What Time Does LSU Game Start: Today’s Tip-Off and the 2026 Schedule

What Time Does LSU Game Start: Today’s Tip-Off and the 2026 Schedule

You're standing in the middle of a crowded Northgate bar or maybe just pacing your living room in Geaux Tigers pajamas, and the only thing that matters is the clock. If you are asking what time does lsu game start, you aren't just looking for a number. You're looking for when the "Neck" starts playing, when the PMAC starts shaking, or when the first pitch hits the dirt at the Box.

Right now, it is Saturday, January 17, 2026.

If you are looking for the big ticket today, it is all about the hardwood. The LSU men's basketball team is hosting the Missouri Tigers at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. It is a Tiger-on-Tiger showdown.

Today's Big Game: LSU vs. Missouri

The what time does lsu game start answer for today is exactly 2:30 p.m. CT.

If you’re watching from the East Coast, that’s 3:30 p.m. for you. The game is being broadcast on the SEC Network. Honestly, LSU needs this one. They are currently sitting at 12-5 overall but haven't found their rhythm in SEC play yet, starting 0-4. Missouri is coming in hot at 13-4 and 3-1 in the conference.

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Watch out for Dedan Thomas Jr. if he’s healthy—he’s been the engine for LSU with over 16 points a game, but he’s missed some time lately. On the other side, Missouri's Mark Mitchell is a problem. He’s averaging 17.5 points and just dropped 20 on Auburn.

Beyond Basketball: What Else is Happening?

LSU sports in January is a chaotic, beautiful mess of schedules. While the men are playing today, the rest of the week is packed.

Gymnastics: The No. 2 Tigers

LSU Gymnastics is currently ranked No. 2 in the nation. They just had a heartbreaker last night, Friday, January 16, losing a tight meet to No. 8 Georgia in Athens (197.200 to 196.850). If you're looking ahead to their next home meet to see Konnor McClain or Haleigh Bryant, mark your calendar for Friday, January 23.

That meet against Kentucky starts at 6:30 p.m. CT and will be on ESPN2. The PMAC is basically a night club for gymnastics, so if you haven't been, you're missing out on the best atmosphere in college sports.

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Women’s Basketball: The Mulkey Era Continues

Kim Mulkey’s squad is back in action tomorrow. If you’re asking what time does lsu game start for the women’s team, they play Sunday, January 18 at 2:00 p.m. CT.

They are traveling to Norman to face Oklahoma. It’s a huge road test. You can catch that one on ESPN2. This team is still the gold standard for intensity, and after a 70-65 win last week, they are looking to keep the momentum rolling through the SEC gauntlet.

Looking Ahead: Football and Baseball

I know, it's January, but in Baton Rouge, football never really stops. The 2026 football season is already being whispered about in every corner of Highland Road.

The 2026 LSU football season officially kicks off on Saturday, September 5, 2026, against Clemson. That’s a massive non-conference game in Death Valley. While the exact kickoff time hasn't been set by the networks yet—those usually drop about 12 days before the game—you can bet your bottom dollar it’ll be a night game or a high-profile afternoon slot on ABC or ESPN.

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And don't forget the "Powerhouse of the South." LSU Baseball starts their quest to repeat as national champions on Friday, February 13, 2026.

  • Opening Day: vs. Milwaukee
  • Time: 2:00 p.m. CT
  • Location: Alex Box Stadium, Skip Bertman Field

How to Check Game Times Like a Pro

Information changes. TV networks love to flex games, and weather in Louisiana is... well, you know. To stay on top of what time does lsu game start, use these specific tools:

  1. The LSU Sports Mobile App: This is the most direct source. It syncs with your calendar and gives you live score updates.
  2. LSUsports.net: Don't trust random Google snippets that might be cached from 2024. Go to the "All Sports Schedule" page on the official site.
  3. The SEC Network "Flex" Schedule: For basketball and baseball, the SEC often waits until a week before to finalize whether a game is at 1:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m. based on TV ratings potential.

Actionable Next Steps

If you're heading to the PMAC today for the 2:30 p.m. tip-off, here is what you actually need to do:

  • Download your tickets now. LSU has gone fully digital. Don't be the person stuck at the gate trying to find a signal to download a PDF.
  • Check the Clear Bag Policy. It’s still in effect. If it’s not clear or it’s bigger than a clutch, leave it in the truck.
  • Arrive 45 minutes early. Between security lines and finding parking near Nicholson, you’ll want that buffer. Plus, you get to see the full intros, which are worth the price of admission alone.

Geaux Tigers.