Southern, Grambling fans prepare for 50th Annual Bayou Classic; here’s what you need to know
BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) - The “granddaddy” of HBCU matchups is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
Bayou Classic is the annual extravaganza that brings fans, supporters, and alumni of Southern University and Grambling State University to New Orleans each November for a celebration of football, family, and the traditions surrounding Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
It takes place each year throughout the Thanksgiving holiday and weekend.
Southern University won last year’s Classic with a final score of 34-17 over Grambling. The Jaguars have a total of 25 Bayou Classic wins while Grambling has a total of 24 series wins.
On Monday, Nov. 20, a kick-off news conference started at 10 a.m. inside the Caesars Superdome.
Below is a full schedule of events:
HIGHLIGHTS IN 2023
Bayou Classic Thanksgiving Day Parade: The Annual Bayou Classic Parade moves back to Thanksgiving afternoon on a new downtown route. Starting at 3 pm on Thanksgiving afternoon, the parade starts at the Caesars Superdome and travels down Poydras, S. Peters, Canal, St. Charles and returns toward the Superdome via Poydras to end at Loyola (full route details below).
The Bayou Classic Invitational High School Battle of the Bands: The Bayou Classic Invitational High School Battle of the Bands added tremendous excitement to last year’s Bayou Classic in its inaugural year. The 2nd Annual event is being incorporated in the Friday night event – Bayou Classic Greek Show & Battle of the Bands – to open the event. This 2nd annual event will feature six of New Orleans’ top high school marching bands - St. Augustine, L.B. Laundry, Edna Karr, G.W. Carver, Abramson Sci Academy and McDonough 35, who will compete for an amazing array of music education prizes provided by the Ludwig, a Division of Conn Selmer, as well as trophies. Wild Wayne will host High School Battle of the Bands with a special appearance by Curtis Akeem, a Ludwig percussionist and social network influencer, known for his Dolla Watson comedic character.
Bayou Classic Fan Fest: Bayou Classic morning starts in Champion Square with the Bayou Classic Fan Fest. Live musical performances to get the crowd warmed up before kick-off. And fans can bring the whole family out to enjoy sponsor activations and special giveaways from P&G, Coca Cola, Diageo – its brands of Crown Royal, Ciroc, Don Julio and Tanqueray – Wells Fargo, the US Army, the National Medical Association, Cricket Wireless, Wendy’s and more.
Gates open at 9 a.m. and is a free event hosted by Wild Wayne. House DJs for the event are DJ Poppa and DJ Keith Scott. Musical performances by King Bronze, Ydtheillest, Daniel Heartless, Subtweet Shawn, Treety and Boosie.
Pre-game activities: In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Bayou Classic, Entergy is presenting the pre-game ceremonies for Bayou Classic. This includes:
Lift Every Voice and Sing: The 50th Annual Bayou Classic will include a rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” performed by Blair Dottin-Haley of The Blairisms, Often referred to as “The Black National Anthem,” Lift Every Voice and Sing was a hymn written as a poem by NAACP leader James Weldon Johnson in 1900.
National Anthem: GRAMMY® Award-winning singer, songwriter, producer and actor Anthony Hamilton and trio group, The Ton3s, will perform the National Anthem at the 50th Annual Bayou Classic.
Bayou Classic Gameday Kickoff: Kickoff for the 50th Annual Bayou Classic gameday is planned for 1 pm CST.
Bayou Classic Halftime Show: This year’s Bayou Classic Halftime Show is once again presented by The Coca-Cola Company. This always-electrifying performance is one of the highlights of the weekend each year and the presenting sponsor is bringing special surprises to this year’s performance.
Bayou Classic named among America’s Most Cherished Thanksgiving Traditions: The Bayou Classic Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Bayou Classic Game were among America’s Most Cherished Traditions of 2023, according to a nationwide poll of families. A poll revealed which Thanksgiving traditions in 2023 that families would most like to experience. With Bayou Classic on the list was the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York and the Newport Harbor Illuminated Boat Parade in Rhode Island.
QUICK FACTS
Visitors to New Orleans: Bayou Classic brings more than 250,000 visitors to New Orleans annually.
Hotel occupancy: Bayou Classic annually delivers a total citywide occupancy of more than 90 percent.
Bayou Classic rankings: The Southern University Jaguars lead the series of wins with 25 wins to Grambling State University Tigers’ 24 wins – Grambling can even the record with a Bayou Classic win this year.
Bayou Classic Telecast: The 50th Annual Bayou Classic, Presented by Procter & Gamble will be televised on NBC National starting at 1 pm CST. The Bayou Classic has been nationally televised since 1991. The game will also be broadcast live on SiriusXM/ESPNU radio.
Tickets: Tickets for the 50th Annual Bayou Classic and the Battle of the Bands & Greek Show are on sale. Tickets for both events will be available for purchase at the following locations: the Bayou Classic website (www.mybayouclassic.com), Ticketmaster, the New Orleans Arena Box Office, the Grambling State University Ticket Office or the Southern University Ticket Office. Great seats are still available, but limited, for all events.
