Bayou Classic XXXII turnout questionable

After beating the bids cities throughout the nation, Houston will host the 32nd annual State Farm Bayou Classic. However, many fans are reneging on the traditional rivalry because it is not in New Orleans, leaving Classic planners hoping for a strong turnout.
“As a native of New Orleans, I feel the Bayou Classic will never be the same because the city of New Orleans makes the Bayou Classic what it is,” said Hanan Thompson, a senior political science major from New Orleans. “And Houston is not as big of a party city.”
Nearly 69,000 fans packed the Louisiana Superdome for last year’s Classic. One of the reasons Houston was picked is because it could guarantee 9,000 hotel rooms as well as 60,000 stadium seats. It’s domed-style arena also attracted head coaches Melvin Spears and Pete Richardson.
“I had planned on attending the Bayou Classic this year. However, I will not be in attendance because it is not being held in New Orleans,” said Louise Howard, a Southern alumna. “It’s tradition for it to be at the Superdome and because of the location I would have to incur a longer travel time, as well as additional expenses that I had not originally planned.”
Since many of the hotels are not in the close proximity of Reliant Stadium, many are concerned about traffic congestion and accessibility.
“Houston is not like New Orleans where you can simply park your car and walk to everything,” said Cotie Ellis, a freshman computer science major from Maringouin. “It will be an ongoing traffic jam since there will be so many people and because of the construction in Houston.”
Some New Orleanians said the game should have not been relocated to Houston. It is a 32-year tradition that has been broken and many supporters said the relocation should have been done as a last resort. The Bayou Classic has been played at the Superdome in New Orleans on Thanksgiving weekend since 1975.
“I think there will be a big turnout in Houston, however, I believe the atmosphere will be a lot different,” said Jacqueline Garcia, a junior political science major from New Orleans. “No other city can hold up to New Orleans in terms of the Bayou Classic, just like Mardi Gras would not be the same because the tradition has been set for New Orleans.”