Bayou Classic

 What is Bayou Classic?

It started out as a simple football game between two rival, historically Black universities and now, more than four decades later, it has morphed into a citywide celebration.

This year’s Annual Bayou Classic is a multi-day event featuring a parade, a battle of the bands, and much more. All of these events culminate with a football matchup between the Tigers of Grambling State and the Jaguars of Southern University on Saturday, November 30.

The Rivalry

The rivalry between the two schools dates back to 1974, when the first Bayou Classic was held in New Orleans' Tulane Stadium. Since then, tens of thousands of fans have gathered at the Caesars Superdome, not only for this so-called “Bayou Clash” game, but also for what is now almost a full week of festivities in New Orleans.

Both teams, over the years, have produced an astounding number of players who went on to the NFL and other professional football leagues, some of whom are enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Longtime Grambling Head Coach, the late Eddie Robinson, who led his team to the first five Bayou Classic triumphs, is the winningest coach in NCAA Division I football history with 408 victories.

When is Bayou Classic?

The big game kicks off at 1 p.m, Saturday, November 30.

One of the entertainment highlights of the lead-up to the big game is provided by the two schools’ marching bands. The Grambling "Marching Tigers" and the Southern "Human Jukebox" will again compete in a "Battle of the Bands" event held the night before the game in the Superdome. Catch all the action on Friday, November 29. Find the full schedule of events here.

Where is Bayou Classic?

The big game is held at the Caesars Superdome | 1500 Sugar Bowl Dr, New Orleans, LA 70112.

Catch the Bayou Classic Parade rolling through downtown at 3 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. See here for more information.

Where can I find tickets to Bayou Classic?

Tickets are now on sale and can be ordered from Ticketmaster or purchased at the gate.

Broadcast

The game will be televised on the local NBC affiliate and Peacock. 
If you prefer to watch the game on TV, there are many sports bars in and around the downtown area and elsewhere in the city where you can enjoy the thrill of the game. Click here for a list of New Orleans sports bars.