The winner of the annual rivalry matchup between Nicholls State and Southeastern Louisiana takes home the River Bell Trophy. The rivalry between these two Louisiana-based schools dates back to 1972. However, the rivalry was on hiatus from 1986 to 2004. You won’t want to miss it when the Colonels and Lions square off, so make sure to be in attendance when Southeastern Louisiana comes to town.

NSU Challenge

Rival Team: Northwestern State Demons

Nicholls State and Northwestern State play annually in the NSU Challenge. The rivalry began in 1973 and has been one of the key fixtures each year since then. Over the years, the Demons have amassed a 28-16 lead in the all-time series. Don’t miss it when the Colonels and Demons meet as the NSU Challenge is always one of the best matchups of the year.

Nicholls State Colonels Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

When attending a Nicholls State Colonels football game, make sure to arrive early and enjoy all the pregame festivities. Colonels fans love to tailgate before the game, and there is no better way to get into the game day spirit than by grilling out and throwing back a few beers in the parking lots surrounding Guidry Stadium before the game.

One of the best parts of tailgating at Nicholls State is the Colonel Football Tailgate Concert Series. Each Colonels football game features a pregame concert that you won’t want to miss. The concerts feature local acts and are an excellent way to hear some of the best musicians from the Thibodaux, Louisiana area.

If you’re a Nicholls State student, then you also won’t want to miss checking out the student tailgate area, which features reduced beer prices and free burgers. Here you’ll find great deals on food and drinks making it a great place to tailgate before the game.

Tailgating is a fun part of any Colonels game, so get here early and enjoy all the pregame festivities.

Traditions

Colonel Football Tailgate Concert Series

If you enjoy live music, then you’ll love tailgating at Nicholls State. Each Colonels home game features a pregame concert that you won’t want to miss, so get here early and enjoy the performance.

Where to tailgate

Tailgate Lots

Those of you who want to ensure you’ll have a tailgate spot will need to reserve one before the game through the athletic department. Never fear though if you don’t reserve one though as you there are usually spaces still available on game days.

Student Tailgate Area

The student tailgate area is the perfect place to tailgate before the game if you’re a Nicholls State student. Here you’ll be able to tailgate to your heart’s content as there is plenty of partying, food, and beer.

Nicholls State Colonels Stadium Guide

In Game

A Nicholls State football game is a fun way to spend some time in Thibodaux, Louisiana and is an excellent way to get involved in the community. Fans from all over the area come out to cheer on the Colonels on game days. Everywhere you look, you’ll see support for the Colonels as fans dressed head to toe in red and gray pack John L. Guidry Stadium.

You’ll see lots of pageantry on display at Nicholls State thanks to the superb performances of the Colonels spirit groups. The Pride of Nicholls Marching Band kicks things off with their pregame performance, and from there it only gets better. The Colonettes dance team puts on a fantastic display, and you won’t want to miss the Nicholls Color Guard, Colonel Tillou, or the Nicholls Cheerleaders throughout the game.

Nicholls State offers just about everything you could want in a college football game including devoted fans and tons of pageantry and traditions, making a trip to Thibodaux a must for any diehard FCS football fan.

Things to check out

Pride of Nicholls

The Pride of Nicholls puts on a fantastic pre-game and halftime show and is a must-see part of any Colonels football game. The marching band also livens up the game with their tunes, making them one of the best parts of any game.

Nicholls Colonelettes and Color Guard

You won’t want to miss the performances of the Nicholls Colonelettes or the Nicholls Color Guard. Both groups’ routines are can’t-miss parts of the game, so don’t leave your seat when you see either one take the field.

Colonel Tillou

Colonel Tillou is the official mascot of Nicholls State and is beloved by Nicholls State fans young and old. Keep an eye out for Colonel Tillou as he gets into all kinds of antics during the game.

Nicholls Cheerleaders

The Nicholls Cheerleaders co-ed team will pump you up with their cheers and chants. Nobody does a better job of riling up the crowd than the cheerleaders, so join in their cheers and help propel the Colonels to victory.

‹ New Hampshire Wildcats

Norfolk State Spartans ›