Bayou Classic Trophy: The presenting sponsor of the winning trophy for the 50th Annual Bayou Classic is AE Touch Technologies. The Bayou Classic MVP trophies are presented by AARP.
Bayou Classic Merchandise: In celebration of the momentous 50th anniversary of the Bayou Classic, Grambling State University and Southern University have joined forces with Gus Willey Apparel, a renowned New Orleans-based merchandise provider, to introduce a captivating line of commemorative merchandise. This exciting collaboration offers fans a unique opportunity to own special apparel and items that capture the spirit of the historic rivalry between these two institutions.
The commemorative merchandise lineup includes a range of carefully designed items that showcase the unique identities of both universities. Fans will be delighted to find a selection of stylish t-shirts and polos, adorned with vibrant school colors and iconic imagery that pays homage to Grambling and Southern. Additionally, the collection features beautifully crafted tumblers, perfect for showing off team pride while on the go. Fans can view merchandise at www.mybayouclassic.com/shop.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Thursday, November 23 – Thanksgiving Day
Annual Bayou Classic Thanksgiving Day Parade: 3:00 pm start time
Route details: The parade begins at the Caesars Superdome on Poydras Street, parades down Poydras Street to make a left on S. Peters Street, down S. Peters Street to make a left on Canal Street, continues on Canal Street to make a left on St. Charles Avenue, marches down St. Charles Avenue back to Poydras Street to make a right and ends at Poydras and Loyola streets.
The Annual Bayou Classic Parade continues this year in traditional, New Orleans fashion with 15 floats and more than 65 total units. Includes participation by all of the top New Orleans area high school bands and dance teams – more than 20 bands and dance teams participating.
Friday, November 25
Business at Bayou Classic: A Black Small Business Showcase: 10:30 am – 4:00 pm
Presented in partnership with the LA Chamber of Commerce
Hyatt Regency New Orleans
Business at Bayou is a business expo that showcases nonprofit, corporate, and local businesses. Students, Alumni, and Visitors are invited to stop by the Business at Bayou to purchase items from small black businesses and learn more about networking opportunities. Panel programs throughout the day include panels from IBM, J.P. Morgan Chase, USDA Rural & Farm Services, Gulf Coast Bank and a Fireside Chat entitled “Rebuilding Black Wall Street.”
2023 New Voices Pitch Competition: 1:00 pm
Presented by AARP
Hyatt Regency New Orleans
The New Voices Foundation will host the New Voices Pitch Competition. This in-person pitch competition will award five grants (one of each) – $25,000, $20,000, $15,000, $10,000, and $5,000 – combined with personalized business skill development, coaching, and mentoring for each winner 3-6 months post-competition.
Bayou Classic Motivational Gameday Ball Run
Depart Baton Rouge: 5:30 am
Arrive in New Orleans at the Caesars Superdome: 1-1:30 pm
Southern University Army ROTC, along with Southern Navy and Grambling State University ROTC programs, will carry the official Bayou Classic gameday ball through seven parishes and more than a dozen towns as they run the ball more than 100 miles from the F.G. Clark Activity Center (7722 Scenic Highway) at Southern in Baton Rouge to the Caesars Superdome (Gate A ground level) in New Orleans. This long-distance run was the brainchild of a few Marines in 1992 who took it upon themselves to ensure the Bayou Classic game ball was ceremoniously delivered to game officials before the beginning of the historic rivalry football game between Grambling and Southern.
Battle of the Bands and Greek Show: 6:00 pm, doors open at 5:00 pm
Featuring the 2nd Annual Bayou Classic Invitational High School Battle of the Bands
Caesars Superdome; Ticket required for entry
NOTE: Media credentials are needed to attend this event. Clear bag policy for entrance.
Approximately 25,000 people will be at the show, as the Grambling and Southern’s historic marching bands strut across the Superdome in a colorful showdown that is the highlight of The Bayou Classic weekend for many attendees. In addition, the Greek show will feature creative skits from traditionally black Greek organizations across Louisiana. Battle of the Bands will be hosted by Big Tigger. The event will open with the 2nd Annual Bayou Classic Invitational High School Battle of the Bands, which will be hosted by Wild Wayne with a special appearance by Curtis Akeem McCullough AKA “Dolla Watson.” The Greek show will feature creative skits from traditionally black Greek organizations across Louisiana.
The 2nd Annual Bayou Classic Invitational High School Battle of the Bands will include bands from George Washington Carver High School, Abramson Sci Academy, L.B. Landry High School and McDonough 35 Senior High School.
