Bayou extension expected soon
Negotiations to keep the Bayou Classic in New Orleans could be finalized in two weeks, a Southern University official said Friday. Southern University Board of Supervisors member Ralph Slaughter expects negotiations to wrap up in the next two weeks."We're working with the (Greater New Orleans) Hotel-Motel Association to offer reasonable rates that are comparable to other events such as the Essence festival down there," he said.
Both universities have accused New Orleans - particularly the Greater New Orleans Hotel-Motel Association - in the past of hiking prices during the annual event, which draws up to 70,000 fans.
The board at its Friday meeting in Shreveport adopted a resolution that will request the state to support the Bayou Classic in a tangible, financial way as they do with other big games in the state - such as the Independence Bowl and Sugar Bowl.
Both Southern and Grambling State universities have engaged in discussions with officials from the Superdome, the hotel/motel association, New Orleans tourist bureau and city council of New Orleans - and more recently Governor Mike Foster - to lower rates in hotels, parking and other accommodations for the annual event.
The 10-year agreement between both universities and New Orleans expired last year.
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