With a lot on the line, Bayou Classic could set attendance record

NEW ORLEANS -- All signs point to record attendance at the 43rd annual Bayou Classic football game this year, a match-up that will determine who gets a shot at a conference championship.

And organizers say they have several new features planned to help fans of Southern University and Grambling State University enjoy the event.

"What we are doing is blending the best of the best," said Dottie Belletto of New Orleans Convention Co. Inc., the company that runs the Bayou Classic.

One of the additions is a mobile app that will give fans game updates and an event schedule and let them vote for the game's most valuable player.

That app also will let users choose the winner of Friday's fraternity and sorority step show, one in a series of events leading up to the game at 4 p.m. Saturday at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

Launched in New Orleans in 1974 after a 1973 test run in Shreveport, the annual showdown between the two historically black Louisiana universities brings thousands of visitors to the city over Thanksgiving weekend.

Although the nationally televised game is the highlight of the five-day affair, other big events will include a Thanksgiving day parade, a Friday Battle of the Bands and Greek Show and a Sunday gospel brunch.



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