While every football season is welcomed at Death Valley with enthusiasm, Baton Rouge welcomed more than footballers to the field at kick-off during the first game of the 1956-1957 season. With a raucous parade, the city celebrated the start of both LSU Football season and Mike II’s reign.  

Earlier that year, on June 29, 1956, Mike the First passed away after reigning for over 20 years, and the day was declared “Black Friday” across the LSU Campus. And with just as much passion, the campus erupted in fanfare to welcome Mike II, according to a collection of photos and captions published in the October 6, 1956 issue of The Register. 

“It was a great day in Baton Rouge when Mike II, the LSU Tiger mascot, arrived on campus,” notes one photo caption. “There was great preparation among the students, and it is said that some of them just didn’t have time for sleep Friday night.”

Many students dressed in their long johns and pajamas, as a nod to their sleepless night, and crowded St. Louis Street for a glimpse of tiny Mike II during the parade of more than 100 cars. “Though very frightened little Mike slept through most of the parade,” the original photo caption says.

For 90 years, a beloved Bengal has roamed and roared on campus in a tradition unique to LSU. Today, the majestic Mike VII reigns. Local families and football foes alike visit him in his habitat across from Tiger Stadium, because no matter who you root for, there’s nothing quite like seeing a Tiger on a college campus. But for Baton Rougeans, it’s just another beloved tradition.

Between the Lines is a series of features from the archives of inRegister and The Register dedicated to LSU’s history, traditions and unmistakable spirit. Each feature draws from issues spanning more than half a century, offering a look at how Baton Rouge has shown up for the team that unites it season after season, win, lose or draw. See the previous Between the Lines feature here.