The appearance of the Tiger at the game was originally suggested by Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry, who wanted to bring in a live tiger to a game, which was done during his days as a student at LSU.

LSU football fans called the return of a live tiger "inauthentic" and "forgettable" after the tradition (sort of) resumed. Our LSU football coverage is brought to you in part by Waste Pro.

A tiger is lead into the stadium in a special trailer to be presented on the field before LSU’s game against Alabama on Saturday, November 9, 2024 at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

A live tiger will be making a return to Death Valley for the rivalry clash between LSU and Alabama in Baton Rouge on Saturday night, but it will not be Mike VII, according to LouisianaSports.net.

In an interview on Fox News Friday, Gov. Jeff Landry confirmed a live tiger had been brought to Baton Rouge and would appear on the field for the LSU-Alabama game.