Who are The Balcony Bengals?
A group of friends created a faction called “the Balcony Bengals” with one goal in mind, being loud. These students are committed to bring back LSU’s electric atmosphere and return the “Deaf Dome” to its glory days. I spoke with Jacob Hall, normally seen sporting a goat mask, and Brandon Barrient from the Balcony Bengals to hear about their experience so far throughout their rise to fame. “The whole season has really just been memories that you will never forget,” said Barrient.
Interactions with LSU athletics
Alongside Hall’s signature goat mask is the pre-game powder toss which invites fans to get loud and “T. IT. UP.” The Balcony Bengals met with associate athletic director Dave Haskins regarding increasing student involvement in basketball games. “They’ve done a good job, they’re coming up with ideas every day to get students involved, that’s where the powder originally came from,” said Barrient. The fan involvement has created an atmosphere at home for LSU unlike any other in recent years. Not only does the boost in fan participation create an energetic atmosphere, but it also allows for a momentum swing in the Tigers’ favor. “The players realize how much of an impact the students make, they wanted to support us getting out there, and they appreciated us,” said Hall.
How it all came to be
The Balcony Bengals believed in the vision of brighter days for LSU’s basketball program even before their hot start. “When basketball season rolled around, we had a lot of anticipation for how good of a team Will Wade had put together, we were ready for the PMAC,” said Barrient. The Balcony Bengals success story is one out of a movie, but it all came to fruition through the drive and desire of the friend group. “Don’t count anything out. Never say any idea is too crazy,” said Barrient. The presence of the Balcony Bengals allowed LSU basketball to build an image amongst their peers. “A small group of students who are passionate can really make a difference, the students’ section really makes a difference,” said Barrient.