Former LSU basketball coach Dale Brown will be honored at a public Celebration of Life on November 11, following his passing on October 23 at the age of 90.
Louisiana State University and the Brown family announced the memorial event on October 29, inviting former players, fans, friends and members of the community to gather and remember the legendary coach.
The ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. Central Time at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center on LSU’s campus in Baton Rouge. Admission will be free and open to the public, with doors scheduled to open at 5:30 p.m.
According to LSU Athletics, general admission seating will be available in the lower and middle sections of the arena. Public entrances will be located at the top of the exterior ramps. Floor seating will be reserved for former players and guests of the Brown family.
Attendees should plan ahead because concessions will not be available inside the venue. However, visitors may bring sealed water bottles. LSU recommends general public parking in lots 401 and 404, along with other available parking areas surrounding the Maravich Center.
The Celebration of Life will also be streamed online through SEC Network+, LSU Sports’ YouTube channel and its Facebook page, allowing people who cannot attend in person to participate.
Dale Brown Leaves a Lasting Legacy at LSU
Born on October 31, 1935, in Minot, North Dakota, Brown became one of the most influential figures in LSU basketball history.
He was appointed head coach of the LSU men’s basketball team in 1972 and spent 25 years leading the Tigers. During his coaching career, his teams reached the NCAA Final Four twice, in 1981 and 1986.
Brown also guided LSU to four Southeastern Conference championships in 1979, 1981, 1985 and 1991. His teams made 13 NCAA Tournament appearances and recorded 448 victories, a total that remains fourth all-time in SEC coaching history.
His achievements earned him the 1981 National Coach of the Year award and recognition in several prestigious halls of fame, including the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame, Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and LSU Athletics Hall of Fame.
In January 2022, LSU honored his contributions by placing his name on the basketball floor at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center.
Funeral Mass and Scholarship Donations Announced
Before the evening Celebration of Life, a funeral Mass will take place at St. George Catholic Church in Baton Rouge at 10 a.m. on November 11. The service will also be open to the public.
The Brown family has requested that people wishing to honor his memory consider donating to the Dale Brown Scholarship Fund instead of sending flowers.
Managed through the Tiger Athletic Foundation, the fund supports university students and student-athletes. Donations are divided equally, with 50% directed toward general academic scholarships and the remaining 50% supporting student-athlete scholarships.
The scholarship initiative reflects Brown’s lifelong commitment to education, mentorship and the LSU community.
