The Bayou Classic Experience

During this time of the year, students here at Southern University are preparing to spend their time with their families at home for the Thanksgiving holiday, along with studying for final exams to finally wrap up the Fall 2014 semester.
Students—even alumni, faculty, and the entire Jaguar Nation in general—are also preparing to take that one hour and 45 minute ride to the city of New Orleans to enjoy the rivalry and festivities of the 41st Bayou Classic.
Everyone knows the basics of the Bayou Classic—the intense rivalry between Grambling State University and Southern University, then afterwards the night life festivities of Bourbon Street.
What everyone doesn’t truly realize is that the Bayou Classic is more than just a football game. It’s a cultural experience—the culture and festivities of city of New Orleans is at its peak during this time of the year (during this time and during Mardi Gras, of course).
Vendors are lined up and down the streets near the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, selling quick foods to curve someone’s hunger after a long day of walking throughout the main parts of the city.
Walking along Bourbon Street is more than just clubs, places to eat, and alcohol. One would also see street performers, painters, and just about everything else one can imagine that one would usually see in a motion picture.
Keona Daniels, a 20 year old junior urban forestry major from Waldorf, Maryland, has been to the Bayou Classic both with family and friends.
“My mom is a Southern University alumn, so it was enjoyable to be with her and to see her interacting with her old classmates, and to hear her talking about previous Bayou Classics,” said Daniels.
Daniels also mentioned that while going with her family, she was still in high school, so she was able to get a taste of the experience before even attending Southern University.
“Going with friends is different than family because I have more freedom and I can enjoy the night life. New Orleans is more than just New Orleans at the time of Bayou Classic—it’s like a huge family reunion,” finished Daniels.
Daniels mentioned that if someone from the Jaguar Nation saw her with a Southern University shirt, they would greet her as if they were family members.
Jaquel Watts—a 21 year old junior biology pre-med major and chemistry minor from Donaldsonville, Louisiana remembers her first Bayou Classic.
“My very first experience at Bayou Classic was during my freshman year and it was amazing,” said Watts.
“I remember walking the streets of New Orleans, staying in the luxury hotel, and eating the best Southern food. Seeing the sites of the French Quarter made me cherish my history.”
Watts also mentioned that watching the game, cheering on the Jaguars, and even watching the Human Jukebox and Dancing Dolls perform is what really made her experience enjoyable.
“I am definitely attending the Bayou Classic again this year. It’s an experience you can’t miss!” finished Watts.
Besides the long awaited game, there are many events being held, including the Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Fan Fest concert series, which will be featuring artists such as Adrian Marcel, Teyana Taylor, and bounce artist 5th Ward Weebie. The full schedule of events can be found at www.mybayouclassic.com.
All in all, besides the intense but friendly competition between Southern University and Grambling State University, the Bayou Classic is also a culture-shock of an experience that will have its visitors wanting to visit again for many years to come.