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51st ANNUAL BAYOU CLASSIC

NBC Sports, Grambling University Foundation, Inc. and the Southern University System Foundation, Inc. have agreed to a three-year media rights extension for the annual game to be presented live on NBC and Peacock through 2027, it announced today.

The new agreement – which kicks off next season with the 52nd annual Bayou Classic on Nov. 30, 2025 – extends a historic partnership which began in 1991 and will feature the storied Southern-Grambling State football rivalry live on NBC and Peacock through 2027, a span of 37 years for NBC Sports as the U.S. media home of the event.

Schedule of Events for the 51st Annual Bayou Classic, Presented by Procter & Gamble
CELERATE THE 51st YEAR OF THE BIGGEST HBCU FOOTBALL CLASSIC

The Bayou Classic returns to New Orleans for its 51st year with its series of fan and family-friendly events throughout the Thanksgiving holiday and weekend.

The Bayou Classic is proud to announce Wells Fargo as the official banking sponsor for the 51st Annual Bayou Classic, featuring the highly anticipated rivalry game between Grambling State University and Southern University.

“We are thrilled to return to The Crescent City celebrating the 51st installment of the famed Bayou Classic,” said Dewey Norwood, Senior Diversity & Inclusion Consultant and HBCU Strategy Lead at Wells Fargo. “The Tigers of Grambling State University and the Jaguars of Southern University exemplify the rich legacy of HBCUs, and we are proud to support their students, alumni, and surrounding communities. This partnership reaffirms Wells Fargo’s dedication to fostering educational and financial empowerment.”

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.

Schedule of Events for the 51st Annual Bayou Classic, Presented by Procter & Gamble

NEW ORLEANS – 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). 

We are gearing up for the 51st Annual Bayou Classic and would love for you and your organization to join us as a Community Partner!

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. 

The University Scholarship Fund is an initiative to support students applying to both Grambling State University and Southern University. The fund will be distributed annually through the Bayou Classic event, providing financial assistance to two deserving students from Orleans Parish.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 [email protected] 

Application Deadline EXTENDED: November 16, 2024, 11:59 PM CST

NEW ORLEANS – The online media credential application process for the 51st Annual Bayou Classic, presented by Procter & Gamble, is now open.

The deadline for applying is Wednesday, October 23, 2024.

Mobile gaming truck aims to elevate the college game day experience by featuring Grambling and Southern University students along with celebrity show matches

 

NEW ORLEANS – The Bayou Classic announced today that both Grambling University Foundation, Inc. and the Southern University System Foundation, Inc., have entered into a groundbreaking partnership with Rally Cry as part of the 51st Annual Bayou Classic. Rally Cry, a gaming technology company that builds inclusive gaming experiences for players of all ages and skill levels, will showcase its Rally Cry Championship Tour featuring a College Football 25 mobile gaming truck for students to compete in person for a piece of the prize pool and a custom championship trophy. This partnership marks a significant step in combining the rich traditions of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with the dynamic and rapidly growing world of esports.

NEW ORLEANS – The hotel block for the 51st Annual Bayou Classic, Presented by Procter & Gamble, has opened. Hotels throughout the New Orleans area have developed special rates for guests visiting New Orleans for the Bayou Classic in November. Room rates start as low as $150 per night for hotels throughout the city.

TICKETS GO ON SALE AND HOTEL BLOCK OPEN FOR THE SERIES OF EVENTS THIS FRIDAY – APRIL 19

NEW ORLEANS – The excitement is building as tickets for the highly anticipated 51st Annual Bayou Classic will go on sale this week, alongside the opening of the hotel block for this iconic event. Presented by Procter & Gamble, this year’s Bayou Classic is scheduled to take place on November 29-30, 2024, at the iconic Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. Tickets for this iconic series of events will go on sale on Friday, April 19 at 10 am CST.

50th ANNUAL BAYOU CLASSIC

Schedule of Events for the 50th Annual Bayou Classic, Presented by Procter & Gamble
CELERATE THE 50th OF THE BIGGEST HBCU FOOTBALL CLASSIC

NEW ORLEANS – The Bayou Classic returns to New Orleans for its 5oth 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).

MEDIA – Please note that the “Presented by P&G” must be used with the Bayou Classic 50th icon on all use.

Partnership expands this year as Wells Fargo creates a limited-edition Bayou Classic debit card

NEW ORLEANS – The Bayou Classic announced today that Wells Fargo will serve as the official banking sponsor for the 50th Annual Bayou Classic game between Grambling State University and Southern University.

Series of events scheduled to celebrate the Centennial of the HBCU Classic

NEW ORLEANS – The kick-off press conference for the 50th Annual Bayou Classic, presented by Procter & Gamble, featuring the historic rivalry between the Jaguars of Southern University  and the Tigers of Grambling State University. The Bayou Classic is revered as the “Granddaddy” of HBCU college matchups.

