Chris Reed Takes Part In The Ultimate Fan Day Experience At LSU [PICS]

Last weekend, I was able to experience a side of LSU football most fans never get to see. A friend of mine and his wife, Kevin and Lauren, won the game day experience in a silent auction and they were kind enough invite another friend and me for the day.

It all started just before 2pm last Saturday as were set to have a pre-game meal with the LSU Tigers. On the menu: filet mignon, grilled chicken, spaghetti, vegetables, fruit salad, and tons of deserts. Yes, they feed the Tigers really good prior to games.

During the meal, I was more intrigued in watching the players and coaches than I was in eating. Several of the LSU players were still talking about the previous weeks game against Alabama, while coaches were huddled at their own table discussing the strategy for tonight's game, against Arkansas.

Following the meal, we made our way towards the Indian Mounds on campus to meet up with the team once again. This time we were marching into "Death Valley" with the players and coaches. Walking down towards Tiger Stadium between THOUSANDS of screaming fans was one the best moments I've ever had as a fan. For once, I felt important, hahaha.

Its difficult to put into words the amount of excitement one may experience while walking along side the LSU Tigers prior to a game. The walk may have lasted about 4-5 minutes, but it felt like a DECADE!!! The walk into Tiger Stadium was deafening!!!

As we approach the stadium where players enter, I thought that the coach assigned to us would redirect us to enter, but he did not. The coach waived us on and we actually walked into the LSU Tiger locker room.

Upon entering, every player grabs his signature LSU towel(s) he needs for pre-game activities. Surprisingly, some players went straight to the trainers table, while in their suit, to get taped-up for the game. It was odd to see these players in a suit getting their ankles taped.

As we walked through the locker room, I noticed the entrance to the field, and there we were. On the field of LSU Tiger Stadium. The view from ground level is breath taking. And  may I add, its also very intimidating. I could have stood at the entrance to the field for an hour and not complained.

From there we made our way to the sideline, where we would be for the entire game. Slowly player's emerged from the locker room to begin their pre-game rituals. Watching the players warm-up was one of the coolest things to witness. That's where you see their true love for the sport.

After all of the pre-game activities it was time for the team to take the field. Listen, if you think watching the LSU marching band is emotional while in the stands, it doesn't compare to being on the field. I think every single hair follicle on my arms and neck was standing as soon as the "Golden Band" started to march onto the playing field. It suddenly felt like Christmas morning again for me.

As the team made it's way onto the field Saturday night,  it was so loud on the sideline. Between the pyro and fans screaming, I could not hear myself on the sideline. The ESPN sideline reporter was standing near me as the Tigers ran onto the field and her face said it all. Wow.

The game experience was something like you'd never imagine. The game is SO FAST when you're down on that level. But what I took away most from the experience is that these players are still kids. Yes, kids.

We often raise collegiate athletes on a pedestal and we shouldn't---it's not fair. While they may all look like grown men while in uniform, beneath its a teenager playing the sport he loves. Perhaps being so critical of them isn't fair.

The game did not end up like LSU fans hoped for, but my experience at LSU on this day was unbelievable. I got to see some of the best football players in the country up close, and I was also able to rub shoulders with a few celebrities (James Carville, Uncle Si from Duck Dynasty, LSU Baseball Coach Paul Mainieri, and several other athletes).

I want to thank Kevin and Lauren for inviting me to experience a side of LSU football I've never seen before. Oh, I should note here that the LSU players/coaches are oblivious as to what is going on around the stadium on game day. Where we were located, there was an utter silence on campus---that until we made our way closer to Tiger Stadium.

Here are some of the pics from my day at LSU from the sideline. Enjoy.