Stephen Lew-Imagn Images / @LSUPresident on X
Sep 5, 2026; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; Fans in the LSU Tigers student section cheer for their team before a game against the Clemson Tigers at Tiger Stadium. The second image shows a letter to fans from LSU president Wade Rousse.
It’s no secret that the LSU Tigers have one of the most passionate fan bases in all of college football, and that Tiger Stadium in Death Valley is one of the most difficult places for opponents to play.
That will undoubtedly be the case this weekend when the Tigers host rival Alabama in a game that could determine who does and does not make the College Football Playoff.
But it’s also true that there is a fine line between a rowdy crowd and an out-of-control crowd that puts people in danger. Sometimes, fans cross that line, and LSU president Wade Rousse wants to make sure that’s not how things go down on Saturday against the Crimson Tide.
Tiger Nation, a letter from me ahead of Saturday’s game against Alabama. 🏈 https://t.co/18xr15dBy4
— LSU President Dr. Wade Rousse (@LSUpresident) November 5, 2026
LSU President Pens Letter To Fans Ahead Of Alabama Showdown
On Thursday evening, Rousse published a letter to fans encouraging them to be on their best behavior when Alabama comes to town, or face the consequences.
“Gameday is about football, our traditions and the LSU family,” Rousse said. “As we welcome Alabama this Saturday, bring the energy, have fun and treat fellow Tigers, visiting fans and our campus with respect. What we saw at our last home game was unacceptable. Chancellor Dalton and I expect an elite gameday experience that is safe and welcoming for everyone.
“As a reminder, traditional tailgating is always welcomed, but unauthorized large-scale gatherings will be strictly prohibited. Student tailgates must end one hour before kickoff. No additional events are allowed during or after the game, except traditional tailgates where fans are watching the game.”
Rousse also sent a letter to fans a few weeks back following LSU’s game against Mississippi State. However, he doesn’t state exactly what happened that prompted such a response.
For Tigers fans, it has to feel like a fine line to walk between creating a hostile environment for Alabama and not stepping over Rousse’s seemingly arbitrary line.
If one thing is certain, it’s that if the game between LSU and Alabama is close on Saturday, you can bet that Tigers fans won’t be thinking about Rousse’s letter.