46th Annual Bayou Classic

Data News Weekly Staff Edited Report

The Bayou Classic that’s in its 46th year has become more than a football game. In its nearly 50 years of existence; it is one of the Nation’s greatest college sports rivalries, bringing the fans and alumni of Grambling State University Tigers and the Southern University Jaguars to New Orleans each November.

What was once a two-day event is now a week-long list of festivities featuring a Parade, Greek Show & Battle of the Bands and Fan Festival culminates with Saturday’s Bayou Classic football match-up and half-time show that is as of much interest as the game?

This year’s big game will determine who will win the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) West Division Title.

“The Bayou Classic is an event that highlights our great HBCU’s,” remarked New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, at the game’s Annual Press Conference surrounded by state leaders and representatives of Southern and Grambling.

Dedication to Education: Southern University Systems and its Rich Legacy
Many know Southern as its main campus located in Baton Rouge and SUNO that is located in New Orleans but it’s much more than that. What began as a dream more than 136 years ago is today a living legacy of determination, commitment, and success. The Southern University and A&M College System is the only Historically Black University System in America.

“xxxxxxxx” says Dr. Robyn Merrick, Vice President of External Affairs of the University’s rich legacy. (Waiting for a quote) If we do not get it, we will scrap these sentences.

The System has a diverse enrollment of more than 12,000 students with locations in Louisiana’s capital City of Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Shreveport. A Law School and Agricultural and Research Center also are located in Baton Rouge. The System campuses appeal to students with various undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree offerings.

Widespread accomplishments of faculty and alumni have positively impacted society at every level. With a strong foundation, a proven record of achievement, and a fresh vision for the future, Southern University’s charge to advance the mission of its founders’ remains at the heart of our administrators, faculty, students, and alumni.

Sheryl Underwood Named an Ambassador of Bayou Classic

The Classic has always been a place where celebrities come to show their support of HBCUs. This year, comedian, actress, and television host Sheryl Underwood has been named an Ambassador of the upcoming 46th Annual Bayou Classic. Best known as the co-host of the Emmy-Award-Winning, CBS-television-show “The Talk,” Underwood is committed to using her visibility and influence in positive ways. She is Founder & Chief Executive Officer of the Pack Rat Foundation for Education (PRFFE, 501c3) and is currently raising money to support Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and the students committed to pursuing a higher education.

“It is an honor and privilege to be an Ambassador for the 46th Annual Bayou Classic – the granddaddy of all football classics,” said Sheryl Underwood, Ambassador for the 46th Annual Bayou Classic. “From our earliest beginnings, we knew that higher education was the key to jobs and freedom. Our families wanted more for their children which led many to HBCU’s.”

The Bayou Classic, ranked as the #1 HBCU Classic in the Nation
Since 1974 during the Thanksgiving Holiday weekend, New Orleans has experienced a rivalry that brings people from all over the country to what is known as the “Battle of the Cats.”

Today, the Bayou Classic and New Orleans are synonymous. In its nearly five decades; it has grown to include empowerment seminars, a parade, fan festival and much more. Given this is New Orleans, of course, parties also take place all over the city, as people come together in the spirit of friendly rivalry, but most important the game and the many events are done to promote African American unity.

In this scenario, the scoreboard doesn’t matter, and we all win as we display Black Excellence every year.

List of Events for Bayou Classic:

FRIDAY
Coaches Luncheon (Invitation Only)
Friday, November 29, 2019
Hyatt Regency New Orleans 601 Loyola Avenue NOLA 70113
12:00 N – 1:30 PM

Bayou Classic BizTech Challenge Presented by LED
Friday, November 29, 2019
Hyatt Regency Hotel, 601 Loyola Ave, NOLA 70113
Doors Open at 1:00 PM

Greek Show Presented by Be the Match
& Battle of the Bands Presented by United States Marine Corps
Friday, November 29, 2019
Mercedes Benz-Superdome 1500 Sugarbowl Drive NOLA 70112
Doors Open at 6:00 PM | Show starts at 7:00 PM

________________________________________

SATURDAY

Doc Griggs 2X Around the Dome
Saturday, November 30, 2019
Mercedes Benz-Superdome 1500 Sugarbowl Drive NOLA 70112
8:00 AM

Bayou Classic Parade Presented by Cricket Wireless
Saturday, November 30, 2019
The Parade starts on Elysian Fields Ave. at N. Peters St. and finishes on Loyola Ave. at Perdido St.
9:30 AM

Fan Festival Presented by Cox
Saturday, November 30, 2019
Champions Square – Lasalle St, NOLA 70112
11:30 AM – 3:30 PM

The 46th Annual Bayou Classic
Southern University vs. Grambling State University
Saturday, November 30, 2019
Mercedes Benz-Superdome 1500 Sugarbowl Drive NOLA 70112
KICK-OFF at 4:00 PM

The Bayou Classic Halftime Show
Saturday, November 30, 2019
Mercedes Benz-Superdome 1500 Sugarbowl Drive NOLA 70112

E. Benjamin Contributed to this Report