re: Visiting LSU for a game, need any and all advice please

Prime time tailgating location is around the Indian Mounds and Huey P. Long Field House. There are several large tailgate spots set up in this area and you can very easily walk down the hill to the stadium to see Mike in his cage and watch the band enter the stadium (two must do's if you are a first timer). If you aren't going to set up a full blown tailgate you should definitely grab a some beer and/or burbon to walk around with and soak up the atmosphere. People are generous with food and booze, but you want to be prepared.

Leave NOLA as early as possibly 7 or 8 AM. Try to get to BR by 10 and expect traffic. I suggest parking at University High.

If you are 25ish, you will love Freds after the game. Bars like Bogies and JL are a blast too but they are the younger "fratty" bars. Freds is a more diverse crowd and a little older. Walk-Ons is also awesome on game days, place will be slammed and they will have a big stage set up with live music in the parking lot. Freds and any other tigerland bars (JLs, bogies) are going to be your best bet if you are looking to get a little rowdy.

whatever you do, don't go to freds. just avoid tigerland in general!