September 6, 2007
TO:Fans, Friends, and Supporters of LSU Athletics
FROM:Skip Bertman, Athletics Director
The excitement surrounding this football season -- and this week’s Top 10 matchup against Virginia Tech in particular -- is at an all-time high. Before I mention some of the things to look for as you come to campus, I am passing along a message from head coach Les Miles and the LSU football team.
WE SALUTE THE HOKIE SPIRIT: A message from the LSU Tigers
“The Virginia Tech community suffered the horrific loss of family and friends in the tragic shootings of April 16. All of us on college campuses across the nation shared in their grief and suffering.
“As students, fans and alumni from Virginia Tech come to the LSU campus for the Hokies’ first road football game of the 2007 season, we know Tiger fans will welcome them with open arms and sympathetic hearts.
“The people of Louisiana are known for their heart-felt compassion and gracious hospitality, and on this occasion we hope everyone will pay particular respect to the Virginia Tech players and their fans.
“The competition on the field will be healthy and fierce, and your Tigers will represent LSU with pride when the ball is kicked off. But in pre-game festivities, let us all be mindful of the difficult road our visitors have traveled since April 16.”
Signed by Matt Flynn, Glenn Dorsey and Craig Steltz (team captains in last week’s season opener) and head coach Les Miles.
REMEMBERING THE VIRGINIA TECH TRAGEDY
At the game on Saturday night, it is important that we pay respect to the students and faculty members who were lost in the tragic shootings of April 16, and also to celebrate the spirit shown by Virginia Tech in recovering and moving forward.
We spoke with Virginia Tech officials during the summer as we prepared for this week’s pre-game activities. We wanted to strike the proper tone with any recognition we make of the events of April 16. It is important to be respectful of the individuals who were lost, and to also be encouraging and supportive of our visitors.
We will salute the Hokie Spirit with parachutists who will fly into Tiger Stadium with the flags of Virginia Tech and LSU and the game ball, weather permitting. We will also have a moment of silence in recognition of the students and faculty members who were lost on April 16. And, finally, the Tiger Band – one of the greatest assets we have at LSU – will play the Virginia Tech alma mater. It is believed that this will be the first time in the history of Tiger Stadium that the Tiger Marching Band will honor our visitors by playing their alma mater.
IMPORTANT POST-GAME TRAFFIC CHANGE
An important change has been made to post-game traffic routes that should expedite the flow of vehicles from campus. These changes go into effect immediately.
- Traffic on Nicholson Drive will be one-way going south in both lanes, starting from Brightside Drive/West Lee Drive to Bluebonnet.
- Traffic on Burbank Drive will be two-way traffic.
In the past, Burbank was one-way going away from campus and Nicholson Drive was two-way traffic.This change is also important because, beginning in 2008, it is anticipated that Burbank Drive will be closed to all traffic for a period of time due to road construction.
REMINDER: NO SMOKING
Please remember that Tiger Stadium is now a “no smoking” facility. The “Louisiana Smoke Free Air Act” became law in the State of Louisiana on January 1, 2007. Previously, smoking was prohibited only in the seating areas of Tiger Stadium, but was permitted in the concourses of the facility.
We understand this will be an inconvenience to our patrons who smoke, but we must abide by state law. Please be aware that SEC rules do not allow us to issue pass-out tickets at the gates of Tiger Stadium. In other words, fans cannot leave Tiger Stadium during the game and re-enter the stadium. Once a fan has presented his or her ticket at the gate, smoking is not allowed.
WELCOME MIKE VI
I hope you will take time on Saturday to stop by Mike the Tiger’s habitat next to the PeteMaravichAssemblyCenter to see our newest mascot, Mike VI.
For those of you who have already seen our new tiger, you know that he is playful and engaging, and seems to be enjoying his new home. Congratulations to Dr. David Baker and the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine for this magnificent new mascot for our university.
ESPN GAMEDAY IS HERE
The presence of ESPN Gameday, with hosts Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit and Lee Corso, signifies that the eyes of the nation will be on Baton Rouge and the LSU campus. Come out to campus early and enjoy the show that starts at 9 a.m. on the Parade Grounds.
ANDONIEMUSEUM
Don’t forget to visit the AndonieMuseum next to the LodCookAlumniCenter on the LSU campus. Former LSU sports information director Bud Johnson is the new curator of the museum and he’s done a great job with numerous exhibits and great LSU memorabilia. The museum is open on game days from 9 a.m. until three hours prior to kickoff.
We welcome your comments, so write to us at . Although we cannot promise a response to every e-mail we receive, please be assured that every letter will be read. Thank you for your continued support of Tiger Athletics.