For many LSU fans, the chance to see the Tigers play Wisconsin Sept. 3 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, the home of the Packers, is a can’t-miss opportunity.
Athletics director Joe Alleva discussed the demand for tickets when he caught up with Jimmy Hyams of Gridiron Now at the SEC spring meetings in Destin, Fla.:
He said LSU received 25,000 tickets for the game but could have “easily” sold 40,000.
“I think it’s going to be a great experience for everybody,” said Alleva, who added that his friendship with Packers president Mark Murphy helped arrange the deal.
Regular-season visits to pro stadiums have become familiar to Les Miles’ squad in recent years. The Tigers and Badgers previously met at NRG Stadium in Houston, home to the Texans, to open the 2014 season. LSU faced TCU in the Dallas Cowboys’ home, AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, the year before. While fans certainly enjoy these unique experiences – Alleva calls the Lambeau meeting a “bucket-list type game” to Hyams – there’s a benefit for the team as well:
“I’m sure our coaches use that (in recruiting),” Alleva said. ” … I really like having them on the schedule. I think it’s almost imperative to do that.”
The Tigers’ new tradition of opening the season in NFL stadiums will continue the next two seasons back in the Lone Star State. LSU will meet BYU in Houston to open the 2017 season and face Miami in Arlington to kick off the 2018 season.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
