The Bayou Classic is still on this year despite the recent positive COVID tests of multiple Grambling State University football players. We reported earlier today that the Tigers team has gone on hiatus due to the tests. The team also recently has had to deal with the fact that a star player, Geremy Hickbottom, is looking to depart from the team through the transfer portal.

Regardless, those behind the Bayou Classic don’t want to let any of this get in the way of the big game in April. Get the full story from Tyler Johnson at BR News in Baton Rouge below to find out how the team is planning for the show to go on with Grambling State safely!

Credit: HBCU Gameday

The Bayou Classic is moving forward as planned despite Grambling State University canceling its next two football games due to COVID-19 concerns.

The Bayou Classic is set to kick off at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Apr. 17 at Independence Stadium in Shreveport.

On Wednesday the GSU Athletics Department canceled its’ games against Alabama A&M (March 27) and Texas Southern (April 3) after positive tests were identified through COVID-19 screenings.

“The safety of our student-athletes from both Southern and Grambling are always top priority, but no COVID concerns have changed the plans for the Bayou Classic to be played next month,” The Bayou Classic said in a statement on Thursday.

Leading up to the big game, Port City Fest events will include a three-day Party on the Red April 15 – 17 at Festival Plaza featuring food and all-day entertainment, a Mayor’s Golf Invitational Tournament that will benefit scholarships for students attending Grambling State University and Southern University and a Port City Fan Fest experience on the morning of the game.

The Bayou Classic game alone is expected to being in between $2.3 and 4 million.

Credit: Visit New Orleans