LSU Alumni Bring Mardi Gras Magic to College World Series with Giant Mike the Tiger Float
June 18, 2025
As the LSU Baseball team competes in the College World Series, one of the boldest displays of school pride is rolling right alongside them: a custom-built 13.5 feet high Mike the Tiger float designed by Kern Studios and Mardi Gras World in New Orleans.
The company has deep roots in Louisiana and a team full of LSU alumni. In this Q&A, brothers Patrick, director of operations, and Fitz Kern, president, share how the idea came to life, what went into building the float, and how Mardi Gras Mike is turning heads and uniting Tiger fans on the road to Omaha.
First things first—how did the idea for sending a giant Mike the Tiger float to Omaha come about?
It all started with a simple thought: How do we combine two of Louisiana’s greatest traditions—Mardi Gras and LSU athletics— into something unforgettable? The idea really took shape during football season. A few of us were walking through Mardi Gras World after attending the LSU vs. Ole Miss game and said, “What if Mike the Tiger had his own float?” It felt like the kind of bold, uniquely Louisiana thing LSU fans would love—and Mardi Gras Mike was born.
Initially, we thought we might unveil him during football season—maybe at Tiger Walk or the LSU–Clemson game. But as baseball season heated up and Omaha became a real possibility, we knew the College World Series was the perfect stage. It’s such a high-energy, high-visibility moment for LSU, and we wanted Mardi Gras Mike to roll with the Tigers when the whole world was watching.
Can you tell us a little about the design and build process behind the float? How long did it take, and what went into making it? What other LSU alumni were involved?
The float was built by Kern Studios, who set out to create something that felt both fierce and festive. The process took several months, with a team of designers, artists, welders, painters, engineers, and other craftsmen pouring love and detail into every inch. Several LSU alumni helped guide the creative vision and logistics—we wanted this to be by Tiger fans, for Tiger fans.
LSU fans are known for going big—how does Mardi Gras Mike capture that Tiger spirit?
Mardi Gras Mike is LSU energy on wheels. He’s bold, loud, colorful, and proud—just like Tiger Nation. From the thundering tiger roar to the purple and gold accents, every part of the float reflects the pride and pageantry that LSU fans bring to every game, every tailgate, and every championship run.
What kind of reactions have you seen from fans so far, both in Baton Rouge and along the road to Omaha?
Incredible. From the moment we rolled out at Alex Box Stadium, fans have been stopping for photos, honking their horns, waving flags, and asking where they can see him next. Along the way to Omaha, the float has become a moving celebration—people pull over just to catch a glimpse or post on social. It’s been a rolling wave of purple and gold love.
Where can fans expect to see Mardi Gras Mike during the College World Series? Any planned stops or surprise appearances?
We’re planning several appearances in Omaha, including outside Charles Schwab Stadium before games, near popular tailgate spots, and hopefully a few surprise locations around town. The goal is to show up where Tiger fans are celebrating and bring that Louisiana magic with us.
What kind of planning goes into transporting a float of this size across state lines?
Mardi Gras Mike was specially designed to be street legal, so in many ways, transporting him was just like driving an 18-wheeler. We didn’t need special permits or escorts, but we still had to plan the route carefully checking for low clearances, mapping fuel stops, and making sure we could safely navigate every turn. It’s a big rig with big spirit, and we wanted the journey to be just as smooth as the debut.
What were you most excited to see once Mardi Gras Mike is in Omaha surrounded by Tiger Nation?
Honestly? That moment when the float rolls up and you see the faces of Tiger fans light up. Kids smiling, alumni cheering, students taking selfies—just pure joy. That’s what this is all about. And of course, we hope to be leading a victory parade after a national title!
How does it feel to play a role in such a unique moment for the university and its baseball team?
It was an incredibly meaningful project for our team, knowing what LSU means to the state. To contribute something fun and memorable to the culture of the university is a real honor. Seeing the float surrounded by fans in purple and gold is an unbelievable moment for our team.
Any advice for current students or fellow alumni about blending creativity, passion, and school pride in their work?
Don’t wait for permission—just start building what you believe in. The best ideas come from passion, and when you mix that with pride in where you came from, magic happens. Find your version of Mardi Gras Mike and bring it to life.
Once the College World Series wraps up, what’s next for Mardi Gras Mike? Will he make another appearance?
Absolutely. This is just the beginning. Mardi Gras Mike will ride in parades, pop up at future football games, and keep repping LSU all year long. Our dream is for him to become a true Tiger tradition—something fans look forward to seeing at every big moment.
What do you love about LSU?
The community. The passion. The way we all show up for each other—win or lose. LSU is a family, and it’s a place where traditions are born and legends are made.
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