98
BAYOU CLASSIC
Where?
The Louisiana Superdome
1500 Sugar Bowl Drive
New Orleans, LA 70112
When?
During the NCAA Football season.
Significance:
Fans converge on the Superdome. Friends and old classmates reunite. Football players workout. Band members warm up their instruments. Nearly 200,000 fans descend upon New Orleans, and over 76,000 pack the Louisiana Superdome every year for the famed Bayou Classic that pits the Grambling State University Tigers against the Southern University Jaguars.
New Orleans’s Tulane Stadium hosted the inaugural Bayou Classic. In 1974, Grambling and Southern faced off for the first time, and 76,753 fans were on hand to witness history and the start of a storied rivalry as Grambling stopped Southern by a score of 21-0. That domination continued for many years until Southern embarked on an eight-game winning streak that ended in 2001, the longest in the history of the Bayou Classic.
This is not just a football game. It is a highly anticipated event for both schools to showcase their best and not just on the football field. The McDonald’s Battle of the Bands and Greek Show has become as big a part of this extravaganza as the game itself in opening and closing the event and providing the most incredible half-time entertainment. I
Who attends?
Students, alumni, and loyalists of the Grambling State University Tigers and the Southern University Jaguars. Not to mention fans of their band programs awaiting their battle as well.
How to get there?
I-10 to the Superdome Exit. For those coming from the West, do not take the Poydras Exit.
Tickets:
For secondary ticket access, consider:
GoTickets, Inc.
2345 Waukegan Road, Suite 140
Bannockburn, IL 60015-1552
Toll-Free: 1-800-775-1617
Fax: (919) 481-9101
E-mail: sales@gotickets.com
www.gotickets.comAccommodations:
New Orleans Marriott
555 Canal Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
Phone: (504) 581-1000
Fax: (504) 523-6755
Toll-Free: 1-888-364-1200
www.neworleansmarriott.comNote: Conveniently located a little over one mile from the stadium.
Hotel Le Cirque
Note: Touted as “New Orleans’s hottest and hippest new property.” Conveniently located in the Arts District and close to the Convention Center and the French Quarter.
Holiday Inn Express
221 Carondelet Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
Phone: (504) 962-0800
Fax: (504) 962-0701
Toll-Free: 1-877-863-4780
www.hiexpress.comNote: Located in the heart of New Orleans’s French Quarter, making it an exciting place to stay and walking distance from the Superdome.
Hilton New Orleans Riverside
2 Poydras Street
New Orleans, LA 70140
Phone: (504) 561-0500
Fax: (504) 568-1721
Toll-Free: 1-800-445-8667
www.hilton.comNote: Oversized guest rooms with French provincial styling featuring views of numerous courtyards.
Astor Crowne Plaza
739 Canal Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
Phone: (504) 962-0500
Fax: (504) 962-0501
Toll-Free: 1-800-972-2791
www.CrownePlaza.comNote: Promises elegance and comfort in a perfect location.
Monteleone Hotel
214 Royal Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
Phone: (504) 523-3341
Fax: (504) 528-1019
Toll-Free: 1-800-535-9595
www.hotelmonteleone.comNote: A hotel of history located on Royal Street.
Royal Sonesta
300 Bourbon Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
Phone: (504) 586-0300
Fax: (504) 586-0335
Toll-Free: 1-800-766-3782
www.sonesta.comNote: Spacious rooms with great service from an attentive staff.
On-Site Hospitality:
The competition in the McDonald’s Battle of the Bands and Greek Show is as intense as the game itself. Southern and Grambling compete on a musical performance level before the game, during halftime, and after the gridiron competition is over. Anticipation for the battle of the bands rivals the game itself.
Travel Packages:
If you are going to travel to this event, I would recommend using a reliable company to work with you on making the necessary arrangements. The suppliers listed in this book have solid references and are by far the most trusted in the business. Below are some of the organizations to try for this Top 100 Must See Sporting Event.
Premiere Corporate Events
14 Penn Plaza, Suite 925
New York, NY 10122
Phone: (212) 695-9480
Fax: (212) 564-8098
Toll-Free: 1-877-621-5243
E-mail: requests@tseworld.com
www.tseworld.comwww.pcevents.comPremiere Sports Travel
201 Shannon Oaks Circle, Suite 205
Cary, NC 27511
Phone: (919) 481-9511
Fax: (919) 481-1337
Toll-Free: 1-800-924-9993
E-mail: sales@sportstravel.com
www.sportstravel.comDining:
The Rib Room
Note: Located inside the French Quarter’s Omni Royal Orleans Hotel. Serving prime rib, fowl, and seafood prepared on giant French rotisseries and mesquite grills.
Commander’s Palace
Note: Reservations and proper dress will get you into this famed restaurant in the Garden District. Emeril Lagasse served as head chef from 1982 to 1990.
Allegro Bistro
1100 Poydras Street
New Orleans, LA 70163
Phone: (504) 582-2350
Note: Adjacent to the Superdome, offering contemporary, Cajun, and Creole dishes.
Johnny White’s Sports Bar
720 Bourbon Street
New Orleans, LA 70116
Phone: (504) 524-4909
Note: Always open with nearby street performers. What else would you expect from a bar in the French Quarter?
Acme Oyster House
Note: Serves raw oysters, jambalaya, and other entrées. The long wait is well worth it.
Mango Mango
Note: Did you know that there are twelve different daiquiris? Only available at the four Mango Mango locations on Bourbon Street.
Dragos
Hilton New Orleans Riverside
Note: Home of the first ever Charbroiled Oyster. Do not leave before trying one.
Mother’s Restaurant
Note: The world’s best baked ham, which is also one of many ingredients on their po’boy.
Pat O’Brien’s Bar
Note: A great local place to grab a drink or something to eat at any time, day or night. Be sure to taste their signature drink, the Hurricane.
Airports:
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
900 Airline Drive
Kenner, LA 70064
Phone: (504) 464-0831
www.flymsy.comNew Orleans Lakefront Airport
Sports Travel Insider’s Edge:
Best way to watch the action:
The Superdome is immense and was able to house thousands of families displaced during Hurricane Katrina. The second-level sideline seats give you the best view of the game, particularly the first several rows, or what is known as the 200 level.
Best place to get up close:
Bands at any game will get you in the mood prior to the game, entertain you at halftime, and conclude the exciting event. Fans and loyalists know that the football field is not the only place where Southern and Grambling battle. The band room is also on the front line of this school war. While the game is the proverbial “main event,” the McDonald’s Battle of the Bands and Greek Show has become a vital part of the Bayou Classic. Friday nights before the game feature the legendary battle. Do not miss it.
Best travel tip:
The Bayou Classic is so much more than the game. A fan festival, coaches’ luncheon, golf tournament, job fair, and college fair will keep you plenty busy. Plan ahead if you want to attend multiple events. Also, keep in mind that as with any gathering in New Orleans, be prepared to party or witness a great deal of partying. Sleep is a rare commodity at best.
Notable Quote:
“It’s a rare chance to see prosperous black people from all over the country come together for no reason other than to have a good time. That makes the Classic beautiful.”—BOMANI JONES, an alumnus of Clark Atlanta University
Relevant Websites: