NEW ORLEANS – The Bayou Classic is the annual extravaganza bringing the fans and alumni of Southern University and Grambling State University to New Orleans each November for a celebration of football, family and the traditions surrounding Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
On Monday, Nov. 24, the kick-off press conference for the 52nd Annual Bayou Classic, presented by Procter & Gamble, will feature 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.
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 52nd Annual Bayou Classic scheduled for Nov. 27-29.
NEW THIS YEAR – STEM Fest, Presented by ExxonMobil
As part of ExxonMobil’s ongoing commitment to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, they have partnered with the Bayou Classic to engage students by bringing a brand-new STEM Fest to the press conference event. With over 60 STEM-based activities, students will have the chance to explore robotics, virtual reality and more. The STEM Fest is presented in collaboration with STEM NOLA, a nationally recognized New Orleans–based nonprofit dedicated to breaking down barriers in STEM education for K–12 students through hands-on learning and mentorship programs. The STEM Fest will take place immediately following the Welcome Press Conference and is estimated to run from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
WHEN:
Monday, November 24, 2025
Press Conference: 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
STEM FEST: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m
The 52nd Annual Bayou Classic Schedule of Events
Annual Bayou Classic Thanksgiving Day Parade
Thursday, Nov. 27 – 3 p.m. – Through downtown New Orleans roundtrip from the Caesars Superdome
The Annual Bayou Classic Parade continues this year in traditional, New Orleans fashion with signature floats, throws and more than 40 total units. Participation by all of the top New Orleans area high school bands.
Inaugural Bayou Business Bowl @ Business at Bayou
Friday, Nov. 28 – 9 – 10:30 a.m.— Hyatt Regency New Orleans
The next generation of business leaders will take the spotlight at the Inaugural Bayou Business Bowl @ Business at Bayou, a student pitch competition designed to celebrate innovation, entrepreneurship, and excellence within the HBCU community. The Bayou Business Bowl will feature two student teams each from Southern University and Grambling State University, representing their respective colleges of Business. Competing teams will develop and present innovative business concepts to a distinguished panel of industry leaders, investors, and regional business stakeholders. Students will compete for $10,000 in prizes and awards, recognizing both their innovation and their ability to present viable, market-ready ideas.
Business at Bayou: A Black Small Business Showcase
Friday, Nov. 28 – 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Hyatt Regency New Orleans
Presented in partnership with the LA Chamber of Commerce
Business at Bayou is a business expo that showcases nonprofit, corporate and local businesses. Students, Alumni, and Visitors are invited to stop by the Business at Bayou to purchase items from small black businesses and learn more about networking opportunities.
Bayou Classic Motivational Gameday Ball Run
Friday, Nov. 28
Depart Baton Rouge: 5:30 a.m. – Arrive in New Orleans at the Caesars Superdome: 1-1:30 p.m.
Southern University Army ROTC, along with Southern Navy and Grambling State University ROTC programs, will carry the official Bayou Classic gameday ball through seven parishes and more than a dozen towns as they run the ball more than 100 miles from the F.G. Clark Activity Center (7722 Scenic Hwy) at Southern in Baton Rouge to the Caesars Superdome (Gate A ground level) in New Orleans. This long-distance run was the brainchild of a few Marines in 1992 who took it upon themselves to ensure the Bayou Classic game ball was ceremoniously delivered to game officials before the beginning of the historic rivalry football game between Grambling and Southern.
NEW EVENT — Beats Before Battle, presented by Sprite
Friday, Nov. 28 – 3-6 p.m. – Caesars Superdome, Gate C Plaza Level
Free and Open to the public – no ticket needed for entry; Clear bag policy for entrance.
NOTE: Media credentials are needed to attend this event. Clear bag policy for entrance.
With a nationally known DJ spinning high-energy sets, the plaza will transform into the ultimate party zone with dancing, live hype, crowd takeovers, and plenty of surprises. Fans can expect giveaways, exclusive Sprite activations, and a festival-style atmosphere that celebrates the spirit, music, and culture of Bayou Classic.
Highlight of the event will be a drumline battle between Sarah T. Reed High School Band and the Young Audiences Charter School.
Battle of the Bands and Greek Show
Featuring the 4th Annual Bayou Classic Invitational High School Battle of the Bands
Greek Show, presented by Sprite
Battle of the Bands, presented by the Louisiana Office of Tourism
Friday, Nov. 28 – 6 p.m. (doors open at 5 p.m.) – Caesars Superdome
Ticket required for entry; Clear bag policy for entrance.
NOTE: Media credentials are needed to attend this event. Clear bag policy for entrance.
Approximately 25,000 people will be at the show, as the Grambling and Southern’s historic marching bands strut across the Superdome in a colorful showdown that is the highlight of The Bayou Classic weekend for many attendees. In addition, the Greek show will feature creative skits from traditionally black Greek organizations across Louisiana.
The 4th Annual Bayou Classic Invitational High School Battle of the Bands will include the best New Orleans high school bands who will compete for an amazing array of music education prizes as well as trophies.
Bayou Classic Invitational High School Battle of the Bands will include:
Abe Sci High School – New Orleans
Warren Easton Charter High School – New Orleans
Stephenson High School – Stone Mountain, Ga
and one additional local high school band to be announced later.
Bayou Classic Fan Festival
Saturday, Nov. 29 – 9 a.m. to Noon – Champions Square at the Caesars Superdome
Free event; Clear bag policy for entrance.
An extremely popular pre-game celebration where live musical performances and entertainment get the crowd warmed up for the game. Bring the whole family out to enjoy sponsor activations and special giveaways from our sponsors.
The Bayou Classic is proud to announce the line up for this year’s Fan Fest:
2Chainz (Headliner)
H3adband
T99zy
BJ So Cole
Giovanni Weart
Deejay Juice
Hosted by Wild Wayne, one of New Orleans’ most recognized voices and personalities, this year’s Fan Fest features a high-energy lineup of DJs — including DJ KeithScott and DJ Poppa.
The 52nd Annual Bayou Classic, Presented by Procter & Gamble
Saturday, Nov. 29 – kick-off time 1 p.m. (doors open at 11:30 a.m.) – Caesars Superdome
Ticket required for entry; Clear bag policy for entrance.
More than 200,000 people come to New Orleans for the Bayou Classic weekend, and 60,000 – 70,000 make their way to the Bayou Classic game. The Bayou Classic commemorates historically black colleges and universities, academic achievement, tradition, sportsmanship, marching bands, and friendly competition. The “Classic” is an exhibition of the high standards of academic achievement deeply embedded in the traditions of the two institutions – Grambling State University and Southern University.
Bayou Classic Halftime Show
Saturday, Nov. 29 – Caesars Superdome
The electrifying halftime show, Presented by The Coca-Cola Company, will feature the Grambling State University’s World Famed Marching Band and Southern University’s Human Jukebox and Dancing Dolls.