The largest collegiate classic in the nation is about to go down Thanksgiving weekend. This isn’t any ordinary year for the iconic gridiron match-up between Louisiana HBCU legendary rivals Southern University and Grambling State University. This year marks the 50th Anniversary of the Bayou Classic, November 23-26 in New Orleans at the Caesars Superdome Arena.
This is the centennial year, so it’s time to celebrate! Not only is reaching 50 years a huge achievement but also a testament to these Louisiana HBCUs’ longstanding traditions and legacies. As with every year, alumni, football fans, students, faculty, and football fans with have three days to celebrate the #1 HBCU Classic in the nation!
PLEASE NOTE: THERE IS A CLEAR BAG POLICY TO ENTER THE CAESARS SUPERDOME FOR ALL EVENTS.
If you plan on going, there are a few things you need to know. FYI, the celebration jumps off one day early. First, and most importantly, the annual Bayou Classic Parade WILL NOT take place Friday. It is scheduled to go down this year on Thanksgiving Day, on Thursday, November 23 beginning at 3 pm! That’s right. Peep the parade route below:
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24 – 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM
BUSINESS AT BAYOU CLASSIC
HYATT REGENCY NEW ORLEANS
A BLACK BUSINESS SHOWCASE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE LOUISIANA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOUNDATION
NETWORKING * TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE * BUSINESS MARKETPLACE
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24 – 1:00 PM
2023 NEW VOICES PITCH COMPETITION (PRESENTED BY AARP)
HYATT REGENCY NEW ORLEANS
The New Voices Foundation will host the New Voices Pitch Competition sponsored by AARP. This in-person pitch competition will award five grants (one of each) – $25,000, $20,000, $15,000, $10,000, and $5,000 – combined with personalized business skill development, coaching, and mentoring for each winner 3-6 months post-competition.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24 (DEPART BATON ROUGE AT 5:30 AM) – NOLA ARRIVAL NOON – 1 PM
50TH ANNUAL BAYOU CLASSIC ROTC FOOTBALL RUN
CAESARS SUPERDOME ARENA
SOUTHERN AND GRAMBLING UNIVERSITY ROTC PROGRAMS WILL DEPART FROM THE SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY F.G. CLARK ACTIVITY CENTER IN BATON
GET YOUR TICKETS – THE GREEK SHOW & BATTLE OF THE BANDS
Featuring the 2nd Annual BAYOU CLASSIC INVITATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL BATTLE OF THE BANDS
CAESARS SUPERDOME ARENA
THE SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY “HUMAN JUKEBOX” MARCHING BAND WILL BE ON THE SOUTH END ZONE SIDE OF THE DOME AND THE GRAMBLING STATE UNIVERSITY TIGER MARCHING BAND WILL BE ON THE NORTH SIDE OF THE END ZONE.
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 25 – 1 PM
CAESARS SUPERDOME ARENA
50th ANNUAL BAYOU CLASSIC: SOUTHERN VS GRAMBLING FOOTBALL GAME PRESENTED BY P&G – BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW