The Ultimate Playbook: 5 Critical Things LSU Baseball Fans Must Know About Weather Delays At Alex Box Stadium

LSU baseball’s relationship with weather delays is legendary, often adding an extra layer of drama to the already electric atmosphere at Alex Box Stadium, Skip Bertman Field. With Louisiana’s unpredictable climate, fans must be prepared for the inevitable lightning or rain delay that can halt or postpone a high-stakes game. As of today, December 16, 2025, understanding the official procedures, fan policies, and the historical context of these stoppages is crucial for any dedicated member of the Tiger faithful. Weather interruptions are not just minor inconveniences; they are strategic moments that can shift momentum, test the mental fortitude of the players, and complicate travel and scheduling for the entire SEC and NCAA tournament structure. From the quick work of the grounds crew to the critical decisions made by Coach Jay Johnson, every second of a delay is a high-stakes event in its own right.

The History of Drama: LSU's Most Notorious Weather Delays

LSU baseball has a rich, championship-winning history, and many of its most memorable games—both wins and losses—have been intertwined with significant weather delays. These stoppages often become part of the game’s lore.

The Infamous 19th Delay Season and CWS Suspensions

One recent season saw the LSU Tigers endure an astounding 19 weather delays, a number that speaks volumes about the challenges of playing college baseball in the South and during the NCAA postseason. This high frequency means that the team, the coaching staff, and the fans are constantly on alert for changes in the forecast. A prime example of a game-altering delay occurred at the College World Series (CWS) in Omaha. A winner's bracket game against the UCLA Bruins was suspended after only three innings due to rain and lightning, with LSU holding a 5-3 lead. The game was postponed and resumed the following morning, with the Tigers ultimately winning 9-5. This type of suspension, where a game is halted and continued later, is governed by strict NCAA policies that ensure all tournament games are played in succession.

SEC Battles and Late Night Finishes

Closer to home, SEC play at Alex Box Stadium frequently sees games pushed back hours. A recent matchup against the Tennessee Volunteers, for instance, saw the first pitch delayed until 9:50 p.m. CT due to inclement weather in the Baton Rouge area. Another notable series against Mississippi State included a 2.5-hour delay due to lightning and rain. Despite the lengthy stoppage, the Tigers managed to secure a tight 2-1 victory, clinching the series win. These late-night finishes are a common consequence of trying to complete a game under the SEC's rules, which sometimes require a game to resume by a certain time (historically 6 p.m. local time) to avoid a rainout, though tournament situations have different protocols.

What Happens During a Delay: Protocol and Fan Policies

When lightning is detected within an eight-mile radius of the stadium, or when heavy rain makes the field unplayable, the game is immediately put into a delay. The protocol involves a coordinated effort between the umpires, game management officials, and the Alex Box Stadium grounds crew.

The Tarp Crew and Field Protection

The moment the delay is called, the grounds crew rushes onto Skip Bertman Field to deploy the massive tarp, protecting the critical areas of the infield and pitcher's mound. The speed and efficiency of the tarp crew are often a source of pride for LSU fans, as their quick action minimizes the time needed to prepare the field for resumption once the weather clears.

Official Fan Re-Entry Policy

This is one of the most critical pieces of information for fans. According to LSU Athletics stadium policies, the general rule is highly restrictive: * No Re-Entry Rule: Once a ticket has been scanned upon entry, it generally cannot be used again for re-entry, even during a weather delay. * Leaving the Stadium: Fans who choose to leave the stadium during a delay must have an unscanned, new ticket to return. * Seeking Shelter: During a lightning delay, fans are advised to seek shelter in the covered concourse areas or within their vehicles outside the stadium. The jumbotron and public address system provide continuous updates on the delay status and estimated start time. The "no re-entry" policy is a standard security measure across many major athletic venues, and while frustrating for fans waiting for a long delay to end, it is the official stance.

Maximizing Your Game Day Experience During a Stoppage

A long weather delay, which can last for several hours as seen in the Mississippi State game, doesn't have to ruin your game day. Being prepared and knowing how to handle the downtime can make the experience much smoother.

Stay Informed and Connected

The most important step is to monitor official communication channels. The LSU Baseball social media accounts and the stadium's jumbotron are the primary sources for official updates on the length of the delay and the estimated resumption time. Do not rely on third-party forecasts.

Navigating the Concourse and Amenities

During a delay, the concourse areas of Alex Box Stadium remain open, providing shelter and access to concessions and restrooms. This is the safest place to wait out a lightning delay. Fans often use this time to grab a meal, discuss the game's momentum, or simply recharge their phones.

The NCAA and SEC Rulebook Entities

The decision to delay, suspend, or postpone a game is not arbitrary; it is strictly governed by the NCAA Baseball Rules and the SEC's specific inclement weather policies. Key entities involved in the decision-making process include:

• The Umpire Crew Chief: Has the final authority on whether the field is playable.
• Game Management Officials: Work with the Umpire Crew to monitor weather radar and communicate with both teams.
• The NCAA/SEC: Provides the overarching rules on when a suspended game must be resumed (e.g., the following day for tournament play).

Understanding that these protocols are in place for player safety and competitive fairness can help fans appreciate the complexity of managing a game during adverse conditions. The Tigers' ability to consistently win games *after* a long delay, such as the victory over Little Rock in a Baton Rouge Regional opener that was delayed, shows the team’s mental toughness and the leadership of Coach Jay Johnson. In the high-stakes environment of LSU baseball, a weather delay is more than just a pause—it's a critical, often dramatic, chapter in the story of the game. Be prepared, stay safe, and be ready to cheer when the tarp comes off.