The 51st

Annual Bayou Classic

Presented by Procter & Gamble

November 30, 2024

Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La.

(Greek Show & Battle of the Bands - November 29, 2024)

The Bayou Classic, ranked as the #1 HBCU Classic in the nation, is the iconic collegiate gridiron matchup between Grambling State University & Southern University.

VISIT Bayou Classic WEBSITE

PURCHASE Bayou Classic Game Day TICKETS

PURCHASE Bayou Classic Battle of the Bands/Greek Show TICKETS

BOOK Bayou Classic HOTEL

NEW ORLEANS – The Bayou Classic, in partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank, is proud to announce the Bayou Classic Food & Fund Drive, an initiative to combat food insecurity affecting the students and surrounding communities of Southern University and Grambling State University.

“One in 6 people in Louisiana experience food insecurity, and the communities of and around Southern University and Grambling State University are no exception,” said Second Harvest President & CEO Natalie Jayroe. “We are calling on students, alumni, and fans to help those who don’t know where their next meal is coming from.”

This collaborative effort invites attendees, fans, and supporters of the Bayou Classic to help fight hunger by donating nonperishable food items and monetary contributions. Together with Second Harvest Food Bank, the drive aims to ensure that collected resources directly benefit those in need.

How to Donate

Donate Food: Nonperishable food items can be dropped into collection barrels located in the lobbies of the Hilton Riverside and Hyatt Regency – the host hotels for Grambling and Southern respectfully – during the week of the Bayou Classic.

Additionally, during the Bayou Classic Thanksgiving Day Parade, look for Second Harvest Food Bank at the parade’s final position. Volunteers will be on hand to collect food donations along the route.

Donate Money: Contributions can be made easily by scanning the QR code available at donation locations and in event materials.

All collected food and funds will be distributed directly to the communities of Southern and Grambling, ensuring support reaches those who need it most.

Join Us in Making a Difference

The Bayou Classic Food & Fund Drive is an opportunity for fans and supporters to give back during this season of gratitude and celebration. Together, we can help reduce food insecurity and make a positive impact on the lives of students and families.

For more information on how to donate or participate, visit www.mybayouclassic.com.

NEW ORLEANS (Nov 9, 2024) – The Bayou Classic is proud to announce the launch of its inaugural University Scholarship Fund, aimed at supporting talented students from Orleans Parish attending Grambling State University or Southern University.

The scholarship fund will provide two deserving students with direct scholarships, one from Southern University and one from Grambling State University. This initiative underscores the Bayou Classic's commitment to education and community development in Orleans Parish.

"We're excited to introduce this scholarship fund as part of our ongoing efforts to support local students in their pursuit of higher education," said Dottie Belletto, Bayou Classic Executive Director. "This fund represents a significant investment in our community's future."

Key details of the scholarship:

• Open to Orleans Parish residents accepted to Grambling State or Southern University
• Application deadline: November 16, 2024
• Winners announced: November 30, 2024, during the Bayou Classic football game
• The scholarship recipients will be selected based on academic achievement, community involvement, financial need, and their responses to essay questions focusing on personal growth, leadership, and commitment to diversity

For more information about the scholarship or to apply, visit www.mybayouclassic.com/news-info. 

The scholarship is managed by NOCCI, the Bayou Classic management company, and funds are raised by soliciting support via individual donations. Questions or completed applications can be sent to connect@nocci.com. To make a donation to the scholarship fund, please contact Justin Boone at jboone@nocci.com or 504-259-8126. 

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 KICKING IT TO THE TOP

Each year The Bayou Classic ensures community outreach through our programs like Kicking It To The Top. This program gives deserving youth in our community the opportunity to “Experience The Power ” of Bayou Classic up close and in person.  

The “Kicking it to the Top” program provides entities an opportunity to purchase 100 Terrace tickets for $1,500.00 to the 51st Annual Bayou Classic. Organizations have the option of keeping and distributing their tickets; or donating them to area public schools through Bayou Classic. All participating community partner logos will be featured on the Bayou Classic website. 

For more information or to be part of the program, visit www.mybayouclassic.com/news-info.

