RUSTON, La. – LA Tech Athletics and the Louisiana Tech SGA announced on Friday the rebranding of the student section to The Kennel for all home athletic events.
 
"In my first couple months on the job, it has become apparent that the Louisiana Tech student body is so passionate about the Bulldogs and Lady Techsters," LA Tech VP and Director of Athletics Eric Wood said. "I'm beyond excited about the new and improved student section at our home athletic events. Look forward to seeing The Kennel provide our student-athletes with an outstanding home field advantage."
 
The Louisiana Tech student body suggested and voted on names for the new student section with the final decision being The Kennel.
 
"It was really great to have everyone come together for a conversation about how we should propel athletics forward, especially given that the conversation was centered around feedback from students," SGA President Zac Little said. "I'm looking forward to building an awesome tradition around the new student section."
 
All LA Tech students are encouraged to be a part of The Kennel. Within the student section, there will be 20-25 "Top Dogs" who will serve as the leaders and heartbeat of The Kennel. The "Top Dogs" will be responsible for helping create a home atmosphere by being present, being loud and helping to organize special events and game day preparations. The selected "Top Dogs" will also receive special benefits for their leadership. Students interested in becoming a "Top Dog" will need to fill out this form.
 
Signage for The Kennel has been installed inside the Thomas Assembly Center, JC Love Field at Pat Patterson Park, and at Dr. Billy Bundrick Field. Signage will also be placed inside Joe Aillet Stadium for the 2021 football season.
 
The Kennel will be launched with a t-shirt giveaway during this Saturday's nationally-televised men's basketball game as the Bulldogs take on the Rice Owls in game No. 2 on Saturday at 1 p.m. The Kennel will take over sections 109, 110 and 112 inside the TAC. Students can enter the Thomas Assembly Center by showing their Tech student ID at the back entrance. As has been the case during the 2020-21 season, 250 students are allowed inside the TAC in compliance with COVID-19 capacity limits.
 
Students will also have the opportunity to participate in a cookout in the right field area of JC Love Field at Pat Patterson Park at the March 12 baseball game against Arkansas starting at 5 p.m. (first pitch is slated for 6 p.m.).
 
For student-entrance at home baseball games, students will show their student IDs at the gate by the right field foul pole. Students will show their IDs in the right field area between the score board and the foul pole for entrance at home softball games. There will be a limit of 100 students at both baseball and softball home games this season in compliance with COVID-19 capacity limitations. Students are encouraged to fill in the apartment patio area once capacity has been reached in right field at home baseball games.