The LA Tech Bulldogs are back in the Sun Belt Conference, and what better reason to plan a trip than to cheer on your alma mater as they face off against LA Tech? Old rivalries will be renewed, new ones will be born, and Ruston is ready to host you for a weekend full of football, spirit, entertainment, and food. Keep scrolling to find the best ways to make the most of your visit and learn all the need-to-know gameday logistics.

Make the most of your trip:

Eat

Breakfast: There are plenty of ways to start off your morning in Ruston. Head to Lula Perl Café for a one-of-a-kind Southern twist breakfast or brunch.

If you’re looking for a quick stop, head to Commons Goods or The Local for fresh brewed coffee and a bite to eat, both conveniently located near downtown so you can easily jump into exploring the walkable historic downtown district.

Lunch: On a breezy fall afternoon, head to Heard Freighthouse Food Park and choose between their 6 different food trucks, including creations from award-winning chefs Desi Bourgeois (Grown & Grazed, Staples Co.) and Andrew Caskey (Bad Wolf BBQ).
If you’re looking for a finer dining experience indoors, head to Trio’s Dining for in-house made bread, specialty mains, and top-quality cocktails.

Dinner: Traveling with a big crew, the whole family, or fellow fans? Log Cabin is the ideal spot, with room to fit everyone and a menu serving up BBQ, steaks, and Tex-Mex.
For specialty pizzas and in-house craft beers, Utility Brewing is the place to go. Perfect for those wanting a lively setting inside or a charming outdoor patio experience.
Another top choice for dinner is White Lightnin’ Cocktail and Culinary Co., which offers a more elevated dining experience with deliciously crafted cocktails and quality steaks, seafood, and house specials.

Pictured: Lula Perl Café

SEE

Public Art: Stroll through Ruston’s public art murals and bulldog statues scattered around downtown and on Louisiana Tech’s campus. If it’s a little too hot for walking, take a driving tour of the murals and bulldogs around the city. If you snap a few pictures with our bulldogs or in front of our local artist’s murals, you can be featured on our socials and website by submitting your images here.

Museums & Exhibits: Outside of game play time, explore Ruston’s local history and culture at spots like the Lincoln Parish Museum, Eddie G Robinson Museum, or the Military Museum. For art galleries and visual experiences view an exhibit at the F. Jay Taylor Visual Arts Center or the Gilbert Center.

Live Music: The evening before game day, catch some live music happening at one of Ruston’s local hot spots. Sundown Tavern, Ponchatoulas, Utility Brewing, White Lightnin’, and The Local are just a few of the venues that regularly host bands and performers on weekends. Click here to see the full schedule of events and find your perfect vibe.

Pictured: Dixie Center for the Arts Mural

Experience

Lincoln Parish Park: Looking for a way to get you and your crew moving? Lincoln Parish Park offers nationally ranked mountain biking trails, scenic walking paths and waterside views, and full playground sets, perfect if you’re travelling with kids. It is a peaceful counterbalance to the lively energy you’ll experience on gameday and a great spot to unwind before you hit the road back to your destination.

Ruston Farmers Market: On Saturday mornings, from 9AM to 1PM, meet area farmers and makers at the Ruston Farmers Market, where you can pick from a variety of fresh ingredients, baked goods, and handmade items. It is one of the best places to find a unique Ruston souvenir or treat to take back home.

Shop Local: Ruston’s 25-block historic downtown district is packed with more than 50 local shops, restaurants, and attractions, all within a walkable distance. After you’ve grabbed a bite to eat, or strolled the arts scene, wander into a boutique or antique store, explore local creations at Creative Exchange, or flip through books and records at No. 9 Books & Records.
If you’re looking to explore deeper into the city, head to Ruston’s local peach orchard, Mitcham Farms. It may be past peach season, but the farm's store is still packed with all-things-peachy. You’ll find souvenirs, peach tea, peach coffee, jams, T-shirts, and more.

Pictured: Lincoln Parish Park

Now that you’ve discovered the best ways to spend your Gameday weekend in Ruston, take a look at all the need-to-know gameday information and logistics to make getting here and getting around a breeze.

Pre-game

Parking: Refer to the map to see all the available parking options. There is also a free shuttle service that picks up at Railroad Park in downtown, stops by the W. Mississippi lot on campus, and then drops off at the stadium.


Pictured: Joe Aillet Stadium Parking Map

Shuttles: The Tech Trolley runs continuously 1.5 hours prior to kick-off and one hour after the game ends. Refer to the map below to see all the available parking options.

Tailgating: Looking for a one stop shop to view all tailgating packages? Click here.
*Pro Tip: We recommend Tailgating at the Turn powered by Experience Ruston for visiting teams and fans!

Pictured: Game Day Shuttle Map

Game Time

Bag policy: Guests will be able to carry the following style and size bag, package, or container into the venue: Bags that are clear and do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12.” One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag. Small clutch bags, no larger than 4.5” x 6.5”, can be taken into the venue with one of the clear plastic bags. Find more of the guidelines here.

Stadium Map: View the following stadium seating map for seating and entry.

Pictured: Joe Aillet Stadium seating map

Concessions: Concessions are located in six convenient areas on both the east and west sides of the stadium, they also feature the usual favorites of Johnny’s Pizza, Chic-Fil-A, and Taco Truck items. Alcoholic beverages are sold and must be kept in the stadium; you may not bring outside beverages into the stadium gates.

Pictured: LA Tech's Mascot, Champ the Bulldog

For more suggestions on how to have the best weekend experience in Ruston & Lincoln Parish, scroll our inspiring itineraries. Whether you're an outdoors enthusiasts or a traveling foodie, you can find it all in Ruston, LA.

See y’all at the JOE!


For accommodation available during your stay, click here to scroll hotels, campgrounds, and rentals.

Events

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