NEW ORLEANS ( Oct 29, 2024) – The Bayou Classic returns to New Orleans for its 51st Anniversary with its series of fan and family-friendly events throughout the Thanksgiving holiday and weekend. Each year, this weekend of events brings together family, friends and alumni of Southern University and Grambling State University to see one of America’s greatest college sports rivalries and celebrate football, family and the traditions surrounding Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Monday, November 25

Bayou Classic Welcome Press Conference

10:00 am

Caesars Superdome

Thursday, November 28 – Thanksgiving Day

Annual Bayou Classic Thanksgiving Day Parade

3:00 pm start time

Throughout downtown New Orleans

Friday, November 29

Business at Bayou Classic: A Black Small Business Showcase

Presented in partnership with the LA Chamber of Commerce

10:30 am – 4:00 pm

Hyatt Regency New Orleans

Free and open to the public

Bayou Classic Coaches Luncheon

Noon

Hyatt Regency New Orleans

Initiation only event.

Bayou Classic Motivational Gameday Ball Run

Depart Baton Rouge: 5:30 am

Arrive in New Orleans at the Caesars Superdome: 1-1:30 pm

Bayou Classic Battle of the Bands and Greek Show

Featuring the 3rd Annual Bayou Classic Invitational High School Battle of the Bands

Bayou Classic Greek Show Presented by Sprite

6:00 pm (Doors open at 5:00 pm)

Caesars Superdome

Ticket required for entry, Clear bag policy for entrance.

NOTE: Media credentials are needed to attend this event.

Bayou Classic Official Battle of the Bands After Party

11:00 pm

Presented by HEREWEGO Entertainment

Metropolitan Nightclub (Generations Hall)

Ticket required for entry

Saturday, November 30

Doc Griggs “Two Times Around the Dome” Family Fitness Fun Walk

8:00 am (7:30 am registration)

Caesars Superdome, Plaza Level at Gate C

Registration required for entry

Fourth Annual Special Olympics Unified Rivalry Flag Football Game

Presented by Special Olympics Louisiana

9:00 am

St. Augustine Practice Field (2525 Bruxells Street)

Bayou Classic Fan Festival

The “Embrace the Culture” Stage is presented by The City of New Orleans, Office of Cultural Economy and the New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund

9:00 am – Noon

Champions Square at the Caesars Superdome

Free and open to the public, Clear bag policy for entrance.

The 51st Annual Bayou Classic, Presented by Procter & Gamble

1:00 pm (doors open at 11:00 am)

Caesars Superdome

Ticket required for entry, Clear bag policy for entrance.

NOTE: Media credentials are needed to attend this event.

The 51st Annual Bayou Classic Halftime Show

Presented by The Coca-Cola Company

Bayou Classic Official Celebrity After Party

10:00 pm start time

Presented by HEREWEGO Entertainment

Metropolitan Nightclub (Generations Hall)

Ticket required for entry

TICKETS ARE STILL AVAILABLE – BUT LIMITED

Tickets are still available for purchase. Tickets for the 51st Annual Bayou Classic and the Battle of the Bands & Greek Show can be purchased at the following locations: the Bayou Classic website (www.mybayouclassic.com), Ticketmaster, the New Orleans Arena Box Office, the Grambling State University Ticket Office or the Southern University Ticket Office.

Seating

Southern University is the home team at the 51st Annual Bayou Classic and its fans will sit on the west side (near sections 129-156) of the Caesars Superdome. Grambling State University, as the visiting team, will sit on the east side (near sections 101-128) of the Superdome. 

For Battle of the Bands, Southern University “Human Jukebox” will be located on the South side of the Caesars Superdome (in front of section 141) and the Grambling State University Tiger Marching Band will be located on the North side (in front of section 143).

ABOUT THE BAYOU CLASSIC

The Bayou Classic, ranked as the #1 HBCU Classic in the nation, continues to be a beacon of legacy and tradition, attracting fans from across the country. This legendary game between the Grambling State University Tigers and Southern University Jaguars, and accompanying series of events, have proven to be a steadfast beacon of legacy and tradition that extends beyond the HBCU community. Bayou Classic fans from across the nation journey to witness the electrifying football game between Grambling State and Southern, while eagerly awaiting the highly anticipated Greek Show & Battle of the Bands and halftime show featuring two of the greatest marching bands in the nation.

The 51st Annual Bayou Classic, Presented by Procter & Gamble, will be played on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. For more information, visit www.mybayouclassic.com.