Kim Mulkey Makes Big Play to Fill NCAA Tournament Stands with LSU Students

Kim Mulkey is no stranger to making big plays on and off the court. As the head coach of the LSU Tigers women’s basketball team, she has led the program to unprecedented success, including a national championship in 2023. But her latest initiative extends beyond the realm of basketball strategy. It’s a campaign to energize and engage the student body in the postseason tournament, ensuring the stands are packed with enthusiastic LSU students during the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament.

The initiative not only speaks to Mulkey’s commitment to building a winning culture on the court but also to creating an electric atmosphere in the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, LSU’s home arena, during one of the most pivotal moments in the season. Here’s a closer look at how Kim Mulkey is playing a crucial role in filling the stands with LSU students, why it matters, and how it could change the dynamic of college basketball at LSU.

The Legacy of Kim Mulkey: A Record of Success and Influence

To understand the significance of Mulkey’s actions, we first have to consider her remarkable career in basketball. Mulkey, who took over the LSU women’s basketball program in 2021, is a Hall of Fame coach with a decorated history. Before her time at LSU, she led the Baylor Bears to three NCAA Championships and established herself as one of the most successful and respected coaches in women’s college basketball.

In addition to her coaching prowess, Mulkey’s ability to build connections with fans, players, and the surrounding community is one of the defining aspects of her career. She understands the power of a home crowd, particularly in an arena like the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, which can hold over 10,000 fans. However, despite the Tigers’ success under her leadership, one of the recurring challenges for Mulkey was filling those seats with passionate, raucous fans.

The Importance of Student Engagement

College basketball games are often about more than just the game itself. The energy, the student section, and the atmosphere can have a significant impact on the players and the outcome of the game. Historically, LSU has had strong support from its student body, particularly in football, but the women’s basketball team, while achieving great success, had not always seen that same level of support in terms of attendance.

Kim Mulkey knows the importance of a well-packed arena and the role it plays in motivating her players. She also recognizes that for the team to continue thriving, they need the backing of the LSU community. Student sections at basketball games can provide that electric energy that is so crucial in tight games, and Mulkey has set out to bring that atmosphere to the NCAA tournament.

While student attendance at games has often been sporadic, especially for a sport like women’s basketball that doesn’t always capture the same media attention as men’s basketball or football, Mulkey’s popularity as a coach has helped to change the dynamic. She knows how to engage the fans, and she has used her influence as a major recruiting tool—not only for athletes but for the LSU student body as well.

The Campaign to Fill the Stands

In 2025, as LSU headed into the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, Mulkey launched an initiative aimed at filling the stands of the Pete Maravich Assembly Center with LSU students. The goal was clear: to ensure that the Tigers had an electric home-court advantage, backed by a roaring student section that would make a difference in the postseason.

The strategy was multifaceted, combining direct engagement with the student body, offering incentives for attendance, and creating a buzz around the team’s postseason aspirations. Here’s how Mulkey went about it:

1. Direct Student Outreach: Mulkey’s personal involvement in reaching out to students was a key factor in the success of the initiative. She took to social media, speaking directly to LSU students, encouraging them to come out and support the team. Her message was clear: LSU women’s basketball was not just another college team, but a championship-caliber program with an opportunity to make history. The presence of students in the arena was integral to that pursuit.
2. Partnerships with Student Organizations: Mulkey worked with various student organizations, from fraternities and sororities to academic clubs and athletic groups, to promote the games. These partnerships helped spread the word and rally different segments of the student body to pack the stands. Additionally, Mulkey and her coaching staff made sure to engage with these groups on a personal level, hosting events, meet-and-greets, and game-day rituals to help students feel more connected to the program.
3. Incentives and Prizes: To make it even more enticing, Mulkey worked with the LSU Athletics Department to create incentives for students attending the tournament games. These included free giveaways, such as LSU basketball gear and tickets to other major sporting events, as well as the opportunity to win exclusive experiences, such as a meet-and-greet with Mulkey herself or a chance to watch a game from courtside. These incentives played a significant role in motivating students to make their way to the games, filling the stands with both devoted fans and newcomers.
4. Social Media and Viral Campaigns: In the age of social media, a viral campaign can be a game-changer, and Mulkey used this to her advantage. The hashtag #FillThePMAC was introduced across Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, with students sharing their excitement about attending the games. Players, coaches, and LSU student-athletes across various sports also got involved, creating a sense of unity and excitement about the tournament. This helped amplify the reach of the campaign and spread awareness quickly among the student body.
5. Student Tickets and Accessibility: One of the biggest barriers to student attendance at college sporting events is often the cost of tickets. Recognizing this, Mulkey and the LSU Athletics Department made student tickets for NCAA Tournament games highly affordable, offering discounts and even free admission for certain sections of the student body. By making games financially accessible, Mulkey ensured that no student would be left out due to cost, giving everyone a chance to be a part of the Tigers’ championship run.
6. Game Day Atmosphere: The student body was also encouraged to bring their energy and enthusiasm to the games. LSU’s home arena became a space where students could show off their school spirit through themed game days, such as “Tiger Pride Day,” “Black and Gold Night,” and “Super Fan Sunday.” These themed games created a sense of unity and excitement, enhancing the experience for both students and players.
7. Faculty and Alumni Support: Mulkey also recognized the power of faculty and alumni in building a strong basketball culture. She reached out to professors and staff members at LSU, asking them to encourage students to attend the games and show support. The involvement of alumni, some of whom were major donors to the athletics program, also helped provide additional support for the campaign.

Impact on the Team and the Campus

Kim Mulkey’s efforts to fill the stands with LSU students were not just about boosting attendance numbers—they were about creating an atmosphere where both the players and the fans felt connected. The result was an environment where the Tigers could feed off the crowd’s energy, making the NCAA Tournament games even more intense and thrilling.

For the players, the increased presence of students in the stands acted as a motivational tool. There’s a clear connection between player performance and fan support, and Mulkey made sure her players could feel the buzz of a full house, which helped them step up their game when it mattered most.

For the students, this was an opportunity to be part of something bigger than themselves. They weren’t just spectators—they were contributors to the atmosphere and success of a team that was striving for greatness. The experience allowed students to forge a deeper connection with the LSU women’s basketball team and develop a sense of pride in their university’s athletic achievements.

Long-Term Impact on LSU Women’s Basketball

Beyond the NCAA Tournament, Mulkey’s efforts to engage LSU students could have lasting effects on the program. By building a strong, loyal fan base among the student body, she is setting the foundation for continued success both on and off the court. Students who attend the games during their time at LSU will carry those memories with them, creating lifelong fans who will continue to support the program long after graduation.

Moreover, the visibility and excitement around LSU women’s basketball will likely encourage future recruits to consider LSU as their destination of choice. As Mulkey continues to build a championship-caliber program, the presence of a strong student section will play a critical role in attracting top talent to Baton Rouge.

Kim Mulkey’s initiative to fill the NCAA Tournament stands with LSU students represents more than just a push for increased attendance—it is a strategic move designed to energize both the student body and the team during a crucial moment in the season. Through direct outreach, incentives, and a focus on creating an unforgettable game-day experience, Mulkey has fostered a culture of support, pride, and excitement for LSU women’s basketball. As the Tigers continue to make strides toward national prominence, the energy generated by Mulkey’s efforts could have a lasting impact on the program, ensuring that LSU remains a powerhouse in women’s college basketball for years to come.