[StBernard] THE STATE FARM BAYOU CLASSIC: Coming Home to the Dome!

[Westley Annis]

THE STATE FARM BAYOU CLASSIC®: Coming Home to the Dome!
Governor Blanco Announces Historic Game between Southern University and Grambling State University Returns to the Louisiana Superdome


NEW ORLEANS - Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco, Lieutenant Governor Mitch Landrieu, New Orleans Mayor C. Ray Nagin and representatives of State Farm Insurance, Southern University and Grambling State University announced today that the legendary State Farm Bayou Classic® will return home to the Louisiana Superdome on Saturday, November 25, 2006 at 1:00 p.m. 

"The storms were strong. But they can't stop Louisiana---and they can't stop the State Farm Bayou Classic," Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco said. "The return of the world's greatest cat fight between Grambling State and Southern universities signifies an important step along our state's historic journey as we continue or work to help Louisiana families come home and rebuild."

Dubbed the "Granddaddy" of African American collegiate sporting events, the State Farm Bayou Classic® was relocated in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina. With less than three months of planning, this historic event moved forward and was temporarily relocated to Houston's Reliant Stadium. Southern University and Grambling State University began community initiatives to help New Orleans rebuild and this event will continue that effort. 

"Southern University is happy to be coming back to Louisiana and to the Superdome," said Dr. Ralph Slaughter, President of the Southern University System. "Houston was extremely good to us, but the Bayou Classic is ready to continue its longstanding tradition in Louisiana." 

Dr. Horace Judson, President of Grambling State University said, "It was only natural that these two Louisiana state schools would want to come home." He added, "We are pleased to move forward and help in the rebuilding process." 
The State Farm Bayou Classic® has become one of the most anticipated collegiate football events in the nation. The event showcases the high standards of achievement embedded in the traditions of the two institutions. 

More than just a football game, the State Farm Bayou Classic is a unique weekend-long event that includes the fan-favorite McDonald's Battle of the Bands and Greek Step Show, an interactive fan festival, a college fair and a job fair. 

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The Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation
Louisiana's Fund for Louisiana's People
www.louisianahelp.org