Bayou Classic Official Battle of the Bands After Party: 11:00 pm start time
Presented by HEREWEGO Entertainment
Metropolitan Nightclub (Generations Hall); Ticket required for entry
Saturday, November 26
Doc Griggs “Two Times Around the Dome” Family Fitness Fun Walk: 7:30 am registration; 8:00 am start time
Caesars Superdome, Plaza Level at Gate C; Registration required for entry
Third Annual Special Olympics Unified Rivalry Flag Football Game
Saturday, November 26 at 9:00 am
Presented by Special Olympics Louisiana
St. Augustine Practice Field (2525 Bruxells Street)
Special Olympics Louisiana will host the third annual Unified Rivalry Flag Football Game between Southern University and Grambling State University during the Bayou Classic Weekend, in partnership with NOCCI. The flag football game will feature Special Olympics Louisiana athletes and Unified Partners that will represent both Southern University and Grambling State University. There will be an opening ceremony followed by the flag football game. The awards ceremony will take place inside Caesars Superdome during the annual Bayou Classic.
Bayou Classic Fan Festival: 9:00 am – Noon
The “Embrace the Culture” Stage is presented by The City of New Orleans, Office of Cultural Economy and the New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund
Champions Square at the Caesars Superdome
NOTE: Clear bag policy for entrance.
The Bayou Classic Fan Fest will include live musical performances to get the crowd warmed up before kick-off. Gates open at 9am and is a free event hosted by Wild Wayne. House DJs for the event are DJ Poppa and DJ Keith Scott.
Schedule for Bayou Classic Fan Fest:
9:00 am Gates open to Champions Square
10:15 am AARP Dance Party to create the Largest Line Dance In Louisiana hosted by Game Ova Skip
10:30 am King Bronze
10:35 am Ydtheillest
10:40 am Daniel Heartless
11:00 am Subtweet Shawn
11:15 am Treety
11:40 am Boosie
Bring the whole family out to enjoy sponsor activations and special giveaways from P&G, Coca Cola, Diageo – its brands of Crown Royal, Ciroc, Don Julio and Tanqueray – Wells Fargo, the US Army, the National Medical Association, Cricket Wireless, Wendy’s and more. Highlights include:
- Crest’s Airstream Mobile Unit that will include free toothpaste samples, oral care education.
- The P & G Refresh Station including a grooming booth, photo station and dancing.
- The National Medical Association will be hosting health checks including BMI, high blood pressure and diabetes.
- Diageo bars showcasing its brands of Crown Royal, Ciroc, Don Julio and Tanqueray with sampling.
The 50th Annual Bayou Classic, Presented by Procter & Gamble: 1:00 pm (doors open at 11:00 am)
Caesars Superdome; Ticket required for entry
NOTE: Media credentials are needed to attend this event. Clear bag policy for entrance.
Game highlights:
Bayou Classic Pre-Game Ceremonies Presented by Entergy
Fan giveaway for the first 10,000 Bayou Classic fans
Bayou Classic sponsor Febreze (a member of the P&G family of products) invites Bayou Classic fans to cheer on their team with commemorative 50th anniversary Bayou Classic Febreze towels – one for the Southern Jaguar fans and one for Grambling Tiger fans. The first 10,000 fans to enter the Superdome are given complimentary towels.
Lift Every Voice and Sing
The 50th Annual Bayou Classic will include a rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” performed by Blair Dottin-Haley of The Blairisms. Blair is an amazing vocalist and has performed on stages all over the country, including the Apollo Theater, and his own, annual show in New Orleans – Lundi Gras Love.
National anthem
Anthony Hamilton & The Ton3s will perform the National Anthem at the 50th Annual Bayou Classic. GRAMMY® Award-winning singer, songwriter, producer and actor Anthony Hamilton has sold over 50 million albums worldwide and been proclaimed a “national treasure” by the Los Angeles Times. Hamilton will be accompanied by Vito, Tony Lelo, and2E – the trio of North Carolina natives known as The Ton3s. The group started as background vocalists for Hamilton.
The 50th Annual Bayou Classic Halftime Show
Presented by The Coca-Cola Company
The electrifying halftime show will feature the Grambling State University’s World Famed Marching Band and Southern University’s Human Jukebox and Dancing Dolls and include very special guests for the centennial celebration of Bayou Classic. And attendees can expect a number of halftime surprises as both bands celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Bayou Classic.
Bayou Classic Official Celebrity After Party: 10:00 pm start time
Presented by HEREWEGO Entertainment
Metropolitan Nightclub (Generations Hall); Ticket required for entry
TICKETS ARE STILL AVAILABLE – BUT LIMITED
Tickets are still available for purchase. Tickets for the 50th Annual Bayou Classic and the Battle of the Bands & Greek Show can be purchased at the following locations: the Bayou Classic website (www.mybayouclassic.com), Ticketmaster, the New Orleans Arena Box Office, the Grambling State University Ticket Office or the Southern University Ticket Office.
Seating
Grambling University is the home team at the 50th Annual Bayou Classic and its fans will sit on the west side (near sections 129-156) of the Caesars Superdome. Southern University, as the visiting team, will sit on the east side (near sections 101-128) of the Superdome.
For Battle of the Bands, Southern University “Human Jukebox” will be located on the South side of the Caesars Superdome (in front of section 141) and the Grambling State University Tiger Marching Band will be located on the North side (in front of section 143).
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