Getty Image / Brett Coomer
LSU Tiger fans are some of the best tailgaters anywhere. Ask around any seasoned college football traveler, and you will hear universal acclaim for their tailgating scene. But, if Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards gets his way, there will be a lot less barbecuing in the state of Louisiana this weekend while residents prepare to watch their Tigers.
LSU isn’t even opening the season at home, actually. They are playing Florida State in Orlando on Sunday in week one’s premier matchup.
But, as is tradition in Louisiana, fans will simply tailgate at their homes. Whether in big groups or just with family, Louisianans will fire up the grill and cook some of the great cajun delicacies they’re famous around the world for.
That is, if they ignore the governor. Wildfires have been ravaging parts of Louisiana, and Governor John Bel Edwards (D) is encouraging Tiger fans to not barbecue this weekend. Here’s WBRZ 2 in New Orleans with more.
Louisiana leaders are suggesting that football fans adjust their game day rituals as the state continues to warn residents of the risk for rapidly spreading wildfires.
The message came Wednesday as Governor John Bel Edwards and other state officials gave an update on the wildfires that have persisted across the state – particularly in southwest Louisiana — for more than a week, burning up more than 60,000 acres of land.
That, paired with weather conditions enhancing the risk for more fires, has led to a total ban on burning across the state. And while state leaders stopped shy of saying the ban would have a direct effect on tailgates this football season, Governor Edwards recommended tailgaters avoid barbecues and anything else that might entail an open flame.
“This weekend is Labor Day. We know that typically involves a lot of cookouts and barbecues, especially with the return of football… And I’m asking that people not engage in barbecuing and so forth outside where a fire can start,” Governor Edwards said. “Let’s be patient. Let’s not create more work for firefighters across the state of Louisiana.”
Isn’t this America? Kidding, of course. Let’s hope they can get some rain and the brave firefighters can put out the fires plaguing for Louisiana.