🥁 Event Overview
Official Name: Bayou Classic Battle of the Bands & Greek Show
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Venue: Caesars Superdome
Date: Friday, November 28, 2025
The Bayou Classic Battle of the Bands & Greek Show is more than just a pre-game event—it’s an electrifying celebration of Black culture, musical mastery, and Greek unity. Held annually in New Orleans on the Friday before the Bayou Classic football game, this show-stopping event brings together the iconic marching bands and Divine Nine fraternities and sororities of Grambling State University and Southern University.
Blending competition, pageantry, and community pride, this event has become one of the most anticipated showcases in the HBCU calendar, drawing thousands of alumni, students, fans, and families to experience the rhythm, rivalry, and richness of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
🕰️ History and Background
Founded: 1991 (as part of the official Bayou Classic programming)
Organized By: The Bayou Classic Committee in partnership with Southern and Grambling State University
While the Bayou Classic football game dates back to 1974, the Battle of the Bands & Greek Show was introduced to capture and elevate the essence of HBCU performance culture. It was a space created to let the marching bands and Greek organizations take center stage in a friendly but fiercely passionate display of talent and tradition.
Key Milestones:
- 1999: Televised for the first time, drawing national attention
- 2005: Temporarily relocated due to Hurricane Katrina, showcasing resilience and unity
- 2013–2019: Continued growth in attendance and livestream audiences
- 2021–2024: Featured digital experiences and livestreams reaching over 250,000 viewers
Today, it’s widely recognized as the premier HBCU band and Greek showcase in the nation.
🎺 Why You Should Attend
Because this is where music meets culture, and tradition meets hype.
The Bayou Classic Battle of the Bands & Greek Show is not just a show—it’s an experience rooted in community, competition, and cultural pride. Whether you’re a proud alum, a first-time visitor, or a curious traveler, you’ll feel the electricity in the air as brass lines clash, step teams stomp, and the crowd roars in unified joy.
What Makes It Special:
- Two elite HBCU marching bands in a head-to-head, no-holds-barred performance
- Divine Nine Greek organizations stepping with synchronized precision and creativity
- DJ sets, live MCs, and crowd participation that keep the energy high
- A welcoming community that celebrates Black excellence, artistry, and legacy
🔥 What to Expect in 2025
Featured Performers:
- The World Famed Tiger Marching Band – Grambling State University
- The Human Jukebox Marching Band – Southern University
- Divine Nine Steppers – Including teams from Alpha Phi Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Zeta Phi Beta, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, and more
Schedule Highlights (Nov. 28, 2025):
- 6:00 PM: Doors open at Caesars Superdome
- 7:00 PM – 8:15 PM: Greek Show – Step competitions with show-stopping routines
- 8:30 PM – 10:00 PM: Battle of the Bands – GSU vs. SU in a musical face-off
- 10:00 PM – Midnight: On-site After Glow Party with DJ + special guests (TBA)
🎤 Host & MC: Nationally recognized comedians and influencers (to be announced)
🎧 Live DJ: Spinning old school, bounce, trap, and Southern soul throughout the night
🎟️ Ticket Types & Pricing
- General Admission: $25–$35
- Reserved Seating: $45–$65 (lower-level guaranteed seat)
- VIP Experience: $150 – Includes sideline access, premium seating, and swag bag
- Group Rates: Discounts available for alumni associations and school groups
🎟 Get tickets at www.mybayouclassic.com/tickets
✈️ Travel & Logistics
Closest Airport:
- Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) – ~20 minutes from downtown
Getting Around:
- Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): Widely available
- Streetcar Lines: Operate throughout Canal St. and St. Charles Ave.
- Parking: Available at Caesars Superdome for a fee (book early)
- Walkable Areas: Downtown, French Quarter, and Superdome all within short distance
🏨 Where to Stay
Recommended Hotels:
- Marriott New Orleans (Canal Street): Official Bayou Classic partner hotel
- The Roosevelt Hotel: Historic and elegant stay
- Ace Hotel New Orleans: Boutique and artsy
- Drury Plaza Hotel: Affordable, comfortable, close to Superdome
Many hotels offer Bayou Classic weekend packages, often including event shuttles.
🍽️ Where to Eat
Top Black-Owned & Local Restaurants:
- Dooky Chase’s Restaurant: Iconic Creole cuisine and cultural legacy
- Willie Mae’s Scotch House: Famous for the best fried chicken in America
- Barrow’s Catfish: Soul food staple
- Morrow’s: Hip Black-owned spot for brunch and seafood
- Loretta’s Pralines: A must for dessert lovers
Food vendors and concessions are also located inside the Superdome, featuring Southern favorites and Cajun snacks.
🧠 Tips for First-Timers
- Dress Code: Comfortable, casual, school colors encouraged (SU blue & gold, GSU black & gold)
- Bring Cash: Some street vendors and parking areas may be cash-only
- Arrive Early: Best seats go quickly, and traffic builds closer to showtime
- Stay Charged: Portable chargers are a must if you’re filming performances
- Be Respectful: Friendly rivalry is encouraged, but safety and community are the priority
📲 How to Stay Connected
- Official Website: www.mybayouclassic.com
- Instagram: @BayouClassic74
- Twitter/X: @BayouClassic74
- Facebook: /BayouClassicOfficial
- TikTok: @BayouClassicOfficial
- YouTube: Bayou Classic TV
- Hashtags: #BayouClassic2025 #BattleOfTheBands #GreekShowNOLA
📝 Final Notes
Performer & Vendor Info:
- Greek Team Registration: Due by October 10, 2025
- Vendor Applications: Open through September 20, 2025
- Press Credential Requests: Deadline October 15, 2025
Health & Safety:
The event adheres to Superdome and City of New Orleans safety protocols. Bag checks, security screenings, and on-site medics will be present.
📅 Mark Your Calendar
The Bayou Classic Battle of the Bands & Greek Show 2025 is not just a warm-up to a football rivalry—it’s a full-on cultural event, music showcase, and HBCU homecoming celebration all rolled into one.
🎟 Don’t miss your chance to witness history, heritage, and hype live in New Orleans.
📍 Friday, November 28, 2025 | Caesars Superdome, New Orleans
🔗 Tickets & Info: www.mybayouclassic.com
📣 Wear your colors, bring your voice, and get ready for a battle like no other.
