I've always thought that as much as we focus on renovating Cajun Field, we are selling ourselves short. Instead of just renovating Cajun Field, we should focus on the Redevoplment of Cajun Field. Cajun Field has become more of district of the city much so than just a football stadium that includes the field, stadium, parking, Cajundome, and other events. Redeveloping the property and turning Cajun Field into this entertainment district of South Louisiana would be an attractive atmosphere and better gameday experience for ALL Cajuns games. Just renovating a stadium that is used for 6 days in a year seems like a waste of money. But renovating a stadium AND building parking garages with shops, restaurants, and bars below them would allow traffic to Cajun Field 365, would be a home run. I believe that yes, it would cost substantially a lot more, but would need to built together. Fans who do not have an opportunity to tailgate would have a place to eat and drink before the game (meaning they show up) and a place to hang out afterwards.
Please don't think I'm saying not to renovate Cajun Field, that place needed it 20 years ago. But getting the city, parish, and this One Acadiana Committee on board to develop the property, would be crucial for the advancement of the city of Lafayette.