Thanksgiving week means a lot to the Southeastern Louisiana. Not only do we get to celebrate our gratitude for our family and friends, but, as there is with everything else here in New Orleans, annual events to always look forward to. Whether it’s Opening Day at the Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots on Thanksgiving afternoon, or it’s Celebration in the Oaks kickoff, the holidays are upon us. Then, there’s the Bayou Classic. The Bayou Classic is not just any old football game. It is a rivalry among rivalries and it is one to watch. It is a battle on and off the field, and it isn’t all about football.
Tradition at the Bayou Classic
When we’re talking about a football game rivalry, we’re talking about tradition. The nationally televised game attracts four to five million viewers each week, in addition to the tens of thousands who descend upon New Orleans in and around the Mercedes Benz Superdome. Hailing from Grambling, La and Baton Rouge, La, respectively, Grambling State and Southern are historically black colleges known well for their athletics and academics. In addition to the football game on the field, you can expect a whole week of events next week!
Today (Tuesday), there is a Kick-Off Press Conference at the Superdome. This is like a little Pep Rally to get everyone fired up for the week’s festivities.
On Thanksgiving itself, the annual Bayou Classic Thanksgiving Day Parade will take place from the Dome to the French Market starting at 3:30p.m.
As a reminder to how important academics and education is, the annual College & Career Fair will take place at the Hyatt Regency Hotel from 10-2p on Friday, November 27th. Also on Friday are a number of Invitation Only receptions for Coaches and Boosters.
One of the highlights of the weekend includes the Battle of the Bands & Greek Show on Friday night at the Dome from 6-10p. If you haven’t heard either Grambling State or Southern’s bands play…well, I don’t know where you live. But, You have to! They are top tier, if not the best, in the country.
Saturday is the big day, the big game, and it has to start off with a Fan Fest at Champions Square from 11:30a-3:30p leading up to the Classic. Expect vendors with food, drink, cheers, and a lot of fun prior to the game. Kickoff will be about 4:00p on Saturday at the Superdome – not the traditional 1:30p. This will give you more time to celebrate prior to the game.
If you plan to tailgate, make sure you are of age to drink. NOPD does issue citations for underage drinking. Tickets for the game are available here.
To end the weekend, there is always the Gospel Brunch at the House of Blues at 10:00a.
Traveling to the Superdome for the Bayou Classic
If you’re coming in from out of town, and staying at one of the nearby hotels or motels, then you should plan to walk to the Dome and most of the activities. Here are some special rate hotels available. We now have Uber in New Orleans, so consider downloading the app to save you some walking time. The last thing you want to do is be drinking and driving. If you do plan to drive, here is some information about parking. In order to stay safe before, during and after the game, take a look at this list of things you can or cannot bring into the Superdome. For instance, leave your big bags, noisemakers, outside food and drink, contraband, weapons, glass, fireworks or selfie sticks at home.
Behaving at the Superdome
You are encouraged to have fun, and play along with the rivalry. But, most importantly, you should show respect to your fellow fans, the opposing fans, law enforcement and security. Drinking to excess can cause problems, so try to keep it to a minimum. Obey the signs, security and keep the prohibited items at home for a smoother, and more enjoyable day.
If You Get Arrested at Bayou Classic, Call (504) 264-9492
There are many students, fans and alumni that look forward to this weekend every year. Coming to New Orleans is always a good time, especially under a rivalry and tradition such as the Bayou Classic. Although sometimes the fun can get over the top. If you find yourself or someone you know arrested in New Orleans for underage drinking, drug crimes, weapon crimes, assault, or disturbing the peace, make sure to call an experienced New Orleans lawyer who has worked with many cases such as these. Many times these are mistakes. You don’t it to chance the course of the rest of your life. Crescent City Law can help you fight to ensure your arrests or citations don’t have a great impact for the future. Give us a call at (504) 264-9492 or e-mail, Tweet or send us a message on Facebook. We’re available nights and weekends, so we’re ready to hear from you.
Call (504) 264-9492 For Your Free Initial Consultation
Crescent City Law is here to help you if you think you have a case against your traffic tickets or parking ticket. Again, it is not likely we can get a reduced or dismissed parking ticket but you can give us a call at (504) 264-9492 to see if there is a case or you can e-mail us. We are available nights, weekends and off-site and have translators available in Spanish, French, Cantonese and Mandarin Chinese.
