Red Beans and Rice Bowl; McNeese Fans explain the meaning

LAKE CHARLES, LA (KPLC) - The tradition lived on at Cowboy Stadium Saturday as fans came out to tailgate for the Red Beans and Rice Bowl Game between McNeese and Central Arkansas.

But what is the history behind the rivalry and the name of the game?

"They wanted something to initiate, get a rivalry started," Ronnie Odom, of Lake Charles, said of the match up. "A good, friendly rivalry."

"I think it was the competition between Central Arkansas and McNeese," Jody Suire, of Lake Charles, said. "I don't know if Central Arkansas can cook red beans and rice. I know we can, but not them."

But many fans didn't even know the significance.

"I didn't even know it was the Red Beans and Rice Bowl," Joey Polito, of Lake Charles, said.

For some, it didn't matter what game it was.

"For us? Good food, good game, good crowd ... everything," Julius Courville, of Lake Charles, said.

And while many foods were cooked at the various tailgates around the stadium, red beans and rice wasn't in abundance. Other favorites like brisket, hamburgers, chili and jambalaya seemed to be the food for the tailgate.

For more reaction, sights and sounds from the Red Beans and Rice Bowl tailgate, check out the attached video from 7News Nightcast.

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