LSU Coach Kim Mulkey Praises Dedicated Fans Braving Freezing Cold for Tigers Win

Despite severe winter weather, thousands of LSU students and fans attended the Tigers' blowout victory over Florida.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 7:55am

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LSU women's basketball coach Kim Mulkey was impressed by the dedication of Tigers fans who showed up in droves to support the team despite freezing cold temperatures in Baton Rouge. Over 9,700 fans, including many students, packed the Pete Maravich Assembly Center to watch LSU cruise to an 89-60 win over the Florida Gators on Monday night.

Why it matters

Mulkey's praise for the LSU fanbase highlights the passionate support the Tigers women's basketball team enjoys, even in the face of harsh winter weather. The large crowd and enthusiastic student turnout underscores the program's growing popularity and the community's investment in its success.

The details

Ahead of the game, Mulkey rallied LSU fans on social media to attend the matchup against Florida, despite a severe snowstorm blanketing the region. When Mulkey arrived at the arena an hour before tipoff, she was impressed to see a long line of students braving the bitter cold to get into the game. The announced attendance of 9,793 fans was a testament to the dedication of the Tigers' loyal supporters.

  • The game was played on Monday, January 28, 2026.
  • Mulkey made her comments about the fans during the postgame news conference.

The players

Kim Mulkey

The head coach of the LSU women's basketball team, who has led the Tigers to a 19-2 record and a five-game winning streak so far this season.

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What they’re saying

“Y'all should do an article because I just don't think y'all understand in women's basketball, students don't normally show up at the games from what I've seen in 40 years. And when I drove up here an hour before the game, and I saw that line, and it was, y'all, it was to Mike the Tiger.”

— Kim Mulkey, Head Coach, LSU Women's Basketball

“Freezing out there. Those kids had to be standing out there for a long time. I know we gave out sweaters or shirts or something, but I mean that's something to be said for students that will come and support your team. They just impressed me… Our students are to be complimented. And our fans in general, our season ticket holders were here.”

— Kim Mulkey, Head Coach, LSU Women's Basketball

What’s next

The Tigers will face a tough stretch of games in the coming weeks, taking on ranked opponents such as Alabama, Texas, South Carolina, and Ole Miss.

The takeaway

Kim Mulkey's praise for the LSU fanbase, particularly the dedicated students who braved freezing temperatures to support the team, underscores the growing popularity and community investment in the Tigers' women's basketball program. The large, enthusiastic crowd for the Florida game is a testament to the program's success and the loyal support it enjoys from the Baton Rouge community.