Southern and Grambling to Face Off at the 47th Annual Bayou Classic in Shreveport, Louisiana This Saturday
|
Posted By: Kennedy Williams on April 15, 2021 After being postponed last year due to COVID restrictions, the Battle of the Bayou is finally here! Southern University and Grambling University will finally face off on the football field this weekend to show who really runs the bayou but in a different venue. The annual game usually takes place in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans every year, but due to renovations that began in January, this rescheduled annual matchup between the Grambling Tigers and the Southern Jaguars had to be temporarily moved to another location. This is a one-time, temporary move of location, similar to 2005 following Hurricane Katrina when the Bayou Classic was played in Houston, Texas. The 48th Annual Bayou Classic is scheduled to be held in New Orleans in November 2021 as traditionally done each year. “The Bayou Classic is a long-standing tradition that we are excited to have come to Shreveport. We are proud to be a part of ensuring the continuity of this game that spans decades,” said Mayor Perkins. “Southern and Grambling both have a rich history that is woven through families across this state. Alumni and fans in North Louisiana will be thrilled to see the Jaguars and Tigers battle in Independence Stadium.” Independence Stadium is owned by the City of Shreveport and is the home of the Independence Bowl, a post-season National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)-sanctioned Division I college football bowl game. “Along with the leadership at both universities, we are excited to bring the Bayou Classic to Shreveport in April,” said Dottie Belletto, President and CEO of NOCCI (New Orleans Convention Company, Inc.), the event management firm for the 47th Annual Bayou Classic. “Each year the Bayou Classic fans ‘Experience the Power’ of this event and these two remarkable HBCUs, and we are thrilled that we can still bring that to the fans.” “We always look forward to playing Southern in the Bayou Classic each year,” said Grambling State University President Richard Gallot. “While we won’t be able to do so at the Superdome, we are thankful to Mayor Perkins, the Shreveport Sports Commission, Caddo Parish Commission and other local sponsors for extending the opportunity to continue this tradition in their city.” “As we strive together to stay safe and healthy during this time of uncertainty, we are looking forward to enjoying the return of our sports programs next Spring and to welcoming back our loyal fans to support our teams and student athletes. We are especially excited to reschedule our longstanding Bayou Classic football game. A huge thank you to Mayor Perkins, the City of Shreveport, and the Shreveport-Bossier Sport Commission, who are working in collaboration with our Bayou Classic partners to temporarily host the largest black college football game showcasing HBCU talent and achievement. We look forward to a successful game and an exciting interim venue in north Louisiana,” said SU System President Ray L. Belton. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
 |
Kennedy Williams
From Loganville, GA Spelman College class of 2020 Member Since July 2016 |
Comments
More From This Author
Latest HBCU Sports
Popular HBCU Sports
