A Baton Rouge Icon Bids Farewell: Dan Borné Retires After 35 Years as the Voice of Tiger Stadium and PMAC

In the heart of Baton Rouge, where traditions run deep and Tiger pride echoes across the state of Louisiana, few voices have resonated louder—or longer—than that of Dan Borné. For more than 35 years, Borné has been the unmistakable sound of Tiger Stadium on Saturday nights and the Pete Maravich Assembly Center during winter basketball battles. This week, LSU fans learned that the iconic public address announcer will step down from his role as the voice of LSU football and men’s basketball, marking the end of an era that spans generations of Tigers fans, student-athletes, and unforgettable moments.

To call Dan Borné just a public address announcer is to miss the full measure of his impact. His voice hasn’t just announced touchdowns or free throws; it has narrated the lives of countless LSU fans. It’s been the soundtrack to championship runs, emotional tributes, homecoming ceremonies, and unforgettable rivalries. His famous greeting—“Good evening, Tiger fans, and welcome to Death Valley”—is more than a line. It’s a ritual. A moment that signaled the start of something sacred, something bigger than sport. Now, that voice will take its final bow, and with it, LSU closes a chapter few ever wanted to see end.

Borné’s journey to becoming one of the most beloved voices in college sports is as deeply rooted in LSU history as the institution itself. He began his tenure in 1986 and quickly became a pillar of the game day experience. Through changing coaching staffs, evolving stadium technology, and the rise of digital media, one thing remained consistent—Borné’s calm, commanding, and confident presence over the loudspeakers. He had the rare ability to amplify the drama of a moment without overshadowing it, to energize a crowd without screaming, to inform without overwhelming.

As word of his retirement spread across social media and local news outlets, tributes poured in from fans, alumni, players, and coaches. LSU Athletic Director Scott Woodward released a statement saying, “Dan Borné is a legend not just because of his longevity, but because of the excellence and dignity he brought to his role. He’s been a trusted voice and a steady presence, and his contributions to LSU Athletics are immeasurable.” Woodward also noted that Borné’s retirement would be formally recognized during the 2025 football season with a ceremony befitting his legacy.

Former LSU football coach Les Miles shared his own reflections, stating, “You could always count on Dan to set the tone in the stadium. He was more than a voice. He was part of what made Tiger Stadium such a unique and intimidating place for opponents.” Current head coach Brian Kelly echoed those sentiments, calling Borné “the voice of tradition and excellence.”

Indeed, Borné’s influence stretched beyond mere game day duties. He was known for his precise diction, professional demeanor, and near-perfect delivery. Whether announcing a third-down conversion or a moment of silence, he handled each occasion with equal grace and gravity. Fans recall not just what he said, but how he said it—how he could silence a roaring stadium with just the right inflection, or ignite a cheer with the perfect amount of emphasis.

The magnitude of Borné’s role in the LSU experience is hard to fully articulate. His voice spans decades of Tiger triumphs: three football national championships, multiple SEC titles, and iconic performances by some of the university’s most beloved athletes—from Shaquille O’Neal on the basketball court to Joe Burrow on the football field. In every major LSU moment over the last three and a half decades, Borné was there—not in the spotlight, but shaping it.

Perhaps one of the most poignant aspects of Borné’s career is the respect with which he treated every game, every crowd, every opponent. He understood the weight of tradition and the power of language. He embraced the responsibility that came with his microphone. And in doing so, he left an indelible mark on everyone who passed through Tiger Stadium or the PMAC.

Borné’s retirement is, of course, well-earned. He steps down at the age of 80, having balanced his PA duties with a distinguished career in public relations, higher education, and as a deacon in the Catholic Church. Throughout it all, he remained committed to his LSU family, often arriving hours before kickoff, script in hand, checking and double-checking every name and announcement to ensure he got it right. Because for Borné, it wasn’t just about sounding good—it was about honoring the athletes, the fans, and the university.

As LSU prepares for life without its longtime voice, attention now turns to how the university will honor Borné’s legacy. Early discussions suggest that a permanent tribute inside Tiger Stadium may be in the works—perhaps a plaque, a recording of his iconic intro, or even naming the PA booth in his honor. Whatever form it takes, it will be a small but meaningful gesture to recognize a man whose impact is beyond measure.

But for Borné, the legacy isn’t about awards or recognition. In his retirement statement, he kept the focus where it has always been—on the team, the fans, and the shared LSU spirit. “It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as the voice of LSU Athletics,” he wrote. “I thank God for the opportunity, the coaches and players for their inspiration, and the fans for their unwavering passion. This isn’t goodbye—it’s just time for me to pass the mic to the next voice of the Tigers.”

That voice, whoever it may be, will inherit more than a role—they will inherit a responsibility. Because Borné set the standard. He elevated what it meant to be a public address announcer, not just by what he said, but by how he carried himself. He understood that the role wasn’t about ego or volume, but about service. And in that service, he became something more than a voice—he became a symbol.

In the months ahead, LSU will no doubt celebrate Borné’s contributions in every way possible. But even after the ceremonies end, the impact of his voice will linger. It will echo in fans’ memories. It will live on in highlight reels and in the minds of those who grew up hearing it as part of their Saturday rituals. And it will serve as a reminder that sometimes, the most powerful figures in sports are not those on the field, but those who give voice to the greatness unfolding before our eyes.

For now, Tiger Nation tips its collective cap to Dan Borné. For his professionalism, his passion, his unwavering presence. For 35 years of unforgettable moments. For being the calm before the storm, the trusted narrator of triumph, and the soulful voice of Tiger Pride.

As the lights dim on one of the most storied careers in LSU Athletics, one phrase rings truer than ever: “Good evening, Tiger fans, and welcome to Death Valley—where dreams come to die.” Those words, delivered for decades by Dan Borné, now belong to history. And what a history it is.