Here’s what you need to know about the 51st Annual Bayou Classic

NEW ORLEANS, La. (WAFB) - It’s officially Bayou Classic Week in south Louisiana.

The historic HBCU rivalry features the Southern University Jaguars and the Grambling State University Tigers and is known as the “Granddaddy” of HBCU college matchups.

The annual extravaganza brings fans and alumni of Southern University and Grambling State University to New Orleans each November for a celebration of football and the traditions surrounding Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

The Bayou Classic returns to the Crescent City for its 51st Anniversary this year with its series of fan and family-friendly events throughout the Thanksgiving holiday and weekend.

The big game will be played on Saturday, November 30, 2024 inside of the Caesars Superdome. Kickoff is at 1 p.m.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Monday, November 25

Bayou Classic Welcome Press Conference

10:00 am

Caesars Superdome

Thursday, November 28 – Thanksgiving Day

Annual Bayou Classic Thanksgiving Day Parade

3:00 pm start time

Throughout downtown New Orleans

Friday, November 29

Business at Bayou Classic: A Black Small Business Showcase

Presented in partnership with the LA Chamber of Commerce

10:30 am – 4:00 pm

Hyatt Regency New Orleans

Free and open to the public

Bayou Classic Coaches Luncheon

Noon

Hyatt Regency New Orleans

Initiation only event.

Bayou Classic Motivational Gameday Ball Run

Depart Baton Rouge: 5:30 am

Arrive in New Orleans at the Caesars Superdome: 1-1:30 pm

Bayou Classic Battle of the Bands and Greek Show

Featuring the 3rd Annual Bayou Classic Invitational High School Battle of the Bands

Bayou Classic Greek Show Presented by Sprite

6:00 pm (Doors open at 5:00 pm)

Caesars Superdome

Ticket required for entry, Clear bag policy for entrance.

NOTE: Media credentials are needed to attend this event.

Bayou Classic Official Battle of the Bands After Party

11:00 pm

Presented by HEREWEGO Entertainment

Metropolitan Nightclub (Generations Hall)

Ticket required for entry

Saturday, November 30

Doc Griggs “Two Times Around the Dome” Family Fitness Fun Walk

8:00 am (7:30 am registration)

Caesars Superdome, Plaza Level at Gate C

Registration required for entry

Fourth Annual Special Olympics Unified Rivalry Flag Football Game

Presented by Special Olympics Louisiana

9:00 am

St. Augustine Practice Field (2525 Bruxells Street)

Bayou Classic Fan Festival

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

9:00 am – Noon

Champions Square at the Caesars Superdome

Free and open to the public, Clear bag policy for entrance.

The 51st Annual Bayou Classic, Presented by Procter & Gamble

1:00 pm (doors open at 11:00 am)

Caesars Superdome

Ticket required for entry, Clear bag policy for entrance.

NOTE: Media credentials are needed to attend this event.

The 51st Annual Bayou Classic Halftime Show

Presented by The Coca-Cola Company

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 51st 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

Southern University is the home team at the 51st Annual Bayou Classic and its fans will sit on the west side (near sections 129-156) of the Caesars Superdome. Grambling State 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).

ABOUT THE BAYOU CLASSIC

The Bayou Classic, ranked as the #1 HBCU Classic in the nation, continues to be a beacon of legacy and tradition, attracting fans from across the country. This legendary game between the Grambling State University Tigers and Southern University Jaguars, and accompanying series of events, have proven to be a steadfast beacon of legacy and tradition that extends beyond the HBCU community. Bayou Classic fans from across the nation journey to witness the electrifying football game between Grambling State and Southern, while eagerly awaiting the highly anticipated Greek Show & Battle of the Bands and halftime show featuring two of the greatest marching bands in the nation.

For more information, visit www.mybayouclassic.com.

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