NEW ORLEANS (press release) – The Bayou Classic announced that both Grambling University Foundation, Inc. and the Southern University System Foundation, Inc., have entered into a partnership with Rally Cry as part of the 51st Annual Bayou Classic. Rally Cry, a gaming technology company that builds inclusive gaming experiences for players of all ages and skill levels, will showcase its Rally Cry Championship Tour featuring a College Football 25 mobile gaming truck for students to compete in person for a piece of the prize pool and a custom championship trophy. This partnership marks a significant step in combining the rich traditions of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with the dynamic and rapidly growing world of esports.
The Rally Cry Championship Tour will be at the heart of the Bayou Classic celebrations in Champions Square during the event’s annual Fan Fest. The activation will feature a 90×60’ semi-truck equipped with a competition stage, control room, LED screen and a VIP area for partners. The tour kicked off at the Duke’s Mayo Classic at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Sept. 7 and will travel to 10 college campuses across the country and is part of a larger online tournament. Fans can register today at https://rallycry.gg/collegefootball/ ahead of the online league starting on Sept. 28.
A press release about the partnership stated this collaboration aims to enhance student engagement and development by offering unique opportunities to students from Grambling State University and Southern University. Rally Cry will produce two intramural esports tournaments at both universities, with the top students from each tournament earning a spot to compete live at the Bayou Classic. In addition, Rally Cry will offer scholarships to the top performers and provide hands-on internship opportunities for six students (three from each school) to gain valuable experience by shadowing the production team during the event.
“Partnering with the Bayou Classic allows us to merge the world of esports with the tradition and excitement of this historic HBCU rivalry,” said Adam Rosen, founder of Rally Cry. “We are committed to creating a platform that not only entertains but also drives positive student outcomes and opportunities.”
This partnership is a substantial value exchange, with Rally Cry contributing resources, including the esports semi-truck, staffing, equipment, and the promotion of the Bayou Classic throughout the Rally Cry Championship Tour. Rally Cry will also cover the costs associated with student scholarships and internships.
“We are excited to welcome Rally Cry to the Bayou Classic family,” said Dottie Belletto, president and CEO of NOCCI (New Orleans Convention Company, Inc.), the event management firm for the 51st Annual Bayou Classic. “This partnership exemplifies our commitment to innovation and providing our students with unparalleled opportunities to grow and succeed.”
Fans can also tune into Twitch, https://www.twitch.tv/twitchsports, the broadcast partner of the Rally Cry Championship Tour supported by California Almonds, the Air National Guard, Wendy’s and HEYDUDE, for the online tournament, the live broadcast during the college campus tour stops and post-produced highlight content each week.
The Bayou Classic, ranked as the #1 HBCU Classic in the nation, continues to be a beacon of legacy and tradition, attracting fans from across the country. This year’s integration of the Rally Cry Championship Tour will further elevate the experience, making it a must-see event. The Bayou Classic is the iconic collegiate gridiron matchup between Grambling State University and Southern University. The 51st Annual Bayou Classic, presented by Procter & Gamble, will be played on Saturday, Nov. 20, at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. For more information, visit www.mybayouclassic.com.
