Jump to content

SURLY ROAD TRIP 2020: Baton Rouge - Texas at LSU, Sept. 12


LonghornSean

Recommended Posts

I know it's early but it's now the offseason, so let's get it started. I've had this game circled for a while. Tiger Stadium is one of my bucket list stops as a college football fan. Seems pretty likely this will be a night game again and I would imagine LSU fans will be up for this visit from the Longhorns, especially after last year's preposterous "AC-gate", and LSU coming off possibly their best season ever.

Glad we won't be facing ol' Joe Burrow again, but Tom, Sam, and the rest of the team will certainly have their work cut out for them if we're gonna start up the "Texas is back" campaign again with a win in Baton Rouge. So I try to take the following mindset into away games: make a badass weekend out of it in case the football part goes tits up. I'm thinking that won't be too difficult in BR. (BTW, I'm not going in expecting to lose either).

death-valley-lsu.png

Mike.1-1100x872.jpg

 

 

Tickets - Like the game in Austin, tickets will be in high demand. LSU announced their intention to "return the favor" and provide UT with only 3000 tickets, which will be far from the field. Probably gonna need about a gajillion LHF loyalty points to get tix through UT. If you want to peruse StubHub now go ahead. Don't count on the market dropping too much unless you're willing to wait until the very last minute, and even then the "get-in price" for nosebleeds is unlikely to fall below $200. https://www.stubhub.com/lsu-tigers-football-tickets-lsu-tigers-football-baton-rouge-tiger-stadium-baton-rouge-9-12-2020/event/104268380/?sort=price+asc

Driving/Flying - I know last year United Airlines (I think) did some special direct routes specifically for college football fans including between BR to Austin. We drove to New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl and may drive to BR, but I'll still be looking out for decent flights as well.

Where to stay - Anyone who knows the area, what should we be looking at for Airbnb's, hotels, etc? 

What to do Friday/Saturday pre-game - Bourbon, and lots of it. I don't know anything about the Baton Rouge bar scene but I imagine it's not too shabby. I'd guess there'll be some official UT or Texas Exes get togethers as well. I'm sure some will want to hit up New Orleans also.

 

Some info from the Louisiana Office of Tourism (https://www.louisianatravel.com/articles/make-most-lsu-football-weekends-baton-rouge)

Spoiler

Here’s what you need to know when visiting Baton Rouge this weekend.

Where to stay:

Accommodations are likely to fill up fast for home game weekends, but the downtown area, with hotels such as the Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center, Hotel Indigo Baton Rouge, and The Watermark, is an ideal location for access to the weekend's activities. Staybridge Suites-University at Southgate is within walking distance of the LSU campus. There are also a variety of hotels along the College Drive and Acadian corridors.

Beyond the ballgame:

Arrive in town on Friday and head to the downtown area, where you can park the car once and spend the day on foot exploring attractions such as the Louisiana Art & Science Museum, the Capitol Park Museum, and both the new and old Louisiana State Capitol Buildings.

As the day winds down, head to City Hall Plaza downtown for the free concert series, Live After Five. This eight-week, family-friendly series runs on Fridays in the fall and features different bands playing everything from zydeco to funk and soul. Food and beverages are also available.

Find more live music at Third Street’s bars, popular among the college and young professional sets. Or stop by the Shaw Center for the Arts and catch a show at Manship Theatre.  The entertainment venue for live music, theatre and dance also screens a mix of independent, art and family films.

Where to Dine:

While at the downtown, head up to Tsunami.  This rooftop sushi restaurant has a great outdoor patio for drinks and views of the Mississippi River.

Just a short ride from downtown, the Mid-City Arts and Entertainment District is thriving with new restaurant options. Head over to Government Street and pop into the area's new gourmet food hall, White Star Market and try out favorites from trendy spots like Food Network Star runner-up Jay Ducote's Gov't Taco or Dat'z Italian Wood Fired Pizza. 

Before game day tailgating kicks off, head to Coffee Call for a beignet breakfast.  Other options for dining before or after the game include The Chimes outside the North Gates of LSU, TJ Ribs and Louie's Cafe for 24-hour grub.  The Perkins Road Overpass also offers a mix of locally owned bars and boutiques good for passing the time on game day. 

Do This on Game Day:

Even if you don’t have a ticket to the game, you can take part in the festivities.  Stroll through campus on North Stadium Drive, and don’t miss watching the players walk down Victory Hill.  Later, the band marches down Victory Hill while playing “Hold That Tiger-Pregame.” While you’re there, don't miss the chance to stop by and see Mike VII, LSU's live tiger mascot.

