Welcome to Baton Rouge!
This article is published in partnership with Visit Baton Rouge and Visit the SEC.
Welcome to Baton Rouge! Known for our eclectic culture and ability to celebrate anything and everything, a visit to Baton Rouge is a bucket list item every college football fan should consider. Experience a game day like no other, where the music, drinks and of course, the food, flows freely and abundantly, and see for yourself why there’s nothing quite like game day in Baton Rouge!
The best way to experience game day in Baton Rouge is to arrive early enough to enjoy the sights and sounds of the city the day before. Experience Louisiana’s colorful history through iconic landmarks, such as the Louisiana State Capitol and the Old State Capitol – not to be mistaken for a castle! Live music picks up in the evenings in downtown Baton Rouge, and you can enjoy music from local bands at Live After Five, a free concert series held on Friday evenings every fall. Downtown also abounds with different culinary options and places to grab a cocktail, and a quick stroll down Third Street will take you past places such as Cecelia’s Creole Bistro, The Little Village, Happy’s and Jolie Pearl Oyster Bar. Don’t forget to pop into BRASS for unique souvenirs and local products.
Game day in Baton Rouge is a marathon, not a sprint and certainly requires fuel only a good, solid breakfast can provide. Louie’s Café is an LSU tradition and is located close to campus, making it a convenient stop for the most important meal of the day. Another Baton Rouge classic is Frank’s Restaurant, where the biscuits are rumored to be some of the best you’ll ever have. If you’re craving something sweet, there is no better way to kick off game day than with Coffee Call – a trip to Baton Rouge isn’t complete without their fresh café au lait and famous beignet fingers. In a rush? Baton Rouge is home to many locally owned coffee shops, and the best of the best are on the Baton Rouge Coffee Trail Pass. Download and check in for a chance to win a prize, all while sipping small-batch, freshly roasted coffee!
Being one of the top college towns and tailgating destinations in the nation, LSU fans take football season seriously, and pregame activities are no exception. Fans start the day early by heading to their respective tailgating locations, such as the Parade Ground, during the wee hours of the morning, no matter the kickoff time. LSU’s campus is transformed into a sea of tailgating tents and RVs in the fall, and the scent of South Louisiana cuisine fills the air. Pots are filled to the brim with jambalaya, pastalaya, gumbo and more, and many LSU fans are welcoming enough to share. If you’re looking for a spot to call your own on game day, The Chimes, Fred’s and Walk-On’s are all conveniently located close to or on campus, with pregame parties open to the public.
It’s no secret that evening games can be draining so sometimes an after-game snack is essential. There are many late-night meal options close to Tiger Stadium, such as Smalls Sliders, the original Raising Cane’s and Empire Wingz. If you’d rather hit the town, then you’ve come to the right place! Downtown Baton Rouge is filled with bars, such as The Main Lobby, and you’ll find many more spread throughout the city, such as Mid City Beer Garden or Pelican to Mars in the Mid City area or Uncle Earl’s located closer to the game day festivities.
The forecast is looking to be nice and comfortable for the game, with highs in the 70s and growing cooler as the sun begins to dip, so be sure to dress accordingly. Whether your style is trendy or classic, ladies will find a host of boutiques on Devine Street including MyKim, Just the Thing (check out their clear bag selection!) and Slate. Brittons, BP Skinner Clothiers and Granger Owings have huge selections of stylish finds for the fellas. Mast General Store in the Main Street District offers a variety of outdoor wear in the event you find yourself in need of rain gear.
We can’t wait to welcome you to Baton Rouge! For more information on what to do, where to eat and places to stay, head to VisitBatonRouge.com, and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok. Don’t forget to download the Visit the SEC pass to check in and earn points towards prizes while you #ExploreBatonRouge!
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