Coming up on November 24, 2018 (the Saturday after Turkey Day), New Orleans will host the 45th Annual Grambling State vs Southern University Bayou Classic football game. Two regional historically black colleges (HBCU’s), will renew a celebratory rivalry once more, for pride and for our post-Thanksgiving dinner enjoyment. Every year, more than 200,000 tourists travel to New Orleans to watch these two schools play out their rivalry.
As with prior classics, this year’s Classic will feature several events spread out over two days and into various parts of town, offering different and differing kinds of excitement:
BizTech Challenge – 11/23 at Hyatt Regency
“Solve. Connect. Win.” This challenge is a contest of technical prowess, under the categories of software development, digital manufacturing, and energy. This is an event that inspires and encourages entrepreneurship and thinking outside the business and technology boxes. Teams will compete for ranks of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, before moving to a final pitch for their project and an ultimate prize of $10K. Be part of innovation and diversity of ideas and new concepts.
Greek Show & The Battle of the Bands – 11/23 at The Superdome + Parade – 11/24 at Elysian Fields
Featuring both Grambling State and the Southern University marching bands, a “battle” of sound, performance, and precision will go down and be thrown down for pre-game entertainment. These same teams will participate in a parade, alongside floats, military units, and more. For many people, this is the real draw of the Bayou Classic – even more so than the game.
The Game – 11/24 at The Superdome
Kickoff is at 4 PM CST and will be broadcasted on WDSU. These two teams, two communities, two schools, will go one-on-one in what promises to be another adrenaline pushing game between these most valiant competitors. A shared bond brings both colleges together, one based in pride of who they are, what they’ve accomplished, and what they will finish in the future. It’s a battle born out of love, showcasing a fellowship, kinship, and friendship that few “rivals” have. Just imagine liking the ATL Falcons …
Bill Arceneaux has been an independent writer and film critic in the New Orleans area since 2011, working with outlets like Film Threat, DIG Baton Rouge, Crosstown Conversations, and Occupy. He is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and is Rotten Tomatoes approved. Be sure to check out his film reviews and other articles here.
