CONTRACT UP

For 26 years New Orleans has been the home of the State Farm Bayou Classic. However, the contract with the New Orleans Superdome is over after this year, and the game is in danger of leaving the city.
Currently in its 28th year, the State Farm Bayou Classic has developed from a football game to a weekend packed with festivities for Southern University and Grambling State University fans.
Every year over 70,000 fans make their way to New Orleans Thanksgiving weekend to attend what has become a national attraction between two historically black colleges and universities.
According to Ralph Slaughter, chairman of the Bayou Classic committee and vice president of the Southern University System, offers have been made by cities such as Houston and Orlando to host the Bayou Classic.
“We have had some discussions and received several proposals from cities that have been interested in holding the Classic in their city. We also have received concerns from fans, students and alumni about the high cost of rooms in New Orleans,” said Slaughter.
In the Houston proposal there was a guarantee that no room would exceed $150 per weekend. Also offered at a cost of $35,000 is the use of Reliant Stadium, which will be the home to the NFL’s newest team, the Houston Texans.
Orlando has offered very competitive rates with Houston and far less than what fans are paying in New Orleans. Orlando also has the advantage of offering family entertainment with Walt Disney World, who has expressed interest in becoming a sponsor for the Bayou Classic.
The city of New Orleans has until November 30 to respond with a package of its own, and a decision on the future whereabouts of the Bayou Classic is expected to be announced by the end of the year.
“Our concern is that we have two Louisiana schools who participate in the game and we have to make sure Louisiana has first priority to the game,” said Slaughter. “Currently we are evaluating all packages and waiting to see if the city of New Orleans and the Superdome can come up with a competitive package.”
Slaughter also stated that both schools would like to keep the game in New Orleans but admits that they cannot ignore the impact of the packages being offered.
“They are forcing us to look at these offers. They are taking our fans and students for granted, said Slaughter.
The only downside to moving the game out of New Orleans is losing the tradition of not having the game played in the home state of the two teams playing the game.
“I don’t think the city of New Orleans will let that happen, I’m optimistic that they will step up to the plate,” said Slaughter.