Bayou Classic

The annual Bayou Classic is a weekend of tradition, fun and football cherished by fans of Grambling State and Southern University. What started out four decades ago as a simple football game between two historically black universities has evolved into one of New Orleans biggest and most-anticipated sporting events.

Every Thanksgiving weekend, fans of both teams descend on the city, turning the French Quarter and downtown areas into seas of black and gold (Grambling) and blue and gold (Southern). In a lead up to the big game – the Bayou Clash – fans are treated to a parade, a fan festival, empowerment and career seminars and a Battle of the Bands. Then on Saturday after Thanksgiving, it all culminates at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome when the Tigers and the Jaguars go paw to paw.