Southern University and A&M College and Grambling State University will split $1.32 million in proceeds from the 2011 State Farm Bayou Classic that will provide support to the campuses’ athletic programs and fund scholarships through the SU System Foundation and the GSU Foundation.

New Orleans Convention Company, Inc. (NOCCI), the management firm of the 38th Annual State Farm Bayou Classicâ, recently presented to Grambling State and Southern the settlement proceeds from the annual football classic held in New Orleans during Thanksgiving weekend.

The distribution includes revenue from gate receipts for the football game and Battle of the Bands and a share of corporate sponsorship earnings. Money from the gate will go to SU and GSU athletic programs and the remaining funds will sustain scholarships.

For its first run with the historic HBCU football classic, NOCCI was committed to increasing the level of excitement among the Bayou Classic fans and raising the level of corporate support and sponsorships to ensure a successful and profitable event for two of Louisiana’s premier universities.

The 38th Annual State Farm Bayou Classic brought several new events to New Orleans and thousands of visitors to the city including the “My Bayou Classic” Thanksgiving Day Parade, “My Bayou Classic” Golf Tournament, a “Classic” House Party and an Inspirational Gospel Brunch.

“As the new management firm and partner for this celebrated football classic, our goal was to capture the tradition and produce a creative and enjoyable experience for everyone and, most importantly, to make the event more cost-effective and beneficial for the schools,” said Dottie Belletto, NOCCI president.

Anticipated new events, new venues in the renovated Mercedes-Benz Superdome, and special effects and staging enhancements to the Battle of the Bands and Greek Show, created buzz among participants and fans that help attract new sponsors for 2011.

As a result of effective management and fundraising efforts attached to last year’s Classic, some much needed financial support will help Grambling State University and Southern University and A&M College to recruit new students and provide aid to students currently enrolled, at a crucial time.

“These support dollars are the cornerstone of our partnership with the two universities,” stated Belletto. “These funds will enable students who attend Southern University and Grambling State University to have a valuable college experience.”

The Bayou Classic is the annual extravaganza bringing the fans and alumni of Southern University and Grambling State University to New Orleans each November for a celebration of football, family and the traditions and pageantry surrounding Historically Black Colleges and Universities. With an estimated economic impact of $30 million, the Bayou Classic is an important event for the City of New Orleans.