LSU to host Celebration of Life for legendary coach Skip Bertman

Louisiana State University (LSU) will host a public Celebration of Life for legendary baseball coach and former athletics director Skip Bertman on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. The event is scheduled to take place at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge, beginning at 7 p.m. CT.

Bertman, who passed away at age 88, is credited with transforming LSU baseball into a national powerhouse. During his 18-season tenure as head coach from 1984 to 2001, he led the Tigers to five NCAA National Championships and 11 College World Series appearances. Following his coaching career, he served as the university's athletics director for seven years.

The ceremony will be free and open to the public, with general admission seating located in the upper bowl of the PMAC. A private gathering for family and former players will precede the public event. The service will be broadcast live via ESPN+, the LSU Sports YouTube channel, and Facebook. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to Athletes for Hope.