The long wait for the much-anticipated high school football season is nearly over. Hallelujah! Soon, high school stadiums all over the state will once again be the favored “place to be” on Friday nights (and sometimes Thursday). I say it again. Hallelujah!
For fans of high school football in North Louisiana, the 2026 Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) football season begins with what has turned out to be one of the best season-opening events in sports: the Bayou Jamb, where many of the top teams in the area, including Jonesboro-Hodge High School, get a chance for one final tune-up before beginning the regular season.
What many people don’t realize is that the Bayou Jamb is much more than just a chance to watch your favorite school play a football game; it is also a chance to take part in a full week of activities, leading up to the action on the field at Malone Stadium on the campus of the University of Louisiana – Monroe (ULM) this Friday and Saturday, August 28-29.
Fan Jamb Week
Fan Jamb Week is a week-long celebration leading up to the Bayou Jamb Football Jamboree, bringing together student-athletes, fans, schools, businesses, community partners, and football supporters for unforgettable experiences that celebrate the tradition of high school football. From community events and local flavors to fan activities and special tributes, Fan Jamb Week captures the spirit, pride, and passion that make Northeast Louisiana football special.
Fans will enjoy signature events such as Media Day, Taste of the Tailgate Cook-Off, Character Counts School Tour, Salute to Service, Champion Square Village, Fan Jamb Tailgate, and the inaugural Bayou Jamb Volleyball event. A week’s worth of Bayou Jamb events packed throughout the community of Monroe to give everyone a taste of the Bayou Jamb experience leading up to the big games August 28th-29th in Malone Stadium. For extended details, a calendar of events, and to purchase tickets, visit the website bayoujamb.com or download the Bayou Jamb app on Apple Store or Google Play.
BAYOU JAMB MEDIA DAY – Monday, Aug. 24 – Bayou Jamb 2026 Media Day will be Monday, August 24th, at the Abe Pierce III – Fort Miro Room beginning at 10 am. Coaches from the sixteen participating teams will address the media, and each school will bring two of its top players.
TASTE OF THE TAILGATE COOK-OFF – Monday, Aug.24 – A perfect lunch to kick off football season! Bayou Jamb is hosting a tailgate cook-off at the Abe Pierce III – Bayou Room adjacent to the Monroe Civic Center Monday, August 24th, 12- 2 p.m. Local restaurants and chefs will battle it out for the Championship Title. Do not miss cheering for your favorite team while showing support for your favorite food! General Admission is $10 to sample all restaurants. Purchase tickets at bayoujamb.com or at the door.
BAYOU JAMB VOLLEYBALL– Tuesday, Aug. 25 – Join us for the inaugural Bayou Jamb Volleyball event as teams from across the region kick off the season in an exciting showcase of competition and school spirit. Sponsored by Vertex Volleyball League, this first-ever event celebrates the growth of high school volleyball while bringing together athletes, coaches, families, and fans for an unforgettable day of action.
CHARACTER COUNTS SCHOOL TOUR – Wednesday, Aug. 26 – Players from participating Bayou Jamb schools will visit local elementary schools, connecting with students about the importance of maintaining healthy relationships in sports, in the classroom, and in their everyday lives. Each student will receive a free ticket to the Bayou Jamb.
SALUTE TO SERVICE – Thursday, Aug. 27 – Salute to Service is a celebration to honor, empower, and connect our nation’s service members, veterans, community service programs, and high school ROTC members through sports. In honor of their service, Bayou Jamb will host a tribute to Pilots for Patients, participating schools’ ROTC students, and Holy Dippers at 10 a.m., located at 4300 Loop Rd, Monroe, LA. Please join us for this free event.
FAN JAMB TAILGATE – Friday, Aug. 28 – Get ready to fire up the spirit and the grill! The Fan Jamb Tailgate is the ultimate spot for fans, families, and businesses to show their school pride, connect with the community, and enjoy some good ol’ fashioned tailgating fun. Reserve your spot for the weekend for only $100 by visiting bayoujamb.com or download the app on Apple or Google Play.
KID ZONE – Friday – Saturday, Aug. 28-29 – The Bayou Jamb Kid Zone is where the fun begins! Young fans can enjoy games, activities, and plenty of excitement while celebrating high school football with their families.
CHAMPIONS SQUARE VILLAGE– Friday – Saturday, Aug. 28-29 – In addition to the great football action, our Bagby Rental Championship Square Village opens at 3 PM on Friday and 10 AM Saturday with games, music, and an activity-filled village for the entire family.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD – Friday – Saturday, Aug. 28-29 –The 2026 Bayou Jamb Lifetime Achievement Award Honorees, Aaron Dietrich, KNOE Sports Director, and Joe Raymond Peace Jr., Louisiana Tech Head Football Coach (1988–1995), will be inducted into the Bayou Jamb Hall of Fame in recognition of their outstanding contributions to sports and their lasting impact on athletes and communities.
Bayou Jamb Game Schedule
Purchase Tickets at Jonesboro-Hodge High School
One of the best things that the Bayou Jamb does is not only give fans an opportunity to see many of the top football teams in north Louisiana all at one setting, but also help each school financially by allowing the schools to keep all revenue gained through ticket sales when they are purchased at the school. The best part for the fane is that tickets costs are at a discount compared to the price you will pay at the gate.
The cost of admission to the Bayou Jamb, when purchased at the school, is only $12.00 for the session, compared to $15.00 at the gate on game day. Children 5 years and under get in free. Gates open at 3 PM on Friday, August 28th, and 10 AM on Saturday, August 29th. This year, halftime will feature spirit group performances, a 100-yard dash for kids, and a fun fan experience, making it an event the whole family will love