Letters: Why Death Valley is “the most magical place for playing big games in the country”

As a former player and ardent supporter of LSU, I must admit that the most exciting and satisfying aspect of the Tigers’ comeback victory over Ole Miss was the clear confirmation that Tiger Stadium on a Saturday night in the fall is, without a doubt, the most magical location in the nation for major football games.

The first time (and, really, every subsequent time) I sprinted out of the chute with all of my teammates at the beginning of my first game in Tiger Stadium is one of the most cherished memories I have of my life. The field was like the center of the universe, with the imposing lights surrounding it shining so brightly on the spectators and the field that everything outside the stadium appeared to be in complete darkness.

The adrenaline rush was so intense that I felt my feet weren’t even hitting the ground as I sprinted along the sideline, bouncing up and down, preparing for combat, as the crowd shouted as we thundered onto the nation’s best-kept turtleback natural turf field.

Without a doubt, the Tiger supporters prevailed in that Saturday night’s game. Even with its elite players, Ole Miss was clearly unprepared for the elite atmosphere in Death Valley as overtime began. Even though they made an unbelievable 57-yard field goal to save the game, they were utterly disoriented and would never win the game from that point on.

Death Valley was something I was really pleased of! I can assure you that the players experienced the sound waves as they rolled through their bodies in addition to hearing the biggest roars they would ever hear. Tiger Stadium on Saturday night has long been a source of mystery for teams and fans nationwide, and this game has magnificently contributed to Death Valley’s legacy. Bravo, Tigers!