Baton Rouge, Louisiana, home to Louisiana State University (LSU), is a city where college football isn’t just a pastime—it’s a way of life. For LSU football fans, the team is more than just a local sports institution; it’s a community pillar that unites generations and brings tens of thousands of visitors to the city each season. The energy surrounding LSU football games is palpable, and the economic ripple effect of the football season is felt across many sectors—none more significantly than the local housing market, especially in short-term rentals like Airbnb.
In recent years, Baton Rouge has seen a surge in Airbnb listings, with many homeowners choosing to capitalize on the influx of visitors to the city during LSU’s home football games. The impact of LSU football on Baton Rouge’s Airbnb market is multifaceted, influencing everything from pricing strategies and availability to the local economy and community dynamics. In this blog post, we’ll explore how LSU football directly and indirectly affects the Airbnb market in Baton Rouge and why it’s become a significant player in the city’s hospitality landscape.
### 1. Increased Demand for Short-Term Rentals
There’s no denying that LSU football weekends are a prime time for short-term rental demand in Baton Rouge. With LSU’s Tiger Stadium (nicknamed “Death Valley”) hosting an average of seven home games each season, each game weekend brings a wave of fans, alumni, and tourists to Baton Rouge. The demand for accommodations surges as people flock to the city to cheer on the Tigers.
While Baton Rouge has a variety of hotels and traditional lodging options, Airbnb rentals provide an attractive alternative for many visitors. These short-term rentals offer a more personalized experience, often closer to the heart of the city or even within walking distance to Tiger Stadium. For LSU fans, there’s also a unique appeal to staying in a home or apartment that feels like a more local, private retreat, rather than a sterile hotel room.
Because LSU games attract such a large crowd, the Airbnb market tends to see a noticeable uptick in listings and bookings during football season. Homeowners who may not have rented out their properties in the past are eager to capitalize on the demand, and local Airbnb hosts often see their properties rented out for premium rates during game weekends. This creates a temporary but highly profitable opportunity for homeowners.
### 2. Price Surge During Football Weekends
Just as LSU football fans flock to Baton Rouge, Airbnb hosts in the city take advantage of the increased demand by adjusting their pricing strategies. On LSU game weekends, prices for short-term rentals can surge by as much as 50% or more, depending on the location and proximity to Tiger Stadium.
For example, a cozy two-bedroom house a few miles from the stadium might rent for $150 per night during the offseason. However, during a home game weekend, that same property could easily command $250–$300 per night, or even more. Proximity to LSU’s campus and Tiger Stadium is often a key factor in determining rental rates. Homes within walking distance to the stadium, or in neighborhoods like Mid City and Downtown Baton Rouge, often fetch the highest prices.
This pricing surge is not limited to the football games themselves; the tailgating culture surrounding LSU football games is also a major draw. Some fans travel into town on Friday or even Thursday to secure prime spots for tailgating, meaning that short-term rental bookings extend beyond the game itself. As a result, the weeks leading up to a major home game (especially SEC matchups and rivalries) see a heightened demand for rentals, with hosts adjusting their prices to reflect the scarcity of accommodations.
For homeowners who offer Airbnb properties near LSU, this seasonal boom provides an opportunity for lucrative earnings. Some hosts even increase their pricing based on the anticipated success of the LSU team. If the Tigers are having a particularly successful season or are set to play a high-profile game, there’s often a sense of urgency among fans to secure their accommodations as early as possible, driving up prices and occupancy rates.
### 3. Short-Term Rental Supply and Availability
With the influx of football fans and tourists, the availability of short-term rentals in Baton Rouge can become quite limited during LSU home games. As demand increases, hosts are more likely to accept bookings, and renters are more likely to book accommodations earlier to avoid missing out.
In some cases, Baton Rouge’s existing Airbnb hosts may decide to remove their properties from the market during the football season to take advantage of the lucrative market themselves. This can lead to a reduction in the overall supply of available short-term rentals, creating competition among potential renters and driving up prices.
Additionally, Baton Rouge’s demand for Airbnb rentals isn’t confined solely to game weekends. Major events like tailgating, SEC Championship games, and bowl games (such as the Citrus Bowl or Sugar Bowl) can increase the demand for short-term rentals, even outside the traditional football season.
While there is a core group of dedicated Airbnb hosts in Baton Rouge who consistently rent out their properties year-round, many homeowners choose to temporarily enter the market for high-demand events. This contributes to a rise in the number of listings during football season, although it can also create a competitive environment for renters looking to secure a place for the weekend.
### 4. Local Economic Impact
The influx of LSU football fans doesn’t just benefit Airbnb hosts—it has a trickle-down effect on Baton Rouge’s local economy as well. While the higher demand for short-term rentals directly impacts the hospitality market, LSU football also boosts local businesses, restaurants, and bars. As visitors come to town for football weekends, they spend money not only on accommodations but on meals, entertainment, and shopping.
Airbnb guests often stay for multiple days, arriving early for tailgating and leaving late after the game. This extended stay translates to increased spending at local businesses. Restaurants near LSU’s campus, such as those in the Tigerland and Downtown areas, see a significant uptick in foot traffic on game weekends. Local stores and shopping centers also benefit, as visitors often take the opportunity to explore Baton Rouge during their stay.
Additionally, the popularity of LSU football games has made it increasingly common for tailgating events to take place on private property. Some Airbnb hosts even offer tailored experiences, such as organizing tailgate parties or renting out outdoor spaces for game-day festivities, adding value for guests and contributing to the local economy.
### 5. The Impact on Baton Rouge Neighborhoods
While the impact of LSU football on the Airbnb market has generally been positive for homeowners and the local economy, it has also sparked debates about the effects of short-term rentals on local neighborhoods. Baton Rouge, like many cities across the U.S., has seen a rise in short-term rentals, and the increased presence of Airbnb properties during LSU football season has led to concerns about gentrification, housing shortages, and neighborhood disruptions.
Some residents worry that the influx of temporary renters for game weekends could change the character of certain neighborhoods, particularly those near LSU’s campus. In areas like Mid City, which are popular with both LSU students and long-term residents, the rise of Airbnb rentals has led to concerns about the availability of affordable housing and the displacement of local renters. For residents who are accustomed to the quiet rhythms of suburban life, the influx of out-of-town visitors for LSU games can feel disruptive.
Despite these concerns, the economic benefits of Airbnb and LSU football weekends are undeniable. The key moving forward for Baton Rouge will be finding a balance between the influx of short-term rentals and the needs of permanent residents. This may involve implementing regulations on short-term rental properties, ensuring that they don’t further erode the available housing stock or change the fabric of local communities.
### Conclusion
LSU football has an undeniable impact on the Baton Rouge Airbnb market, with game weekends serving as a significant driver of demand for short-term rentals in the city. The influx of fans, the surge in prices, and the resulting economic benefits to local businesses highlight the importance of LSU football to Baton Rouge’s economy. However, this boom also comes with challenges, including concerns about the availability of affordable housing and the potential disruption of local neighborhoods.
As LSU continues to be a national football powerhouse, it’s likely that the relationship between the university’s football program and Baton Rouge’s Airbnb market will only strengthen. For both homeowners and visitors, the key will be finding a way to embrace the benefits of this dynamic while also ensuring that the long-term needs of the community are respected.
