Get ready to show up and show out because the 43rd-annual Bayou Classic is coming to the Superdome this weekend.
Every year since 1974, Southern University and Grambling State University compete against one another via NPHC sororities and fraternities step competitions, a battle of the bands and a football game between the two rivals.
They compete to commemorate historically black colleges and universities, academic achievement, tradition, sportsmanship, marching bands, and friendly competition, according to the Bayou Classic website.
Students and faculty from all over the nation travel to New Orleans every year to not only witness the competition, but to attend the countless other events throughout the week, such as the Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Career and College Expo.
There are a variety of after parties to turn up after a long day of cheering for your favorite HBCU.
Southern University is hoping to regain the football championship this year after a 34-23 defeat against Grambling last year.
“I can’t wait for it. I just love the New Orleans atmosphere. It’s one of my favorite cities, “Southern University Human Jukebox” bass drummer Joshua Calhoun said.
Calhoun’s favorite events include the football game and, of course, the battle of the bands.
LSU veterinary medicine student and New Orleans native Brandon Day said he’s excited to attend the classic because it helps the economy and because the teams are actually competing for something bigger than just bragging rights this year.
“Both teams went undefeated this year, so whoever wins goes to the SWAC. It hasn’t been like that in years,” Day said.
The SWAC is the Southwestern Athletic Conference, which is made up of historically black colleges and universities in the southern U.S.
To get more information on the Bayou Classic and its the events, visit bayouclassic.com