When was the first time that LSU played under the lights at Tiger Stadium? Who was the coach? Who did they play, and who won?

The LSU Tigers, led by coach Russell Cohen, played their first night game at home on Oct. 3, 1931, defeating Spring Hill by a score of 35-0.

“The reserves of Louisiana State university were slated to take the field tonight in the Tigers’ reception to the Spring Hill Badgers from Mobile, Ala. Coach Russ Cohen indicating he would not use his regulars unless the visitors offered a serious threat,” reads a story published in that day’s edition of the American Press.

“Many of the varsity still were nursing bruises from last week’s engagement. The game inaugurates night football at the state university.”

According to the 2015 media guide for LSU football, T.P. “Skipper” Heard, the graduate manager of athletics and later the athletics director, came up with the night-game idea.

“Several reasons were cited for playing LSU games at night, including avoiding the heat and humidity of afternoon games, avoiding scheduling conflicts with Tulane and Loyola and giving more fans the opportunity to see the Tigers play,” reads the media guide.

“An immediate increase in attendance was noted, and night football soon became ingrained in LSU football lore.”

An Associated Press story from the Oct. 24, 1931, edition of the American Press remarks on the swift popularity of the nighttime games.

“Louisiana State university is now committed to night football 100 per cent for home games,” the story begins.

“Athletics authorities have announced that the game October 31 with Sewanee will be played under the lights, as were the home games with Spring Hill, South Carolina, and Mississippi A. & M.

“When the game was carded, it was not said definitely whether it would be a day or night fracas, but the night performances have been so successful, that it has been decided to let the Swamp Tigers and the Mountain Lions cut their capers after supper.”

The Tigers’ 1931 season:

Sept. 26 — LSU, 0; TCU, 3.

Oct. 3 — Spring Hill, 0; LSU, 35.

Oct. 10 — South Carolina, 12; LSU, 19.

Oct. 17 — Miss. State, 0; LSU, 31.

Oct. 24 — LSU, 13; Arkansas, 6.

Oct. 31 — Sewanee, 12; LSU, 6.

Nov. 7 — LSU, 0; Army, 20.

Nov. 14 — LSU, 26; Ole Miss, 3.

Nov. 28 — LSU, 7; Tulane, 34.

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Online: www.lsusports.net.

Parish responsible for road into park

Who is responsible for maintaining the roads into and out of Sam Houston Jones State Park. It’s embarrassing, with trash and litter and tall grass. People from all over the United States see all the trash.

Jacques Berry, communications director for the lieutenant governor’s office, said the road, Gahagan Lane, is the responsibility of parish authorities.

The staff at Sam Houston Jones State Park used to pick up litter and maintain the roadsides, Berry said, but state budget cuts over the years have reduced the park’s staff from 20 to six, making cleanup impractical.

Bryan Beam, Calcasieu Parish administrator, said the parish has taken over maintenance duties.

The lieutenant governor’s office and the Office of State Parks are parts of the state Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism.

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Online: www.crt.state.la.us.

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The Informer answers questions from readers each Sunday, Monday and Wednesday. It is researched and written by Andrew Perzo, an American Press staff writer. To ask a question, call 494-4098 and leave voice mail, or email informer@americanpress.com.

(Special to the American Press)