2012 State Farm Bayou Classic

Thanksgiving Weekend in New Orleans extends beyond navigating the crowds at the mall on Black Friday and indulging in leftovers. In Louisiana, marching bands and pigskin take the spotlight. The Jaguars of Southern University at Baton Rouge and the Tigers of Grambling State University will meet at the 50 yard line on Saturday, November 24, 2012 for the 39th annual Bayou Classic.

Housed by the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, this year's classic will revisit an age old rivalry whose origins extend beyond the classic's official inception in 1974. Bayou Classic Weekend will begin with the Bayou Classic Thanksgiving Day parade presented by State Farm from 3:30-6 p.m. The parade will leave from the Dome and end at the French Market.

Fans are invited to attend The Bayou Classic Golf Tournament presented by Cox Louisiana on Friday, November 23. The tournament will be at Joe Bartholomew Golf Course, beginning at 9 a.m. From 10 a.m.-4 p.m., the Hyatt Regency Hotel will house the HBCU Institute: Empowerment Exchange Career & College Fair for local students from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

On Friday evening, crowds will choose either black or blue with their gold and watch as the Southern "Human Jukebox" and the Grambling Marching Tigers face off in the Battle of the Bands and Greek Step Show. The melodic competition takes place annually the evening before the big game. This year's competition will take place at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome at 7 p.m.

Before the big game, families are encouraged to check out the Fan Fest at Champions Square from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Friday, November 23 and Saturday, November 24. Close the weekend out with the Bayou Classic's final event, a gospel brunch at the House of Blues New Orleans on Sunday, November 25 at 10 a.m.

Grambling has won the last four games in a row and six of the last eight. Will Southern University settle the score this year? Come to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Saturday, November 24 and find out which team will triumph. Tickets to the Bayou Classic can be purchased at the Dome on game day or online. Kickoff is at 1:30 p.m. For more information on the Bayou Classic and a full schedule of events, visit mybayouclassic.com