After a brawl following LSU’s homecoming game Saturday that ended with the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office deploying pepper balls, LSU is ramping up crowd control on game days.
“I want to be clear that the behavior I witnessed this weekend is unacceptable and does not reflect the excellence that LSU strives to demonstrate in all we do,” LSU President Wade Rousse said in a statement Thursday. “Everyone attending an LSU football game should be able to enjoy the traditions that make Tiger fans proud.”
The stricter measures will include enhanced foot and mobile patrols, with more intense monitoring of locations known for large gatherings. LSU will also establish “CLEAR distinctions” between what the university calls traditional tailgating and large-scale gatherings with DJs and live bands that arise during and after game time, a statement from the university said. The statement emphasized that student tailgates must end one hour before kickoff.
People who violate LSU policy or the law may “face removal from campus,” with university disciplinary action or criminal enforcement where applicable, the statement said.
The university will also focus on maintaining safe pedestrian routes and enhancing reporting resources for those who observe dangerous behavior, the statement said.
“I recognize that large, uncontrolled crowds and disruptive behavior can negatively impact an otherwise enjoyable experience for fans, and that has to stop, now,” Rousse said. “The overwhelming majority of our visitors to campus simply want to enjoy LSU with their family and friends.”
The fight broke out between several women around 4:30 p.m. Saturday and was encouraged by the crowd, police said. The incident occurred near the Enchanted Forest, Pentagon and Greek Theater, according to LSU.
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