Photo courtesy of Bayou Classic

For what will be the 40th match-up, Grambling State and Southern University will come together in the Superdome to play in the nationally televised Bayou Classic. The game, pitting the two historically black schools, is a major tourist draw for the city of New Orleans, with a week's worth of activities filling the Thanksgiving week slate. Luckily, a handful of area hotels have decided to promote special packages to help fans save loot for game day activities. 

Rates will start at $69 for Thanksgiving night, and average about $105/night for that weekend. Hotels offering said deals include the New Orleans Marriott, Hyatt Regency and Hilton New Orleans Riverside among others. Some of these hotels are offering complimentary parking as well, which is big savings considering the usual downtown lot rates. 

Tailgating for the game takes over a good portion of the Superdome's perimeter, and can be just as fun as Saints pre-game partying. Besides the football game, the schools also put on a "Battle of the Bands" with their marching bands. This is a big draw with pure talent and showmanship on display. 

The Bayou Classic is an excellent excuse to visit New Orleans for Thanksgiving. With the hotel deals currently being offered, the trip should be an easy sell to anyone who was previously on the fence. Check out www.mybayouclassic.com for more information.