Historic Rivalry Between Grambling State and Southern University Extended for 2023 Season

Grambling, LA - The iconic Grambling State University and Southern University football rivalry, known as the Bayou Classic, will continue for at least one more year. The two schools have announced a one-year extension to keep the annual game going in 2023.

The Bayou Classic is the oldest and most storied rivalry between Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The two Louisiana-based universities have faced off on the gridiron every year since 1974, creating a rich tradition of fierce competition and cultural celebration.

However, the future of the series had been uncertain, with the schools unable to reach a long-term agreement. The one-year extension announced this week provides a temporary solution, allowing the 49th edition of the Bayou Classic to take place on November 25, 2023.

Grambling State University, founded in 1901, is one of the oldest and most prestigious HBCUs in the country. Its football program has a rich history, producing numerous NFL players and Hall of Famers.

The Bayou Classic attracts tens of thousands of fans to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans each year, making it one of the most significant events on the HBCU sports calendar. The game is followed by a vibrant battle of the bands competition and a weekend-long celebration of Black culture and community.

"The Bayou Classic is more than just a football game - it's a symbol of the enduring strength and pride of HBCUs," said Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, President of Benedict College and Chair of the HBCU Alliance. "We're thrilled to see this historic rivalry continue for another year."

While a longer-term agreement is still being negotiated, the one-year extension ensures that the Bayou Classic will be played in 2023, keeping this cherished HBCU tradition alive for at least one more season. The HBCUConnect community eagerly awaits the next chapter in this storied rivalry.

Originally reported by Google News HBCU.