Opened in 1924, Tiger Stadium has hosted LSU’s football program ever since and has become one of the sport’s most iconic venues.
It’s rare that professional sports stadiums, ballparks and arenas see a lifetime that long, but college stadiums tend to be refurbished rather than rebuilt. Now, it seems LSU’s hallowed grounds could be sticking around for the long haul.
Tiger Stadium was one of the venues selected for preservation by the Historic Stadium Caucus, a bipartisan Congressional caucus for preserving iconic sports venues, which was launched Friday.
“Historic stadiums, such as Tiger Stadium at LSU, play an important role in the environment that makes college athletics special. The game day traditions in iconic venues around the country are unique and are worthy of discussion,” LSU athletics director Scott Woodward said in a release. “I appreciate the Historic Stadium Caucus co-chairs, Garret Graves and Mark Pocan, for recognizing the need for healthy dialogue around the protection of historic stadiums.”
Graves is a Republican representing Louisiana’s 6th Congressional District, which includes LSU’s campus.
“When Tiger fans walk into Death Valley on Saturday nights, they do more than watch a football game – they walk into a 99-year-old local icon that supports our regional economy. Every bowl of jambalaya scooped and Tiger Dog served injects jobs and resources into our community,” Graves said. “I am proud to join Rep. Pocan to preserve the legacies of some of our most historic landmarks and create new memories for future generations.”
The caucus’ purpose is described as follows:
The mission of the Historic Stadium Caucus is to assist representatives of historic stadiums – and those who are passionate about safeguarding iconic venues – in ensuring the stadiums can stay up-to-date with the latest technological advancements and security measures, as well as environmental practices, all while preserving their rich historical legacy.
Some of the key areas that the Historic Stadium Caucus will focus on are:
- Security and Safety enhancements: With growing concerns about safety and security in public spaces, the caucus will focus on how the historic stadiums are able to implement cutting-edge security measures without compromising the historical character or footprint of the stadiums. This will enable these venues to continue to host events with an iconic energy, such as major college and professional sporting events, national and globally-significant competitions, and concerts by world-class musicians.
- Technological Upgrades: Given the amount of fans each venue welcomes annually, the Historic Stadium Caucus will help focus attention on the fact that these stadiums – many of which are over or nearing 100 years old – are in need of technological upgrades in ensuring that these iconic venues can meet the modern-day patron standard as well as the expectations put forth to remain leaders in compliance related to local, state and federal safety standards.
- Funding for Infrastructure Updates: As with many historic buildings, some stadiums could benefit from essential infrastructure upgrades. While these venues have stood the test of time, ensuring their continued functionality and longevity requires investments in their infrastructure not just for significant sports and entertainment events, but for the appropriate use by the communities that they serve in times of positive togetherness, but emergency needs, as well.
This seems to mean that the federal government will ensure that Tiger Stadium is not just maintained over time but enhanced as necessary to preserve its game day experience.
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