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Navigating the Bayou Classic In New Orleans

On Saturday, November 29th at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Grambling State University and Southern University will battle for the 41st Annual Bayou Classic. The countdown is on as both Grambling and Southern each have 20 wins in this game, so this game will mark the team who breaks the tie! Tickets to the game are available here.

Important Information about Attending Bayou Classic

The Bayou Classic is not just a football game, it is a tradition. In addition to the main football event, this brings a great rivalry between the two colleges, their students, fans and alumni, to New Orleans every Thanksgiving weekend. There are actually an entire week of events leading up to the big game.

On Tuesday, November 25th, there will be a kick-off press conference at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. This is followed by the “Business of the Future” seminar held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on Wednesday from 8:00a-Noon. It is a United States Black Chambers & NORBCC Solutions Series which is Co-Sponsored by the Bayou Classic.

The fun begins on Thursday, Thanksgiving Day, for the Bayou Classic Smoke-Free Thanksgiving Day Parade, which will begin at the Dome and end at the French Market in the French Quarter. On Friday, November 28th, the Bayou Classic Golf Tournament will be held at the Joe Bartholomew Golf Course at Pontchartrain Park. You can still register for this year’s Bayou Classic Golf Tournament here.

Friday is also a big day for learning, meet and greets, business networking and job fairs. The University Business Summit will be held at the Hyatt, followed by the Black Enterprise Elevator Pitch Program, an opportunity for budding entrepreneurs to pitch their business idea and win a trip to the 2015 Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference. The Bayou Classic Business Challenge 2014 Presented by Capital One is held in the afternoon and a Career & College Fair will be held all day from 10a-3p at the Hyatt.

Friday night is when the real fun begins at the Dome. The Battle of the Bands & Greek Show will be held in the Dome on Friday at 6:00p and you can still purchase tickets here. But, don’t stay out too late as the next morning you’ll have to wake up for the Fan Fest in Champions Square beginning at 9:00a. This will get you pumped up and ready for the game, which will officially kick off in the Dome at 1:30p on Saturday, November 29th.

You’re also invited to attend the After-Party at Generations Hall/Metro as well as Sunday morning’s Gospel Brunch at the House of Blues.

What to Expect at the Bayou Classic and How to Stay Safe

If you plan to stay in New Orleans the night of, or the weekend of, the Bayou Classic, you have a number of different hotel options. There are even special rates for the Bayou Classic. From the hotels, you can typically walk to the Dome, or take a Pedi-Cab or taxi. Parking is also available around the Dome. Go here for more information about directions and parking.

As a suggestion, if you plan to drive to the Dome, make sure you do not drink alcohol before, during, or after the game if you plan to drive back home. The New Orleans Police Department will be out and about and you do not want to be pulled over for Driving Under the Influence.

The Mercedes-Benz Superdome has a number of rules, as well. For a list or prohibited items, visit this page. Some important ones to remember, include noisemakers, outside food and drink, contraband, glass, fireworks, or weapons of any kind.

How to Behave at the Bayou Classic

Although the rivalry is thick, please remember to have respect for others in and around the Dome. Listen to the staff, security and law enforcement. Keep your hands to yourself. Follow signs. Don’t bring any prohibited items to the Dome. Don’t drink to excess. Leave public property alone.

Call (504) 264-9492 if You Have Trouble with Law Enforcement

The Bayou Classic is a tradition meant to offer Southern & Grambling fans, alumni and students a good time. Sometimes, a good time can get out of hand. If you are arrested during the Bayou Classic festivities for public drunkenness, lewdness, possession of a weapon, assault, or any other criminal behavior, please call an experienced criminal defense lawyer from New Orleans. Crescent City Law is highly skilled at working with those who may get in trouble with the law during a New Orleans event or festival. Don’t let one mistake ruin your life, call Crescent City Law at (504) 264-9492 or e-mail them here.

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