Bayou Classic: 50 Years of Tradition

Every year in November, two teams meet in New Orleans to play a highly decorated game known as the illustrious “Bayou Classic.” This game has a deep tradition and is held in New Orleans by Louisiana’s very own HBCUs, Southern University & Grambling State University. The Bayou Classic is not just any ordinary game but a rival between two great programs that have been no strangers to each other since their first match in 1932. In hopes of making the SWAC Presence known, this game is nationally televised on NBC Sports or NBC. As a result, this shines a light on each institution as a symbol of Black Excellence for athletes across the SWAC and unites the communities between each school in hopes of not just coming out the victor in the end but also adding to the rich history each year. The Caesars Superdome is the original location where the game is held. However, on more than one occasion, the game has been played in different stadiums. In 2005, shortly after Hurricane Katrina flooded the streets of New Orleans and damaged the Dome, the game was moved to Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas, where the Grambling State Tigers were victorious that year. In 2006, when the game was moved back to the Dome, the Southern Jaguars were able to come out as the victors in a close match with the Tigers. This game is crucial to New Orleans because of the revenue and attraction it generates from all festivities and activities provided by the Universities. People from Southern and Grambling communities travel each year to the game, whether their Alumni, Administrators, Students, tourists, or even regular people who have heard about the game. In this year’s Classic, the Southern Jaguars lead the series with 25 wins, while Grambling State Tigers trail by one game with only 24 wins. Each team must play 60 minutes of sound football to claim a trophy that holds the legacy and bragging rights of this year’s Bayou Classic, who will be the 50th victor. During the dates of November 23rd-25th, over 200,000 people will be in New Orleans, Louisiana, for one of the most prestigious, if not the most prestigious rivalries in the country.