Coming this Thanksgiving Weekend!!!
Mark your calendars, folks – the Bayou Classic is back, and it’s going to be bigger, louder, and more fun than ever! From November 28-30, 2024, New Orleans will once again become ground zero for the biggest rivalry in college football, as Grambling State University and Southern University go head-to-head in the 51st Annual Bayou Classic. If you’re thinking about doing something different this Thanksgiving weekend, let me stop you right there: YOU NEED TO BE HERE.
As the marketing director of the New Orleans Guest House, I’m not here to sugarcoat things – I’m here to tell it like it is. Our little slice of Southern hospitality is the perfect place to crash after all the madness. We’re located just across the street from the French Quarter (we’re talking steps away from the heart of New Orleans!) and only a short hop to the iconic streetcar that’ll take you straight to all the action. You’ll have easy access to everything the city has to offer, including food, drinks, and… let’s face it, everything else that makes New Orleans the ultimate party city.
The Rivalry: Battle of the Bayou
Okay, let’s talk about why you’re really here – the Bayou Classic. This isn’t just any football game; it’s a full-on, multi-day spectacle that ignites the fierce rivalry between Grambling State University and Southern University. For over five decades, this clash has brought together the best in HBCU culture, with epic football, music, and a whole lot of soul.
The main event? The Bayou Classic football game on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. at the Caesars Superdome. Trust me, you don’t want to miss it. Southern fans are loud, proud, and ready to party, and Grambling fans? Well, they’re just as fierce – you’ll feel the heat in the stands, and I’m not just talking about the weather.
But wait, there’s more! In true New Orleans fashion, the Bayou Classic is a whole weekend of chaos. This isn’t just about football; it’s about the full experience. Here’s what else you’ve got to look forward to:
Battle of the Bands and Greek Show
On Friday, November 29, 2024, get ready for an electric night of music and culture at the Battle of the Bands and Greek Show. This event is a celebration of marching bands from both schools, competing for pride, glory, and the best halftime performance. Think Saturday Night Live, but with more brass, beats, and some serious dance moves. You’ll witness the best in HBCU band culture, plus dazzling Greek stepping performances that’ll have you on your feet and cheering for more. It all goes down at the Caesars Superdome starting at 7 p.m. Be there or be square.
Fan Festival and Parade
Now, you didn’t think we’d let you have all that fun and not give you something to hold onto, did you? Saturday, November 30 is also home to the Fan Festival and the legendary Bayou Classic Parade. The festival takes place at the Champions Square At The Caesars Superdome and features a mash-up of music, food, and plenty of vendors selling everything from Bayou Classic swag to local art. If you’re into cool street art, music performances, or just want to kick back and enjoy some good vibes, this is the place to be.
And let’s talk about the Bayou Classic Parade on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 2024. The parade kicks off at 3:00 PM at The Caesars Superdome and heads through downtown New Orleans in true Mardi Gras fashion. Expect to see colorful floats, brass bands, and enough beads to fill a swimming pool (you know the drill). It’s a celebration of New Orleans culture, HBCU pride, and everything that makes this city so damn fun.
Weather, Music, and What Happens in the French Quarter…
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the weather. November in New Orleans? Chef’s kiss. Mild, sunny, and absolutely perfect for walking around the city without sweating through your clothes. The Bayou Classic weekend gives you the perfect excuse to sip on a Hurricane (or three) while listening to some live jazz in the streets. And, trust me, after all the football, music, and dancing, you’ll definitely want to hit up the French Quarter.
What happens in the Quarter stays in the Quarter, folks. So get ready to enjoy great music, unforgettable food (gumbo, po’boys, beignets, I could go on…), and enough adult beverages to keep the party rolling well into the night. Whether you’re dancing in the streets or just soaking up the atmosphere, New Orleans will make you feel alive.
Final Thoughts
So here’s the deal: the Bayou Classic is a New Orleans tradition you don’t want to miss. Whether you’re here for the football, the music, or just the excuse to let loose in the greatest city on earth, there’s something for everyone. And while you’re at it, why not stay with us at the New Orleans Guest House? We’ve got clean, affordable accommodations and a staff that works harder than you’ll be partying (that’s a promise!). Come for the game, stay for the food, the drinks, and everything else New Orleans has to offer. See you at the Bayou Classic!
For additional information on accommodations call us directly at 504.566.1177 OR 1.800.562.1177. You can also visit us online at neworleansguest.house.