The LSU Tigers
Louisiana State University and Agricultural and
Mechanical College, or simply Louisiana State University (LSU)
is a public, coeducational university located in Baton Rouge,
Louisiana and the main campus of the Louisiana State University
System. LSU currently includes 9 senior colleges and 3 schools,
in addition to specialized centers, divisions, institutes, and
offices. Enrollment stands at more than 30,000 students, and there
are 1,300 full-time faculty members. LSU is one of only six American
universities designated as a land-grant, sea-grant and space-grant
research center.
LSU is a member of the NCAA (National Collegiate
Athletic Association) and the Southeastern Conference. It fields
teams in 14 varsity sports (5 men's, 7 women's, 2 coed). Its official
team nickname is the Tigers and Lady Tigers and its school colors
are purple and gold.
According to a study by LSU economics professor
Loren Scott, the existence of LSU Athletics generates $131 million
in sales for businesses in the Baton Rouge community, another
$40 million in household earnings and supports over 2,100 jobs
in the Baton Rouge area.
LSU fielded its first football team in 1893. In
their first game, they lost to Tulane 34-0. LSU football is an
important part of life in Baton Rouge during the fall. Every Saturday,
the campus is mobbed by well over 100,000 fans for a day of festivities,
tailgating, and debauchery.
The games themselves are held usually at night in
Tiger
Stadium, a venue long-recognized as a fearsome place for opposing
teams to play. LSU's traditional rivals include Tulane, Ole Miss,
and Alabama; however, LSU recently has had more bitter matches
with Southeastern Conference members Auburn,
Georgia,
and Florida. In 2003 LSU beat Oklahoma
21-14 for its first national title since the 1950s.