The Chance of Rain Is Always "Never"
Why LSU Fans Say "It Never Rains in Tiger Stadium"
Curious Louisiana looks into the origin and meaning behind a phrase that’s become an inseparable part of LSU’s football culture.
Game Day Tradition
Every home game at Tiger Stadium follows the same ritual. The voice of the public service announcer echoes through the loudspeakers:
"Chance of rain,"
He pauses, inviting the crowd to respond. For generations of LSU fans, the reply—spoken or unspoken—is well known:
"It never rains in Tiger Stadium."
This line is more than a slogan; it’s an expression of pride and shared identity that defines the LSU fan experience.
The Origin of the Phrase
The saying’s popularity was cemented by author and former LSU football center John Ed Bradley. When finishing his memoir, he struggled to settle on the right title.
"It was called 'August and the Smell of the Grass,'"
Bradley recalled. The title felt “poetic,” but his publisher rejected it, forcing him to rethink. He returned with ten alternatives—the first being:
"It Never Rains in Tiger Stadium."
Friends and family overwhelmingly supported that option. After some persuasion, the publisher agreed, and the phrase took on a life of its own, resonating deeply within LSU’s community and beyond.
Legacy and Meaning
To LSU fans, the saying reflects optimism and loyalty—signifying that no matter the weather outside, the spirit in Tiger Stadium is untouchable.
Author’s summary: The enduring LSU mantra "It never rains in Tiger Stadium" symbolizes unwavering fan devotion and the enduring pride woven into game-day tradition.