NEW ORLEANS – Entergy is pleased to serve as the diamond sponsor for the 50th Annual Bayou Classic, an annual event that celebrates the rich heritage and legacy of America’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Entergy has a longstanding commitment to powering life for its customers and communities. The prominent football game, played between the Southern University Jaguars and the Grambling State University Tigers, serves as a platform to not only showcase exceptional athletic talent but also to honor the traditions, achievements and contributions of HBCUs to American society.

NEW ORLEANS – The online media credential application process for the 50th Annual Bayou Classic, presented by Procter & Gamble, is now open.

The deadline for applying is Monday, October 23, 2023.

NEW ORLEANS – The highly anticipated 50th Annual Bayou Classic is upon us…and the Road Show is hitting Donaldsonville! In anticipation of the centennial year, organizers have developed the “Bayou Classic Road Show” to bring excitement across the State of Louisiana and several large Southern US cities over the next few months.

NEW ORLEANS – The highly anticipated 50th Annual Bayou Classic is upon us…and the Road Show is hitting Baton Rouge! In anticipation of the centennial year, organizers have developed the “Bayou Classic Road Show” to bring excitement across the State of Louisiana and several large Southern US cities over the next few months.

NEW ORLEANS – The highly anticipated 50th Annual Bayou Classic is upon us! In anticipation of the centennial year, organizers have developed the “Bayou Classic Road Show” to bring excitement across the State of Louisiana and several large Southern US cities over the next few months.

The Bayou Classic Road Show will kick off Alexandria, La. as part of the region’s “Meeting in the Middle” weekend series of events. Come and experience the true spirit of the Bayou Classic with live jazz and brass performances. The event is open to the public and promises a family-friendly atmosphere.

NEW ORLEANS – The hotel block for the 50th Annual Bayou Classic, Presented by Procter & Gamble, has opened. Hotels throughout the New Orleans area have developed special rates for guests visiting New Orleans for the Bayou Classic in November.

TICKETS GO ON SALE FOR THE 50th ANNUAL BAYOU CLASSIC,
PRESENTED BY PROCTER & GAMBLE, SCHEDULED FOR NOVEMBER IN NEW ORLEANS

NEW ORLEANS – Tickets for the 50th Annual Bayou Classic, Presented by Procter & Gamble, go on sale Friday, April 14, 2023 at 10 am CST. This year is the Golden Anniversary of the HBCU Classic.

The Bayou Classic, ranked as the #1 HBCU Classic in the nation, is the iconic collegiate gridiron matchup between Grambling State University and Southern University, which will take place on Saturday, November 25, 2023, in the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La.

Bayou Classic fans may also purchase tickets for the ever-popular Battle of the Bands & Greek Show to be held on Friday, November 24, 2023, at the Caesars Superdome.

49th ANNUAL BAYOU CLASSIC

The Bayou Classic returns to New Orleans for its 49th year 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 Grambling State University and Southern 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).

WHAT:      
The kick-off press conference for the 49th Annual Bayou Classic, presented by Procter & Gamble, featuring the historic rivalry between the Tigers of Grambling State University and the Jaguars of Southern University. The Bayou Classic is revered as the “Granddaddy” of HBCU college matchups.

Governmental leaders, tourism leaders, Bayou Classic organizers and representative from both Grambling State University and Southern University will make and provide updates on this year’s 49th Annual Bayou Classic scheduled for November 25-26.

The Bayou Classic is the annual extravaganza bringing the fans and alumni of Grambling State University and Southern University to New Orleans each November for a celebration of football, family and the traditions surrounding Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

WHEN:         
Monday, November 21, 2022
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

WHO:        
Lt. Governor of the State of Louisiana – Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser
Mayor of the City of New Orleans – Mayor LaToya Cantrell
Representatives of the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus & New Orleans City Council
Representatives from the State of Louisiana and The City of New Orleans tourism industry
President of Grambling State University – President Richard J. “Rick” Gallot, Jr.
President/Chancellor of Southern University and A&M College System – President-Chancellor Dennis J. Shields
Grambling Head Football Coach Hu Jackson Southern University  Head Football Coach Eric Dooley
Directors of Athletics, Assistant Coaches and Players from GSU and SU
Sponsors of the 49th Annual Bayou Classic   
Other invited guests                     

WHERE:       
Caesars Superdome
Complimentary parking available in Parking Garage 6
Entrance through Gate A ground level of the Caesars Superdome

Partnership expands Wells Fargo’s commitment to Historically Black Colleges and Universities

NEW ORLEANS -The Bayou Classic announced today that both Grambling University Foundation, Inc. and the Southern University System Foundation, Inc., have entered an agreement with Wells Fargo, a leading global financial services company, for it to serve as the “Official Banking Sponsor” of the Bayou Classic.

Global Aerospace Company Named Gold Sponsor of the Annual Bayou Classic

NEW ORLEANS -The Bayou Classic announced today that both Grambling University Foundation, Inc. and the Southern University System Foundation, Inc., have entered a corporate partnership agreement with Boeing as a Gold Sponsor of the 49th Annual Bayou Classic.

