LSU Expresses Strong Emotions After Parting ways With Another Historic Legend, Death Valley pioneers

LSU announced Thursday that longtime public address announcer Dan Borné is retiring from his role as the voice of LSU football and men’s basketball.

Borné spent 38 years announcing in Tiger Stadium and 36 years at men’s basketball games in the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. During his tenure, LSU football captured three national championships and six SEC titles.

“I want to thank LSU and all the fans for so many memorable seasons,” Borné said. “It’s been a tremendous honor, and I’m very grateful. At 79, it’s time to retire and pass the mic. I look forward to spending more time with my family—but we’ll always bleed purple and gold!”

Borné is well-known for popularizing the phrase, “chance of rain – never!”—a nod to the long-standing LSU legend that it never rains in Tiger Stadium. He also energized the crowd with his signature fourth-quarter transition line: “The sun has found its home in the western sky. It is now Saturday Night in Death Valley!”

He was on the mic for many of LSU’s iconic moments and called games during the Heisman-winning seasons of Joe Burrow and Jayden Daniels.

“Dan’s impact and his powerful voice will always be a part of LSU history,” said LSU Athletic Director Scott Woodward. “For nearly four decades, his presence helped make Saturday nights in Death Valley truly unforgettable. We’re deeply grateful for his passion and his dedication to creating memories for generations of fans.”

LSU will honor Borné’s decades of service at a football game this fall and a men’s basketball game later in the season. A search for his successor is already underway.