LSU Announces Celebration of Life for Legendary Coach Dale Brown on Nov. 11
LSU basketball fans will have an opportunity to gather and pay tribute to one of the most influential figures in the program's history when the university hosts a Celebration of Life for legendary coach Dale Brown on Wednesday, Nov. 11.
The ceremony, organized by LSU and the Brown family, will begin at 6 p.m. CT inside the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. Admission is free, and the event is open to the public. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m.
Brown, who guided the Tigers for 25 seasons and helped transform LSU into a national basketball power, passed away Oct. 23 at the age of 90.
Fans attending the celebration will be able to sit in the lower and middle levels of the PMAC on a general admission basis. Public entrances will be accessible from the top of the building's exterior ramps, while floor seating will be set aside for former LSU players and invited guests of the Brown family.
LSU recommends parking in lots 401 and 404, along with other available parking areas near the arena.
Concession stands will not operate during the event, although attendees will be permitted to bring sealed bottles of water.
For those unable to attend, the celebration will be carried live on SEC Network+ and through LSU Sports' official YouTube and Facebook channels.
A Legacy That Transformed LSU Basketball
Brown arrived at LSU in 1972 and spent the next quarter-century building a program that became one of the most recognizable in college basketball.
Under his leadership, the Tigers reached the NCAA Final Four in 1981 and 1986, captured four Southeastern Conference championships and earned 13 NCAA Tournament appearances.
His teams recorded 448 victories on the court, a total that remains fourth in SEC history.
Brown earned National Coach of the Year honors in 1981 and was inducted into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame, Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and LSU Athletics Hall of Fame.
In January 2022, LSU further recognized his contributions by naming the basketball court at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center in his honor.
Born Oct. 31, 1935, in Minot, North Dakota, Brown would have celebrated his 91st birthday just eight days after his passing.
Funeral Mass and Scholarship Fund
A funeral Mass for Brown will be held earlier on Nov. 11 at St. George Catholic Church in Baton Rouge. The service begins at 10 a.m. and will also be open to the public.
The Brown family has requested that those wishing to honor the former coach consider contributing to the Dale Brown Scholarship Fund through the Tiger Athletic Foundation in place of sending flowers.
Contributions will be divided evenly between academic scholarships for LSU students and scholarships for LSU student-athletes, reflecting Brown's longtime commitment to education and helping young people succeed.
Donations can be made through the Dale Brown Scholarship Fund.
Celebration of Life Event Information
Date: Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026
Time: 6 p.m. CT (doors open at 5:30 p.m.)
Location: Pete Maravich Assembly Center, LSU campus
Admission: Free and open to the public
Parking: Lots 401 and 404 and other available nearby lots
Streaming: SEC Network+, LSU Sports YouTube and Facebook
Funeral Mass: 10 a.m., St. George Catholic Church, Baton Rouge