Where to Park:

Find free public parking in the Hayfield and Levee lots off of River Road and Gourrier Avenue.

For historical purposes, Previously on Shaggy/Surly Road Trips:

http://www.shaggytexas.com/board/showthread.php/159671-SHAGGY-ROAD-TRIP-South-Bend-Chicago-Texas-vs-Notre-Dame-Sept-5

http://www.shaggytexas.com/board/showthread.php/167425-SHAGGY-ROAD-TRIP-v2-Bay-Area-Texas-vs-Cal-17-Sept?s=a1508b681992c3c38c5988eec024fd05

http://www.shaggytexas.com/board/showthread.php/174325-Road-Trip-2017-USC-Sept-16th

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thank you for starting this. I purchased a game ticket around Thanksgiving with the idea that our fan base was in the dumps at the time and theirs was distracted by several more important game on the horizon. I also booked refundable hotel rooms in both BTR and NOLA since I haven't decided where I'll be staying yet. Those hotels (in BTR, at least) will fill up fast if they haven't already. Have not yet purchased airfare. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just now, Saint Austin said:

Thank you for starting this. I purchased a game ticket around Thanksgiving with the idea that our fan base was in the dumps at the time and theirs was distracted by several more important game on the horizon. I also booked refundable hotel rooms in both BTR and NOLA since I haven't decided where I'll be staying yet. Those hotels (in BTR, at least) will fill up fast if they haven't already. Have not yet purchased airfare. 

How did you already purchase a game ticket?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

10 minutes ago, hornian said:

How did you already purchase a game ticket?

If you look at the major secondary market apps, they're already for sale. I purchased mine through Vivid Seats.

To be honest, I'm not exactly sure how it will work myself since there's no way tickets for the 2020 season have been printed yet; however, the tickets are fully guaranteed in case things go south. That said, I figured it was worth the chance potentially getting a ticket for "only" $250 seeing how much the ones in Austin were going for. I'll report back after the game to confirm whether I made a savvy, early purchase or fucked up.

Edited by Saint Austin
Link to comment
Share on other sites

BR bar scene is shit. The tail gate will be awesome tho!

If you feel the need to hang out Friday night in BR, don’t go to tiger land unless you want to see majority of college kids. Otherwise try The Bulldog or Uncle Earls. For a more divey spot Ivar’s under the interstate.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I booked the Marriott at the 330 day window when reservations opened up. 

Went there for the baseball series in 2018...L'auberge wasn't a half bad casino, was waaay better than I expected for Baton Rouge. The riverboat casino was a dump. Saw a lady literally cracking out in the parking lot, amberlamps had to haul her away. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 hours ago, BrazilHorn said:

Stay in NOLA, limo to BR. There is shit-all in BR. 
 

 

I'm glad you're rolling into Baton Rouge in a limo instead of just a regular car service/Uber/Lyft.  I'd hate for the University of Texas to be represented by just regular cars in what is obviously the Monte Carlo of the Deep South.  that said, can I get a ride?  

Link to comment
Share on other sites

29 minutes ago, Bevo VIII said:


My apologies. Didn’t mean to meet the manager of the ND soccer team and chugging jack Daniels and shotgunning beers with the soccer team of ND.

Shit was such an amazing experience and tailgate

If they didn't get you up on the scissor lift, I'd call that a win. 

  • Haha 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Glad to see this started. I also grabbed game tickets already just to make sure I was in. I had heard LHF tickets may be tough and location would not be ideal.

Ive got a hotel in New Orleans booked as I was going to make a long weekend out of this game and couldn’t imagine four days in Baton Rouge. And for the room price they are charging in BR already...I got a nice Bourbon Street location.

I plan on booking a Southwest ticket when they open up those dates for airfare.

The only thing left to nail down is travel to and from the game. I like the limo idea and would consider that and other options if they involved Horn fans and sober drivers.

This stadium has been on my bucket list for some time as well and couldn’t think of a better weekend to make it happen than 2020 with the Horns.

Anyone planning the road trip to and from NOLA on game day and want to secure a car/travel feel free to PM me as I will be setting something up.

Should be cray cray.

\m/

Link to comment
Share on other sites

9 hours ago, Bevo VIII said:


My apologies. Didn’t mean to meet the manager of the ND soccer team and chugging jack Daniels and shotgunning beers with the soccer team of ND.

Shit was such an amazing experience and tailgate

Wowwwieeeee! Did you get an autograph? 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

4 hours ago, Tailgate said:

Glad to see this started. I also grabbed game tickets already just to make sure I was in. I had heard LHF tickets may be tough and location would not be ideal.

