Sugar Bowl Archive

The exhibition Classic! A Celebration of Sugar Bowl Memories showcases a selection of items from the large archive donated by the Sugar Bowl during the summer of 2007.  Containing approximately 70 linear feet of materials, the archive documents not only the annual football “Classic” but also the other athletic events—regattas, basketball games, track meets, boxing matches—held by the Mid-Winter Sports Association in conjunction with the bowl.  Archive highlights include hundreds of photographs, many taken by noted local photographer Leon Trice; two linear feet of correspondence, financial documents, and ephemera documenting the first five years of the Sugar Bowl; scrapbooks of newspaper clippings; and film footage, game programs, helmets, and an assemblage of footballs signed by participants dating back to the 1940s.  In an effort to preserve and celebrate Sugar Bowl history, The Historic New Orleans Collection has begun an extensive oral history program intended to capture the Sugar Bowl memories of players, coaches, members, and staffers.  The Sugar Bowl oral history program is ongoing, check back often for new additions. 

Share Your Sugar Bowl Memories

The Collection also invites you to help expand this exciting new archival addition by sharing your own classic Sugar Bowl memories on our interactive bulletin board. There you can upload your own photos, audio and thoughts with like-minded Sugar Bowl fans.