The Bayou Classic is more than a football game—it’s a cultural tradition that brings together fans, alumni, and families for a weekend of spirited rivalry and celebration each November in New Orleans, Louisiana. At its heart is the historic gridiron showdown between Grambling State University and Southern University, two powerhouse institutions of higher learning and athletics.

Although the teams first met on the field in 1932, the matchup officially became known as the Bayou Classic in 1974, when it was held at Tulane Stadium. That year marked the beginning of what is now one of the most anticipated and enduring events in college sports.

Over the decades, the Bayou Classic has grown into the premier rivalry in historically Black college and university (HBCU) football. From 1991 through 2014, the game was broadcast nationally on NBC, giving it a platform unlike any other HBCU sporting event. After airing on NBC Sports Network (NBCSN) for several years, the Classic triumphantly returned to NBC’s national broadcast in 2021, remaining the only NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision game to be televised annually on broadcast television.

The Bayou Classic is also deeply tied to the story of the Caesars Superdome. In the early 1970s, as the stadium was being planned, state leaders needed anchor events to justify its construction. Alongside New Orleans Saints football and the Sugar Bowl, the Bayou Classic became one of the “Big Three” commitments that helped make the Superdome a reality. Today, it remains a signature event that continues to shine on one of the nation’s most iconic stages.

While football takes center stage, the Bayou Classic is just as famous for its surrounding traditions. The most celebrated of these is the Battle of the Bands, featuring Grambling’s “World Famed” Tiger Marching Band and Southern’s “Human Jukebox.” On the Friday night before the game, the bands face off in a dazzling showcase of sound, precision, and pageantry—an event so popular that many consider it as much a highlight as the game itself.

From the football field to the band stands, the Bayou Classic represents excellence, tradition, and community pride, carrying forward a legacy that unites generations of fans while showcasing the best of HBCU culture to a national audience.