SHREVEPORT, LA – The decision of the SWAC Council of Presidents and Chancellors to postpone fall sports contests also postponed the 47th Annual Bayou Classic until Spring and not as it is annually played in New Orleans each November.

Today, the Bayou Classic organizers joined with school leadership from both Grambling State University and Southern University and A&M College, Mayor Adrian D. Perkins of Shreveport and Shreveport-Bossier's Sports Commission to announce that the 47th Annual Bayou Classic would be temporarily moved to Shreveport, La.

The 47th Annual Bayou Classic will be played on Saturday, April 17, 2021, at Independence Stadium in Shreveport. More details regarding the Bayou Classic will be released at a future date. This will be the second time these two historic programs will meet in Shreveport. Grambling defeated Southern 19-14 on November 17, 1973. The Jaguars and Tigers will meet on the gridiron for the 72nd time, SU leads the overall series 38-33 and since the Bayou Classic started in 1974 they are both tied 23-23.

“Thank you to the city of Shreveport for keeping this game in Louisiana,” SU Head Football Coach Dawson Odums said at a news conference Monday in Shreveport. “Months ago, we didn’t know what the game is going to be like. “It’s exciting to be here. Our players will be excited no matter where you play the Bayou Classic. They love playing in Louisiana because a majority of both teams are from Louisiana. This is the pride of Southern and Grambling. There’s no greater event in HBCU (football) than the Bayou Classic.”

The Bayou Classic is the annual legendary football game between Grambling State University and Southern University. The Bayou Classic has proven to be a steadfast beacon of legacy and tradition that extends beyond the HBCU community. Fans from across the nation journey to witness the electrifying football game between Grambling and Southern, while eagerly awaiting the highly anticipated halftime show featuring two of the greatest marching bands in the nation.

Due to the substantial scope of the Phase 2 renovation work to begin in January 2021 at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, the annual home of the Bayou Classic, 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 the 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 1 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 HBCU's, and we are thrilled that we can still bring that to the fans."

“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 exited to reschedule our longstanding Bayou Classic football game. A huge thank you to Mayor Perkins, the city of Shreveport and the Shreveport-Bossier Sports 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-Chancellor Dr. Ray L. Belton.

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