LSU bringing back its iconic mascot for Alabama game

This Saturday night, Louisiana State University (LSU) and Alabama football fans will hear one roar that rises above the crowd's.

According to Louisiana Sports, LSU will bring back a long running tradition of rolling a caged live tiger around their aptly named Tiger Stadium .

The tiger has been delivered from an out of state refuge with assistance from Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry. Mike VII, the university's current eight-year-old mascot, will be kept in his 15,000 square foot habitat across the street from the stadium, the site reported.

The university previously discontinued the practice after the 2016 death of mascot Mike VI. But Landry has publicly advocated to bring the tradition back multiple times since.

"I think the opportunity to bring our mascot back onto the field is an unbelievable opportunity," Landry said at a news conference this September.

Many have expressed concerns about bringing a live tiger in front of thousands of screaming fans.

In the past, cheerleaders would also pound on the cage to make the tiger roar.

Stories by Heather Gann

Will UNA bring live lions back to campus?

'This restaurant supports all people': Birmingham business responds to Trump champagne controversy

Flight from Alabama to Chicago makes emergency landing in Nashville

Alabama reacts to Trump's election: What are their hopes, fears for next 4 years?

In 2016, PETA [People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals] and LSU Animal Advocates sent a letter to LSU asking for the university to stop the tradition of using Bengal tigers .

"People go to LSU football games because they want to see top college athletes playing the best football in the country, not because there's a caged tiger sitting on the sidelines," reads the letter sent to LSU President Fieldon King Alexander.

"I hope you agree that it's time to recognize society's growing distaste for animal exhibition and bring a new tradition to LSU of using only willing, costumed human mascots. Orcas don't belong in tanks, elephants don't belong in the circus, and tigers do not belong in stadiums."

"Generations of tigers have given LSU everything they have-isn't it time for LSU to give something back?"