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About the Bayou Classic
In 2025, Celebrating its 52nd year, the Bayou Classic continues to uphold its legacy as a symbol of excellence and camaraderie within the HBCU community. Year after year, fans gather in New Orleans over Thanksgiving weekend to witness the thrilling football matchup between Southern University and Grambling State University, accompanied by the electrifying Battle of the Bands & Greek Show and the highly anticipated halftime show featuring two of the greatest marching bands in the nation. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.mybayouclassic.com. And follow Bayou Classic on Facebook at @MyBayouClassic and on Instagram at @bayouclassic74.
History of the Bayou Classic
Southern University first played Grambling State in football in 1930, when the latter was known as the Louisiana Negro Normal and Industrial Institute. It was not until 1958 that Grambling joined the Jaguars in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, and the two teams started to play on a yearly basis. The prominence of both teams greatly increased in the 1960s and early '70s, with the rise of coach Eddie Robinson's Tiger teams, featuring such Grambling legends as Charlie Joiner, Doug Williams and Buck Buchanan, and Southern's success featuring such stars as Harold Carmichael and Mel Blount. The Bayou Classic was first held at Tulane Stadium in 1974, before moving to the brand-new Louisiana Superdome the following year. The dome has held the Bayou Classic every year since, except for 2005 when it was moved to Houston after Hurricane Katrina, and 2021, when a rescheduled Bayou Classic conflicted with renovations to the stadium.
No Bayou Classic weekend is complete without the legendary Battle of the Bands, between Grambling's World Famed Tiger Marching Band, and Southern's Human Jukebox. The Friday night spectacular features hundreds of marchers on each side performing alongside Grambling's Orchesis dance line and the Fabulous Dancing Dolls of Southern. In 2015, the Waterford crystal trophy which had been awarded to the Bayou Classic winner since the late '80s was retired and donated to the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture by both universities. Due to the postponement of the 2020 NCAA Division I FCS season, the first-ever springtime Bayou Classic game was scheduled for April 17, 2021, in Shreveport.
Excellent time and enjoyed the festivities!!! It was a great football game but the real show was during halftime! You don’t want to use the bathroom during halftime and miss the show!!!
All around great event and atmosphere! We really enjoyed the game. The lines moved quickly and we were very happy overall!
This was a great historical event! My husband and I are elated that we were able to attend. Five stars across the board.
Nothing can compare to HBCUS experience. It Black pride at it Best. If you never attend a Bayou’s Classic you are missing out on a great experience. Wouldn’t miss it for the world.
Service charges are expensive and parking was horrible.
This year (2023) was my first time going, I heard a lot about the Bayou Classic, but the experience was better than what I expected. It was awesome!!! We are planning now for next year.
It felt good to be in the presence of HBCU folks that love the same thing
It was my first time attending the Bayou classic and I truly enjoyed myself. The food and drinks were a bit overpriced, but other than that, it was a great time.
It was the best game ever!!! I can’t wait till next year!
Truly a Celebration of Two Great Institutions! Both teams left it All on the Field but at the end of the day, only one can leave Victorious. Congratulations to the Southern University Jaguars for the W. Both University Marching Bands were splendid!!
It was great, my seat was wonderful had a great time at the Bayou Classic. Will be ready to attend it next year.
Some staff were great. Confessions were swift. The fans. The bands. All great. Can’t wait until next year!
We arrived at Champions Square at 8:45am. The staff was very pleasant and excited to see us! We arrived an got to all the booths. The concert was on fire, especially Boosie. The energy was amazing, no incidents at all!! Just an fulfilled day and celebrated my Birthday and Southern won!! Love Bayou Cassic for Life!!
The event was so.much.fun! Grab your family and friends, whether they are HBCU alumni or not, and go to the Classic! A must do!
This event was very well done from the band to signage to sponsorship to the energy of the crowd. Did I mention the bands? Per usual
The experience was a thrill and Fantasia was fantastic as well as the game and bands
We had an awesome amazing time with family and new friends we met. The game was exciting and the entertainment by special guess and the bands from both universities was excellent. We will be back in 2025…if Gods will.
The Bayou Classic was a great time. Great event put on by the two schools and the city of New Orleans.
It was a spectacular event! Everything was great. I'm looking forward to going back next year!!!
The people the company and music! I fell in love over and over again!!