For nearly four decades, the voice of Dan Borné has been an inseparable part of the atmosphere, energy, and identity that surrounded LSU athletics and the broader Baton Rouge community. His unmistakable delivery, steady professionalism, and warm connection to fans became a tradition in themselves, an experience as reliable and anticipated as kickoff on a Saturday afternoon. “The chance of rain is… never,” his now-iconic phrase, became more than just a quirky weather update—it became a symbol of optimism, continuity, and shared joy. After 38 years of serving as the public address announcer for LSU football and basketball games, Borné is stepping away, leaving behind a legacy that transcends statistics, rosters, or even championships. His career was about more than announcements—it was about connecting with generations of Tiger fans in a way that made the game-day experience richer, more colorful, and undeniably unique.
Borné began his tenure in the mid-1980s, a time when the stadium environment was changing but still rooted in old traditions. The PA announcer was not a personality for television or a soundbite machine for social media; they were, instead, a steady guiding voice for the live crowd. His mastery was in delivering just enough flair without ever making the moment about himself. When he spoke, it was to enhance the game, not distract from it. That philosophy served him well over the years, through coaching changes, stadium renovations, and the arrival of new technologies that transformed college sports. Through it all, his role remained vital—an anchor in an ever-shifting sea of change.
Part of Borné’s magic was in how he brought personality to his work without ever crossing the line into gimmick. The famous “chance of rain” line was not part of a marketing campaign or some calculated branding exercise—it was simply Dan being Dan, reading the forecast and injecting a bit of charm into what could have been an otherwise routine moment. It resonated because it was authentic. Fans began to anticipate it. For newcomers, it was an amusing quip; for veterans of Tiger Stadium, it was a signal that all was right with the world. Over the years, it became a tradition as treasured as the Golden Band from Tigerland’s pregame march or the sight of Mike the Tiger in his habitat.
While fans in the stands recognized him for his voice, those who knew him personally saw a man of remarkable professionalism and kindness. Borné prepared meticulously before each game, reviewing rosters, pronunciations, and special acknowledgments to ensure he delivered everything with accuracy and respect. His attention to detail was matched by his unwavering enthusiasm for the LSU community. This wasn’t just a job for him—it was an honor. And that authenticity translated into a deep respect from players, coaches, and fans alike. Whether it was the electrifying atmosphere of a Saturday night in Death Valley or the quieter intensity of a basketball game in the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, Borné treated each moment with the same level of care and importance.
His tenure also served as a bridge between generations of LSU fans. Parents who first heard him as students now bring their own children to games, pointing out that “this is the voice I grew up with.” In an era where sports are increasingly dominated by quick turnover and constant change, the constancy of Borné’s voice gave people a sense of connection not just to the team, but to their own memories. For many, hearing him make an announcement was like hearing an old friend’s voice—familiar, comforting, and tied to some of their happiest experiences. That is a rare and special kind of legacy, one that cannot be measured on a scoreboard.
Outside of his duties as a PA announcer, Borné’s life and career have been equally impressive. He served as the longtime president of the Louisiana Chemical Association, was deeply involved in civic organizations, and carried himself with the same poise and professionalism off the mic as he did on it. Those who worked with him in any capacity often remarked on his integrity and his ability to connect with people from all walks of life. His contributions to LSU athletics may have been the most public, but they were part of a much larger picture of service and leadership.
As the years rolled on, the impact of his voice only deepened. He called games during LSU’s highest highs and lowest lows, from heartbreaking defeats to national championship celebrations. He was there for the rise of legends, from Shaquille O’Neal to Joe Burrow, lending his voice to some of the most unforgettable moments in school history. He announced in front of crowds of over 100,000 people, yet somehow made each person feel like he was speaking directly to them. His talent lay in understanding that his role was not just to convey information—it was to set the tone, to be a part of the emotional rhythm of the event.
When news of his retirement spread, the reaction from the LSU community was immediate and heartfelt. Social media lit up with tributes, memories, and expressions of gratitude. Many fans admitted they couldn’t imagine a game without his voice, while others reflected on how his work had quietly shaped their own LSU traditions. Former players shared stories of how hearing their name announced by Borné was one of the most special moments of their careers. Fellow broadcasters and media members praised his professionalism, consistency, and the example he set for others in the industry.
Borné’s departure marks the end of an era, but it also offers a moment to appreciate the role that voices like his play in the fabric of sports. We often focus on the athletes, the coaches, or the big plays, but the people behind the scenes—the voices, the organizers, the ones who set the stage—are an equally important part of the experience. In Borné’s case, his contribution was not just to the logistics of the game, but to the heart of it. He gave fans a reason to smile before kickoff, he added an extra spark to big plays, and he helped create an environment that was uniquely LSU.
The phrase “The chance of rain is never” will likely live on long after he has hung up the microphone. Whether future announcers choose to carry it forward or fans keep it alive among themselves, it has become part of the lexicon of Tiger Stadium. It’s a reminder that traditions often begin in the simplest ways, through moments of authenticity and joy. For Borné, it was never about crafting a legacy—it was about doing his job well and bringing a little extra light to people’s lives in the process. The fact that it became legendary is simply a reflection of how deeply it resonated.
As LSU looks to the future, the absence of Borné’s voice will be felt, but his influence will remain. The next announcer will undoubtedly bring their own style and strengths, but they will also inherit a tradition of excellence set by their predecessor. Borné’s tenure sets a high standard—not because he sought the spotlight, but because he approached his role with humility, consistency, and genuine love for the team and its fans. That is the kind of legacy that cannot be replaced, only honored.
In the end, Dan Borné’s career is a testament to the power of presence. He showed that one person, by doing their job with dedication and heart, can become a touchstone for an entire community. For 38 years, he was the soundtrack to Saturday nights in Death Valley, the calm and confident voice guiding fans through every touchdown, every timeout, every unforgettable moment. As he steps away, he leaves not just a job well done, but a living tradition that will echo through the stadium for years to come. And somewhere, in the minds of countless fans, that familiar phrase will still ring out before every game: “The chance of rain is… never.”
