Could the Ragin’ Cajuns be getting a new football stadium?

[Ragin9221]

This stadium is actually in really bad shape. They're about to spend 14 million to repair rust and corrosion. Please no erector set.

yeah it is the minimum i think we could accept

[CajunRebel]

This is exactly what I'd like to see in a new stadium.







We don't need a bigger stadium. We need a better stadium. To me, a big time stadium doesn't mean lots of seats. It means first class amenities. Suites, premium seating, good architecture, etc. Just like our baseball stadium. Keep it at around 30,000 seats and leave room to expand to 35,000.

[Cajun90]

In person, it looks cheap as hell.

Other than financial reasons, I'm hoping we can rebuild in place, so we don't get the erector set design.

A good compromise is the system that was used to build the grandstand at the Tigue. This is also the system that has been utilized in a number of other collegiate/pro venues. You utilize a structural steel skeleton with pre-cast concrete. That way you get the cost savings of the "erector set" but the "feel" of a concrete structure. It also decreases construction time. Now Lamson Park is a full erector set and I totally agree that is not what we want.

[basinbear]

This is exactly what I'd like to see in a new stadium.







We don't need a bigger stadium. We need a better stadium. Keep it at around 30,000 seats and leave room to expand to 35,000.

In my opinion, for various reasons, it needs to be around 40,000 but I certainly agree with you on that design. I don't think we will ever need a stadium bigger than 40,000 capacity.

[ManAboutTown]

Agree. 40-50k is the way to go. Attendance trends across the country are down, and that will not change. Not because the sport's popularity is going down, but because people are staying home for convenience and the TV product is so good.

We need to focus on top notch amenities and convenience, IMO.

Which I assume is the reason for the feasibility study.

[Ragin9221]

In my opinion, for various reasons, it needs to be around 40,000 but I certainly agree with you on that design. I don't think we will ever need a stadium bigger than 40,000 capacity.

UCF stadium is realistic to what we can afford, and most people could live with. We can brick it up to make it look real nice and fit the architecture.

I agree with Cajun90

[LaCajunsFan]

I'm sure that something could be worked out but that still does not do away with the fact that there are major maintenance issues to deal with. You also end up trying to market two very different venues. One that is state of the art with nice seating and one that is approaching 50 years old with inadequate maintenance.

Yes....I was only addressing the code issues. All of the structural issues are a separate issue.

[Cajun90]

In my opinion, for various reasons, it needs to be around 40,000 but I certainly agree with you on that design.

I do like the feel of many of the MLS stadiums that have been built recently. They also tend to be more cost conscious than say standard American football field designs. I've made a few trips to the Houston Dynamo field and really like the layout and seating. Take that design and build it right up against Congress with retail space facing the outside of the stadium. You could have food venues/ coffee shop and a Ragin Cajun store that could be utilized seven days a week and then have access on the inside of the stadium for game days. While your at it move the Cajun field bus stop here and protect it from the weather. Students would then be inclined to visit that retail space during their daily commutes to campus. Really want to get crazy? Build condominiums in one end zone. They would not have direct stadium access but with some extra large balconies would be a great place to watch a game from. The revenue from the condo's would basically pay for that endzone section. Add the revenue from retail locations and suites and this isn't so unrealistic anymore.

[cajun_lannister]

In my opinion, for various reasons, it needs to be around 40,000 but I certainly agree with you on that design. I don't think we will ever need a stadium bigger than 40,000 capacity.

I think 40K including 500-700 Luxury seats is perfect

[zephyr]

Temporary Tax. Like the airport. Get public support and interest. Bill it as the new jewel of Lafayette. People will flock to see what's new in town (especially in lafayette). While they're here, we'll treat them to some winning football. It's brilliant.

Also, start charging all the events here (Mardi Gras, Car Show, etc) what they need to be charged, and make more $$$ to pay for it.

As I mentioned earlier, I think that would be a major obstacle in this community. You've seen temporary taxes shot down in recent years that would benefit the public such as library taxes, drainage and government building improvements and schools. I think this is easier said than done in this area where there are a lot of conservatives who get real loud about no more taxes.