What to Expect at the 2019 Bayou Classic
Photo courtesy of Bayou Classic on Facebook
With Thanksgiving upon us, summer weather is truly over, and the fall schedule is packed with fun activities you can only find in New Orleans. One of those events is Bayou Classic, traditionally held during the Thanksgiving week.
Each November the Bayou Classic draws the fans and alumni of Southern University and Grambling State University to New Orleans to partake in one of the country’s greatest college sports rivalries. This year marks the 46th annual event, which has become much more than a football game, drawing more than 200,000 visitors to New Orleans.
The event stretches for two days and includes a fan fest, a parade, battle of the bands, and, of course, the big game. The game kicks off on Saturday, November 30, at 4 p.m. at the Superdome (you can get tickets online or at the gate).
Photo courtesy of Bayou Classic on Facebook
The battle of the bands between the Grambling “Marching Tigers” and the Southern “Human Jukebox” on Friday, November 29, at 6 p.m., promises to be amazing (tickets). The Fan Fest is held on Saturday before the game at Champions Square.
The same two marching bands will lead the Annual Bayou Classic Parade, also on Saturday, starting at 9:30 a.m., from Elysian Fields Ave. at N. Peters St., finishing on Loyola Ave. at Perdido St. The parade will have the elements of the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club, floats, military units, and more. In other words, expect a great show.
Here’s the rundown of the Bayou Classic events by date:
Friday, November 29
Time: Doors open at 6 p.m.; show starts at 7 p.m.
What: Greek Show and Battle of the Bands
Where: Mercedes Benz-Superdome
Saturday, November 30
Time: 8 a.m.
What: “Doc Griggs 2X Around the Dome” Family Fitness Fun Walk/Bike Ride
Where: Mercedes Benz-Superdome
Time: 9:30 a.m.
What: Bayou Classic Parade
Where: Marigny to the CBD
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
What: Fan Festival
Where: Champions Square
Time: Kickoff at 4 p.m.
What: The 46th Annual Bayou Classic and Halftime Show
Where: Mercedes Benz-Superdome
Where to stay
To enjoy the best of the Bayou Classic in the Crescent City, make sure to find the right hotel in New Orleans. French Quarter is an ideal option for this event due to its proximity to the Superdome where the big game will be held. Also, the parade on Saturday will be making its way from the Marigny to the CBD, so you can get a front-row view of this amazing extravaganza.
And, since it will be Thanksgiving weekend, you can enjoy fine meals here on actual turkey day, or any day of the weekend, before heading to the Superdome. Walk around the French Quarter to check out the beginning of the Christmas light displays that deck out this historic neighborhood, and indulge in a wide range of boutiques and galleries on Small Business Saturday.
Book a room at the French Market Inn, Prince Conti Hotel, Hotel St. Marie, or Place d’Armes Hotel to have the best of this historical city and this unique event at your fingertips.