As the Gold Sponsor of the Bayou Classic, Boeing demonstrates its continued support of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Members of the Full Circle Everest team to be in New Orleans for Bayou Classic

NEW ORLEANS – The Bayou Classic announced today that both Grambling University Foundation, Inc. and the Southern University System Foundation, Inc., will welcome members of The Full Circle Everest team to the 49th Annual Bayou Classic, presented by Procter & Gamble.

The Full Circle Everest, which began its journey into the Himalayas after months of training and trekking in May 2022, has become the first all-Black expedition to make it to the top of Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world above sea level.

impact your community

Give the gift of a Bayou Classic Game-day experience to at risk youth

Corporate sponsor pricing: $1,500 for 100 tickets 

If interested, contact NOCCI at (504) 888-7608 or by email at [email protected].

Telecommunications Company Named Silver Sponsor of the Annual Bayou ClassiC

NEW ORLEANS -The Bayou Classic announced today that both Grambling University Foundation, Inc. and the Southern University System Foundation, Inc., have renewed a corporate agreement with AT&T as a Silver Sponsor of the 49th Annual Bayou Classic. This will be AT&T’s second year as a sponsor of the annual Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Classic.

NEW ORLEANS – The online media credential application process for the 49th Annual Bayou Classic, presented by Procter & Gamble, is now open.

The deadline for applying is Monday, October 24, 2022.

Procter & Gamble Official Presenting Sponsor of the Annual Bayou Classic

NEW ORLEANS – The Bayou Classic announced today that both Grambling University Foundation, Inc. and the Southern University System Foundation, Inc., have extended their corporate partnership agreement with the Procter & Gamble Company (P&G) to continue as the Official Presenting Sponsor of the 49th Annual Bayou Classic. This is P&G’s 6th consecutive year sponsoring the Bayou Classic.

NEW ORLEANS – The hotel block for the 49th Annual Bayou Classic, Presented by Procter & Gamble, has opened. Hotels throughout the New Orleans area have developed special rates for guests visiting New Orleans for the Bayou Classic in November.

49th Annual Bayou Classic to be Presented on NBC and Peacock in 2022 Marking 32nd Year of NBC Sports & Bayou Classic Partnership

NEW ORLEANS – NBC Sports and the Bayou Classic have agreed to a three-year media rights extension through 2024, both parties announced today.

The new agreement — which kicks off this year with the 49th annual Bayou Classic as Southern and Grambling State renew their storied football rivalry on Saturday, Nov. 26 on NBC and Peacock — extends a historic partnership which began in 1991.

NEW ORLEANS – Tickets for the 49th Annual Bayou Classic, Presented by Procter & Gamble, go on sale Thursday, June 30, 2022.

Bayou Classic fans may also purchase tickets for the ever-popular Battle of the Bands & Greek Show to be held on Friday, November 25, 2022, at the Caesars Superdome.

48th ANNUAL BAYOU CLASSIC

NEW ORLEANS – The Bayou Classic returns to New Orleans for its 48th year 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.

NEW ORLEANS – The online media credential application process for the 48th Annual Bayou Classic, presented by Procter & Gamble, is now open.

The deadline for applying is Monday, October 25, 2021.

Bayou Classic Announces Presenting Sponsors of Halftime Show | September 16, 2021

NEW ORLEANS –The Bayou Classic announced today that both Grambling University Foundation, Inc. and the Southern University System Foundation, Inc., have extended their corporate partnership agreement with The Coca-Cola Company and Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, Inc. (UNITED) to become the Official Presenting Sponsor of the Annual Bayou Classic Halftime Show.

TICKETS ON SALE FOR THE 48th ANNUAL BAYOU CLASSIC, PRESENTED BY PROCTER & GAMBLE | JUNE 2, 2021

NEW ORLEANS – Tickets for the 48th Annual Bayou Classic, Presented by Procter & Gamble, go on sale today, Wednesday, June 2, 2021.

The Bayou Classic, ranked as the #1 HBCU Classic in the nation, is the iconic collegiate gridiron matchup between Grambling State University and Southern University, which will take place on Saturday, November 27, 2021, in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, La.

Bayou Classic Announces Presenting Sponsor of Annual HBCU Event | May 27, 2021

NEW ORLEANS – The Bayou Classic announced today that both Grambling University Foundation, Inc. and the Southern University System Foundation, Inc., have extended their corporate partnership agreement with the Procter & Gamble Company (P&G) to become the Official Presenting Sponsor of the 48th Annual Bayou Classic.

The Bayou Classic, ranked as the #1 HBCU Classic in the nation, is the iconic collegiate gridiron matchup between Southern University and Grambling State University. The 48th Annual Bayou Classic, Presented by Procter & Gamble, will be played on Saturday, November 27, 2021 at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans.