In an open letter addressed to Tigers fans, LSU Vice Chancellor and Athletic Director Joe Alleva says, “With success comes a price, and in this case the price is afternoon kickoffs instead of night football.” For the first time in 76 years, LSU will not play an SEC game at night in Tiger Stadium this season, a scenario Alleva calls “truly unfortunate.” Nonetheless, Alleva says, No. 1 ranked LSU must comply with SEC television contracts. “If we are requested to move a game for television, under the existing TV contracts, we must do so,” he says. Alleva underscores the fact that LSU receives no additional SEC money for giving up night games for morning or afternoon kickoffs. “The financial benefit of being a member of the SEC helps make the LSU athletics program as successful as it is while also remaining self-sufficient—using no state tax dollars and no student fees. Without the television revenue from the SEC, this would not be possible,” he says. “I think I speak for everyone at LSU that we would rather play all of our games at night. There is no place like Tiger Stadium on Saturday night, but there is no place like Tiger Stadium on Saturday afternoon, either.” The Tigers take on Auburn at home Saturday, with a 2:30 p.m. kickoff. Read Alleva’s full letter here.
Today’s poll question: What irks you more about LSU home games this season: the lack of an SEC night game or the new parking fees?
