Not long after reporting Southern University Athletic Director Roman Banks’ announcement that the Bayou Classic would not be played in New Orleans this year, and possibly not in 2021, Bayou Classic officials were quick to rebuff the announcement.
The New Orleans Convention Company, Inc. (NOCCI), the company responsible for promoting the Bayou Classic, tweeted that no official decision had been reached regarding the event’s location.
Hey Bayou Classic Family! No official decisions have been reached as it relates to any details regarding Bayou Classic 2020, 2021. We appreciate your patience & hope to have more info in the coming weeks. @NOLAnews https://t.co/I1Uo2rACOg
— 47th Annual Bayou Classic (@BayouClassic74) June 13, 2020
“Hey Bayou Classic Family! No official decisions have been reached as it relates to any details regarding Bayou Classic 2020, 2021,” the tweet stated. “We appreciate your patience & hope to have more info in the coming weeks.”
Grambling State University President Rick Gallot, who retweeted the announcement posted by NOCCI, told HBCU Sports that it would be “premature” to announce at this time where the game will be played. He said information gathered from the SWAC office, the NCAA, and CDC would be determining factors in how the schools will proceed with the event.
On Friday, during a Southern University board meeting, Banks announced that the Bayou Classic would not be played at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans due to COVID-19.
“There will be a Bayou Classic game, and we’re looking at possibly three places right now of having that game.” Banks said.
Banks said the locations being considered were Mumford Stadium on the Southern campus in Baton Rouge, Independence Stadium in Shreveport, and Tiger Stadium on LSU’s campus.
