On Friday, the LSU Board of Supervisors approved a proposal to raise season ticket prices beginning with the 2026 season. The move was intended to generate additional revenue for the athletic department, but it’s already drawing sharp criticism from state leaders. Chief among them is Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, who believes the timing couldn’t be worse.
Following LSU’s 49-25 loss to No. 3 Texas A&M on Saturday, Landry took to social media to express his frustration with the decision. The Tigers struggled throughout the game, and by the final whistle, Tiger Stadium was noticeably empty as fans headed for the exits early a visual that underscored the team’s disappointing performance.
Landry directly addressed LSU’s leadership in his post, writing that both the university and its Board of Supervisors “need to rethink their actions” in light of the team’s lackluster showing. His message quickly gained attention among LSU fans, many of whom echoed his sentiment that it was unfair to raise prices after such an underwhelming effort on the field.
The governor’s comments add to growing public pressure on LSU’s athletic administration, which now faces backlash from both supporters and state officials. While the ticket hike isn’t set to take effect until 2026, Landry’s statement reflects the broader frustration among fans who feel the program should focus on performance not profit after a disappointing defeat.
The approved ticket price increases will vary based on seating location, with some sections expected to rise by as much as $125 per seat. According to Nola.com, LSU projects the changes will bring in an additional $4.5 million in annual revenue once implemented.
In its statement, the LSU Board of Supervisors emphasized that the adjustments are being made strategically, targeting areas with consistently high renewal rates and strong resale demand on the secondary market. The intent, according to the board, is to align pricing more closely with market value rather than imposing across-the-board increases.
The university also clarified that there will be no pricing changes in the upper deck, with one exception the Skyline Club, which offers premium amenities such as food and beverages included in the ticket package.
Still, despite these clarifications, many fans and state officials remain frustrated. For them, the timing of the announcement just one day before a lopsided home loss to Texas A&M made the increase feel tone-deaf and out of touch with the current mood among LSU supporters.
The LSU Board of Supervisors added that maintaining current upper deck prices would give the athletic department “greater flexibility with single-game pricing” and preserve an affordable entry point for fans interested in season tickets. The goal, officials said, is to balance revenue growth with accessibility for a broader fan base.
However, the timing of the announcement couldn’t have been worse. Just hours later, LSU was dismantled at home by Texas A&M, suffering a 49-25 defeat that left fans frustrated and the stadium half-empty by the fourth quarter.
The Tigers hung tough early, keeping the game close through much of the first half, but the Aggies seized control with a dominant second-half performance, scoring 35 unanswered points. The loss only intensified criticism toward both the team and the university’s decision to raise ticket prices amid a disappointing season.
The frustration from LSU fans reached a boiling point late in the game, as loud “Fire Kelly” chants echoed through Tiger Stadium. The outcry came amid growing disappointment with a season that has already seen the Tigers fall out of College Football Playoff contention before November a far cry from expectations when Brian Kelly arrived in Baton Rouge.
Whether or not Kelly is genuinely on the hot seat remains uncertain, but the conversation is gaining traction. Even the ABC broadcast crew acknowledged the tension during Saturday night’s telecast, noting the visible frustration from fans and the mounting external pressure surrounding the program.
It’s a dramatic turn for Kelly, who was hired to bring consistent championship-level success back to LSU. Now, just a few seasons into his tenure, he finds himself having to reassure both fans and administrators that the program’s long-term vision is still intact despite recent struggles.
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