Bayou Classic fans keep traditions alive amid heightened security

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - The Bayou Classic is all about tradition.

For Raheem Pierce, that tradition includes parking his RV under the Pontchartrain Expressway each Thanksgiving for the annual showdown between Southern University and Grambling State University. He’s been setting up in the same parking spot under the bridge for the past five years.

“I claim it. I think I need to get paperwork for it,” Raheem Pierce said.

Pierce is a die-hard Southern fan. Erin Williams is too. This is her first year experiencing the Bayou Classic in New Orleans. Williams is visiting from Detroit.

“I feel like we’re going to get the W,” said Williams.

Before Saturday’s game, Williams and her family lined up for beignets at Café du Monde. When it comes to hospitality, she says few places compare to New Orleans.

“So, for me it’s like coming back home. I’ve been coming here for years, so it’s like my second home, just warm and welcoming,” said Erin Williams.

“Thanksgiving time, it’s time to get to the Bayou Classic,” Jay Curtis said.

Jay Curtis is a Grambling fan from Michigan. For nearly two decades, he’s traveled to New Orleans for the Bayou Classic, which is more than just a long-standing football rivalry — it’s also a battle between Southern’s and Grambling’s iconic marching bands.

“I love it for both. I love the battle of the bands,” said Jay Curtis.

“My favorite is walking out on the Superdome on Saturday after we beat Grambling,” Raheem Pierce said proudly.

“We’re the Human Jukebox. Southern University is the Human Jukebox, the best band in the land. That’s like the highlight of me coming down here is to listen to our band,” said Erin Williams.

Since the terror attack on Bourbon Street earlier this year, security in the French Quarter and at major events has become a top priority. The Louisiana National Guard will be part of the security presence for the Bayou Classic, helping many locals and visitors feel safer.

“We’ve never had problems here at all, but this year I feel a little bit safer. I can sleep a little better,” said Raheem Pierce.

Chad Johnson, who works door security at a bar on Bourbon Street, believes the presence of Guard troops will help keep trouble in check.

“That’s what brings chaos, if you’re mean to people and obnoxious to people and that’s what brings pain and agony, you know what I mean? So just be nice to people, but with them being here, we’ll be safe,” said Chad Johnson.

Ahead of the Bayou Classic and Thanksgiving, the French Quarter looks like the picture-perfect place to spend the holiday. The extra manpower on the streets is meant to keep it that way.

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