The true costs of the coronavirus shutdown for LSU's athletic programs is coming into focus, and it's hefty.
In all the shutdowns and limitations -- which included a slimmed-down, SEC-only football schedule and 25% capacity at Tiger Stadium -- cost the program $81 million, according to a report from WWL-TV.
That deficit can't be addressed with federal aid, but the program did gain $23 million in relief from the SEC, while pulling on reserves, salary reductions and job cuts to help offset the deficit, the report says.
In all, LSU's overall financial losses from the pandemic tallied up to $126.4 million, according to the report.
LSU baseball saw its entire 2020 slate cancelled due to the pandemic. The 2021 season began with attendance limitations, but by season's end the Tigers were playing games in front of a full house at Alex Box Stadium. Expectations are for the limits to be similarly removed for LSU football in the fall.
For the full report from WWL-TV, click here.
