The Golden Bayou Classic: 50 Years of HBCU Comradery

Let’s take a blast into the past! The city rejoices for this multifaceted event filled with rivalry, family, football, and culture. Bayou Classic has been going on for 50 years, catering to families all over to watch Southern and Grambling battle it out on the field. What started as a simple football game led to what is now a historical rivalry.
Bayou Classic is celebrated citywide and calls families to come together and join in on an action-packed weekend full of music, games, football, and fun. The first game, held in 1974 known as the inaugural Bayou Classic, took place in the Tulane Stadium in New Orleans amassing up to 76,753 fans. This socially enriching event is held each November in New Orleans just around Thanksgiving.
Many people hold this weekend near and dear to their hearts and take it as more than just a game as it enthralls fans with adrenaline and serotonin as we come up to support our school. Bayou Classic is valued by alumni since it acts as a nostalgic time capsule, rekindling memories of their academic path and the memorable experiences they had while at the university.
This event serves as a link between past graduates and present events, highlighting the university’s progress and ongoing impact. Alumni feel a sense of pride and connection to their alma mater through The Classic, reliving their academic and personal growth while enjoying catching up with old friends and enjoying the festivities.
An innocent rivalry erupts between each side as the Human Jukebox and Grambling State’s Tiger Marching Band fill the stadium with music, and teams vigorously fight to win the title. The Jaguars and Tigers met in the year 1932 on Armistice Day but did not commence under the famous name until 42 years later. Unfortunately, Southern began with a rocky start to the Classic, but in the year 1979, Southern brought home their first win with the score being 14-7.
In the early 90s, Bayou Classic was the first-ever game to be aired nationally on network television as it premiered on NBC. That being the closest game ever with the score of 31-30, Louisiana showed the world just how dirty they get down in the boot.
The official Bayou Classic website, mybayouclassic.com, has listed the events fans can look forward to for the upcoming weekend. But let us not forget what makes Bayou Classic the event of the year, the students. Students from Southern and Grambling put their differences aside and unite to create long-lasting memories.
Talaya Johnson, a graduate student of Spring 2022, shares her experiences over the years and what has been learned and conquered. “My first time at Bayou Classic was in middle school and I loved the atmosphere. I knew that I wanted to attend the HBCU and experience that type of culture. Fast forward to the last Bayou Classic, I’ve been to 2018 as Freshman Class President, so I experienced a VIP experience at the major events. It felt good to be a Southern Jag and represent my class. This year will be my first time attending as an alum, and I’m super excited that Southern is forever embedded in my heart. I’m proud to be a part of the black excellence that Southern produces.”
Brelyn Winzer-Jackson, a marketing student, is new to the scene and will be experiencing their very first Bayou Classic. “I’m expecting it to be like a lot of people, good vibes, everybody being excited. I was told to be aware of my surroundings and be on the lookout, especially walking the streets of New Orleans at night. I am also excited for the battle of the bands and the Greek show just because I’ve experienced football games but I’ve never Battle of the Bands; it’s my first time, you know.” It is the 50th anniversary; the city will be outside so Go Big or Go Home!