That's not to dissuade you from coming, but just be mindful of the fact you are not getting the A level Tiger Stadium atmosphere.

That said, most will tell you to spend Friday night in New Orleans (about 1 to 1.5 hour drive from Baton Rouge). NOLA certainly has more bars, restaurants and simply a better party atmosphere than BR. However, if you choose to stay in BR, Walk On's right next to the campus has a good atmosphere. Food is ok (not great).

Being that you are in your early 30's, you probably have outgrown the college bar scene. My suggestion would be to go to the Perkins Road overpass area to eat and drink. Maybe start at Parrains for a taste of Louisiana food (notably, seafood). After that you will have a few different bar options within walking/very short uber distance. There are better restaurants in BR, but the Perkins Rd. area will give you the most concentrated group of restaurant/bar choices

On game day I would get to campus at least 4-6 hours before kickoff. Just find any number of large tailgate parties, walk up to the people there and explain your situation (first time visitors). All will welcome you with as much food/drink as you'd like. The people with large tailgates are very proud of their food, school, state and hospitality. They will insist you try everything cooked and that you have as much fun as possible.

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Any recommendations for food and bars Friday night,

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Parrain's is my go-to suggestion for out of towners. Good seafood and atmosphere.

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what we can't miss on tailgate Saturday

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If you go by 99% of tailgates and tell them you're from out of town visiting, they'll set you up with more food and beer than you can handle.

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We are coming in for weekend of the home opener against Georgia Southern.

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First, nearly guaranteed evening kickoff. That allows two things, one - tailgating all day. Two - the option of staying in New Orleans.

Many people stay in New Orleans for LSU games, talking charter busses to and from the game. I don't really recommend this, as it cuts into the gameday experience.

I would recommend staying in Baton Rouge, either at one of the nearby hotels off College and I-10, or at a downtown hotel if you can get a good rate. Downtown Baton Rouge has really made some strides in the entertainment sector in the last ten years or so. I would recommend that scene for the >30 crowd.

Gameday: The Chimes, just outside of campus at the North Gate, is a good place to catch brunch. A lot of local cuisine, and a million beers on tap. It may be a bit crowded, but it's a pretty good way to start the day if you show up when they open (10:00am?). Otherwise what you really want to do is for you and your friends to grab a couple six-packs of beer and just start wandering around campus, focusing on those areas where you see the most people cooking out. You may get mistaken for opposing fans, and get some razzing ("Tiger bait!"), but the best response is to smile, wave, and ask what's cooking that smells so good. When they tell you what they got, offer them a beer for a taste. They will feed you, refuse your beer, and offer you stronger drink more often than not. Complimenting the cook goes a LONG way in Louisiana.

You do this a few times, and you will be well fed, and properly prepped for kickoff. Get to the "Hill" for the band/team coming down to enter the stadium, then go on in.

Entering the stadium: Don't try to bring anything besides a small flask well hidden. No big bags, purses will be searched.

The game: Get to your seats early enough to catch the band doing their pregame routine. Don't buy food in the stadium, it's terrible. Get you a half a cup of coke, with extra ice - they know what you need. Don't forget to save some of your flask for the second half, you don't want to get the 4th quarter hangover. Scream, a lot, especially on 3rd down defense.

After the game: I would recommend getting off campus quickly. There should be shuttles to downtown.

Sunday: get to Louie's before everyone else for a lot of coffee and a big breakfast to fight off the hangover, maybe the Chimes for some hair of the dog, if that's how you roll. Keep in mind that any breakfast place will get full up on Sunday, it's best to get out early.

If you give me a nickel, I'll give you three pennies change.

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but it is going to be HOT.

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This is an understatement.

Lauberge casino would be a good place to stay
Chimes as already mentioned
Acme Oyster House is close by the under the overpass area as well

Walk up to most tailgates and tell them your story and you will be well fed and taken care of

Unless you are from south, the weather will be miserable that weekend, very hot and humid and expect afternoon rain showers

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While I recommended downtown for the bar scene, another poster recommended the Perkins Road area. Perkins Road is quite close to campus, and does have quite a few good restaurants and bars that cater to the >30 crowd generally. (Plus, it's about 3 blocks away from my house.)

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You hosting!?

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You hosting!?

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Usually.

wildtchoupitoulas@yahoo.com

I live about 2 miles from campus, and I know a guy (my BIL) who rents out bikes - cheap. My favorite way to get to the game is by bike. You avoid all the traffic hassles leaving campus after the game. Bring the bikes back, and you're within blocks of Perkins Rd. for bars/restaurants.

Wear purple and gold, yell "Geaux Tigers!" as you walk up to a tailgate and you probably won't have to buy food or drink all day. Explain why you are at the game the way you described it in your original post and all will be good. I'd invite you to my tailgate but that's one of the games I can't make :(