BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) — The Bayou Classic is a historic matchup between the Southern University Jaguars and the Grambling State University Tigers.

The annual game has been a Loiusiana standard since 1974. The battle takes place in New Orleans in the Caesars Superdome.

The Bayou Classic occurs every year during the Thanksgiving break. This year, those dates are from Monday, Nov. 20, through Saturday, Nov. 25.

Aside from the football game, the event features things such as a welcome press conference, a parade on Thanksgiving Day, a business showcase, an invite-only coaches luncheon, a Greek show and battle of the bands, an invite-only high school battle of the bands, a battle of the bands afterparty, a fitness fun walk, fan festival, and a game afterparty.

Most of these events are open to the public and require registration or tickets.

Friday, Nov. 24

Business at Bayou Classic

  • What: Students, visitors, and guests can buy products from local businesses and learn about networking opportunities.
  • Where: Hyatt Regency New Orleans, 601 Loyola Ave.
  • When: 10:30 a.m. through 4 p.m.

This event is free to attend and open to the public.

Greek Show and Battle of the Bands

  • What: A high school battle of bands followed by a Greek step show performed by the fraternities and sororities from Southern University and Grambling State University. Immediately after, a battle of the bands between the Southern University “Human Jukebox” Marching Band and the Grambling State “World Famed” Marching Band.
  • Where: Caesars Superdome
  • When: Doors open at 5 p.m.

Tickets are required for this event and can be purchased here.

Battle of the Bands Afterparty

  • What: An all-Black party for partygoers 21 and over. The party is hosted by TV and media personality, Big Tigger.
  • Where: Metropolitan Nightclub/Generations Hall, 310 Andrew Higgins Blvd.
  • When: 11 p.m.

Tickets are required for this event and can be bought here.

Saturday, Nov. 25

Family Fitness Fun Walk

  • What: A family-friendly walk around the Caesars Superdome to promote healthy living.
  • Where: Champions Square; Plaza Level, Gate C of Casears Superdome
  • When: Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. at Champions Square. The walk begins at 8 a.m. at Gate C, plaza level.

This is a free event, but registration is required.

Annual Bayou Classic Fan Festival

  • What: A free concert of multiple artists such as Boosie, Treety, Subtweet Shawn, and many more. Vendors will also be in attendance.
  • Where: Champions Square
  • When: 9 a.m. to noon

Bayou Classic Football Game

  • What: A football matchup between the Southern University Jaguars and the Grambling State Tigers.
  • Where: Caesars Superdome
  • When: Doors open at 11 a.m., kick-off is at 1 p.m.

Tickets are required for the game and can be purchased here.

Bayou Classic Celebrity Afterparty

  • What: Partygoers over the age of 21 can celebrate the festivities by seeing Boosie live in concert at a popular New Orleans nightclub.
  • Where: Metropolitan Nightclub/Generations Hall, 310 Andrew Higgins Blvd.
  • When: 10 p.m.

Tickets are required for this event and can be found here.