Ive got a hotel in New Orleans booked as I was going to make a long weekend out of this game and couldn’t imagine four days in Baton Rouge. And for the room price they are charging in BR already...I got a nice Bourbon Street location.

I plan on booking a Southwest ticket when they open up those dates for airfare.

The only thing left to nail down is travel to and from the game. I like the limo idea and would consider that and other options if they involved Horn fans and sober drivers.

This stadium has been on my bucket list for some time as well and couldn’t think of a better weekend to make it happen than 2020 with the Horns.

Anyone planning the road trip to and from NOLA on game day and want to secure a car/travel feel free to PM me as I will be setting something up.

Should be cray cray.

\m/

In 'til "cray cray".

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I hate posters that call the towns of other teams shitholes. But Baton Rouge is a shithole. And the university is in a shitty part of that shithole town. The stadium is nice and the area where the tiger chills is kinda cool, but I wouldn't plan on living it up in Red Stick. Come in for the game, hit up some tailgates and then get out--ideally without a disease.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

For anyone who's been to New Orleans more than a few times and lacks a strong desire to go in 2020, I'd consider heading the opposite direction and staying in Lafayette or maybe a house rental around Abbeville. I-10 through Baton Rouge is always a beating and subject to long delays.  You'll shave maybe 90 minutes off your drive to and from Texas. The food is damn good there too, some good bars, and there are some nearby road trip opportunities if you're staying a few days.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 hours ago, Chopper said:

For anyone who's been to New Orleans more than a few times and lacks a strong desire to go in 2020, I'd consider heading the opposite direction and staying in Lafayette or maybe a house rental around Abbeville. I-10 through Baton Rouge is always a beating and subject to long delays.  You'll shave maybe 90 minutes off your drive to and from Texas. The food is damn good there too, some good bars, and there are some nearby road trip opportunities if you're staying a few days.

Chopper is right.  For anyone bent this way, here are two food destination suggestions, one near BR and one near NO:

Near BR - Pat's at Henderson, right on the Atchafalaya levee: http://patsfishermanswharf.com/

Near NO - Boudreau and Thibodeau's at Houma: http://bntcajuncookin.com/

Really good food and really good times.

And for the soul while en route: KBON https://streema.com/radios/KBON  An off the wall radio station with the most eclectic mix of Zydeco, Swamp Pop and good old time music I've ever heard.  The local business ads and remote dj segments are serious and fucking hilarious because of it.

Be sure to arrive about an hour before kickoff in time to see the Golden Girls step to a halt right by the curb on the North side of the stadium after leading the LSU band across campus.  It will be hot and muggy in September, and their beautimus bodies will be glistening with nubile dew, as tiny drops of sweat plunge in slow motion downward into world class tawny cleavage.  You guys are gonna have a blast and if the Horns play like they did against the Youths, you'll win it.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I got a reservation at the Hampton Inn and Suites in downtown Baton Rouge. Through Hilton Honors they can be cancelled up to 4 days ahead. I might also look at L’Auberge in Lafayette. I haven’t been there since I went with the ex.


Username checks out
Link to comment
Share on other sites

ND Kalu has told stories before about playing in Baton Rouge when he was in college. How gnarly and intimidating LSU fans can be, saying vile and disgusting stuff like the N-word at their whole team and fans all game.

Oh, did I tell you they were playing Rice? RICE. 

So yea, no, I'm good. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 1/3/2020 at 6:21 PM, Bevo VIII said:

I passed out before the ND game started in my seat and woke up in the 4th quarter. I may not even make it into the game in Baton Rouge

A classmate of mine passed out Friday night somewhere on Commerce street before the 1963 OU Game and woke up that Sunday morning in the DPD drunk tank. (Bevo VI ?)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 1/4/2020 at 2:28 PM, NeverMarryAStripper said:

I got a reservation at the Hampton Inn and Suites in downtown Baton Rouge. Through Hilton Honors they can be cancelled up to 4 days ahead. I might also look at L’Auberge in Lafayette. I haven’t been there since I went with the ex.

Same here; was only 40K points per night which is insanely cheap given how much rooms are going for in BR for this weekend...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I hate posters that call the towns of other teams shitholes. But Baton Rouge is a shithole. And the university is in a shitty part of that shithole town. The stadium is nice and the area where the tiger chills is kinda cool, but I wouldn't plan on living it up in Red Stick. Come in for the game, hit up some tailgates and then get out--ideally without a disease.

We hate you back


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
  • Fuck You 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.



×
×
  • Create New...