The Iconic Voice of LSU Sports: Longtime Football and Basketball PA Announcer Dan Borné Announces Retirement After Decades of Legendary Service

For decades, Dan Borné’s voice has been synonymous with LSU athletics. Whether echoing through the electric atmosphere of Tiger Stadium on a Saturday night or resonating inside the Pete Maravich Assembly Center during intense basketball matchups, Borné’s distinctive tone has served as the soundtrack to some of the most unforgettable moments in LSU sports history. His booming yet comforting voice, paired with his passion for the Tigers, made him not just a public address announcer, but an integral part of the LSU experience. Now, after years of service, Borné has announced that he is stepping away from the microphone, marking the end of an era for LSU football and basketball fans.

Borné’s decision to retire did not come easily. His voice has been part of the LSU culture for so long that many fans cannot imagine a game day without hearing his iconic introductions, enthusiastic calls, and the energy he brought to every announcement. He was not just an announcer; he was a storyteller, setting the scene and elevating the intensity of each game. His ability to engage the crowd, pump up the players, and create an atmosphere of anticipation made him a beloved figure among LSU fans.

Dan Borné began his journey with LSU decades ago, becoming the voice of Tiger Stadium in 1986. From the very start, he understood the weight of the role he was taking on. The job was about more than reading names and numbers—it was about representing the pride and tradition of LSU sports. Over the years, Borné grew into his position with a professionalism and charisma that resonated with fans of all ages. His unmistakable voice became the heartbeat of game days, whether he was welcoming fans to “Death Valley” or calling the action on the basketball court.

For LSU fans, game day wouldn’t officially begin until Borné’s voice filled the air. The famous line, “It’s Saturday night in Death Valley, and here come your Fighting Tigers of LSU!” sent chills down the spines of everyone in attendance. It was the kind of moment that fans waited for all week, a tradition that embodied the excitement and spirit of LSU football. Borné had an uncanny ability to make every game feel monumental, no matter the opponent or the stakes. His voice carried the history and pride of the program with every word he spoke.

While Borné is best known for his work with LSU football, his influence extended well beyond the gridiron. As the PA announcer for LSU basketball games, he brought the same energy and passion to the hardwood. Inside the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, Borné’s voice was a rallying cry for fans and players alike. His cadence, enthusiasm, and timing created a home-court advantage that opponents could feel. Whether it was announcing starting lineups or hyping up the crowd during tense moments, Borné’s presence elevated the game-day experience for everyone in attendance.

Over the years, Borné witnessed and narrated countless historic moments in LSU sports. From championship seasons to record-breaking performances, he was there for it all, delivering the announcements that became etched in the memories of fans. When LSU football celebrated its national championship in 2019, Borné’s voice was part of the soundtrack to that incredible run, just as it had been during so many other milestones in the program’s storied history.

Borné’s impact went far beyond the press box. He was a fixture in the Baton Rouge community, a proud representative of LSU who understood the deep connection between the university and its fans. His professionalism and kindness earned him respect from players, coaches, and colleagues alike. For many athletes who suited up for the Tigers, hearing Borné announce their name was a dream come true, a moment that symbolized their arrival on one of college sports’ biggest stages.

Announcing his retirement was a bittersweet moment for Borné. While he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve as the voice of LSU for so many years, he also acknowledged that it was time to pass the torch to the next generation. His departure leaves big shoes to fill, as whoever takes on the role next will inherit not just a microphone, but a legacy of excellence, passion, and tradition.

LSU athletic director Scott Woodward praised Borné for his decades of service, calling him “an irreplaceable part of LSU’s history.” Woodward noted that Borné’s dedication and enthusiasm had set a standard that would be difficult to match. “Dan’s voice has been the soundtrack of countless memories for our fans, players, and coaches,” Woodward said. “He is as much a part of our tradition as the games themselves.”

Fans have taken to social media to express their admiration and gratitude for Borné, sharing stories about how his voice defined their game-day experiences. Many have recalled hearing his iconic calls as children, attending games with their families, and passing down that shared love for LSU through the generations. His retirement is not just the end of an announcer’s career—it’s the closing of a chapter that spans decades of Tiger history.

Borné’s ability to connect with fans stemmed from his deep love for LSU. He wasn’t just calling the games; he was living them alongside everyone in the stadium. He celebrated the highs and weathered the lows, always maintaining the enthusiasm and pride that made LSU sports special. His voice was steady, reliable, and filled with a warmth that made fans feel like they were part of something bigger than themselves.

Even though he is stepping away from the microphone, Borné’s legacy will endure. His voice will live on in highlight reels, video tributes, and the collective memory of LSU fans who associate his calls with some of the greatest moments in program history. From the roar of the crowd following a game-winning touchdown to the final buzzer of a hard-fought basketball victory, Borné was there, guiding fans through every thrilling moment.

In his farewell remarks, Borné thanked the fans, players, and staff who supported him throughout his career. “Being the voice of LSU has been the honor of a lifetime,” he said. “I have cherished every moment, every game, and every cheer. LSU is more than a university—it’s a family. And I am grateful to have been a part of that family for so many years.”

As LSU looks toward the future, finding a successor to Borné will be no easy task. The next PA announcer will face the challenge of following in the footsteps of a legend, but they will also inherit a rich tradition that Borné helped shape. Whoever steps into that role will have an opportunity to create new memories and continue the legacy of excellence that has defined LSU game days for decades.

For now, fans are taking time to celebrate Borné’s incredible career. His retirement is a moment to reflect on the joy he brought to generations of LSU supporters, the countless games he enhanced with his voice, and the spirit of Tiger pride he embodied. He leaves behind a legacy that will forever be tied to the magic of LSU sports, a legacy that will continue to inspire and resonate long after his final announcement.

Borné’s story is a reminder of the unique role that PA announcers play in the world of sports. While players and coaches often receive the most attention, voices like Borné’s are the ones that tie the game-day experience together. They set the tone, amplify the emotion, and create moments that fans never forget. Borné’s retirement marks the end of one of those rare careers that transcend the job itself, becoming part of the very identity of the teams he served.

LSU fans will always remember Dan Borné as the voice that welcomed them to Death Valley, the voice that celebrated their victories, and the voice that gave life to their beloved Tigers. His departure leaves a void, but it also serves as an opportunity to honor his contributions and reflect on the countless memories he helped create. As the next chapter of LSU athletics begins, Borné’s legacy will remain an enduring symbol of passion, pride, and the power of a voice to bring a community together.