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

[ManAboutTown]

Maggard said that won't happen both in the interview with Buckley reported in today's Advertiser and on ESPN1420 this morning. He also confirmed he has no interest in adding capacity and I would not be surprised if the new renovation design results in less capacity. A big focus of his comments on this issue was the "premium" seating potential. On another note, they have set a goal of 14000 season tickets. Quite a challenge in this economy. They will put more effort into the surrounding parishes than the past. I wished he would have commented on improving student attendance as that is key. Tying that to the stadium, I think it is critical they find a way to protect folks on the west side from the blistering sun in the new design.

I’m just telling the board what I’ve heard from folks that the consultant team have contacted. Take it for what it is. Renovation and new stadium can be REALLY close to the same thing without tipping off interested parties.

[CajunNation]

Maggard said that won't happen both in the interview with Buckley reported in today's Advertiser and on ESPN1420 this morning. He also confirmed he has no interest in adding capacity and I would not be surprised if the new renovation design results in less capacity. A big focus of his comments on this issue was the "premium" seating potential. On another note, they have set a goal of 14000 season tickets. Quite a challenge in this economy. They will put more effort into the surrounding parishes than the past. I wished he would have commented on improving student attendance as that is key. Tying that to the stadium, I think it is critical they find a way to protect folks on the west side from the blistering sun in the new design.

Agree.

He did kinda throw a rough timeline out there saying we might do it in phases. West side, East side, then if needed a NEZ.

Sounds like they indeed will be placing a priority on premium seating and fan experience and going after a complete replacement of all existing pre-SEZ structure.

Also, found it interesting he focused on making Cajun Field an entertainment venue, not just a football stadium.

Champions Square....Stay tuned....

[IndiaPaleAle]

can you post the link when it is up?

https://soundcloud.com/user-14034497...tko-tsl-6-6-18

[LaCajunsFan]

I’m just telling the board what I’ve heard from folks that the consultant team have contacted. Take it for what it is. Renovation and new stadium can be REALLY close to the same thing without tipping off interested parties.

A 'new' stadium' to me means something located away from the current CF, and built entirely from scratch.
Anything built/done on the current CF footprint is a renovation......no matter how extensive that renovation may be.

[LouisianaB]

If I was Maggard, I wouldn’t say we were planning on building a new stadium until (a) we had actual plans to build a stadium (not in the consulting phase like right now), (b) we had the actual money or pledged money, or (c) the political and fiscal climate were much different than they are now.

I would not be surprised if building a new stadium is a legitimate option.

[Duggie35]

I have complete confidence that Dr. Maggard will not disappoint us fans in whatever decisions are eventually made.

[CajunT]

If I was Maggard, I wouldn’t say we were planning on building a new stadium until (a) we had actual plans to build a stadium (not in the consulting phase like right now), (b) we had the actual money or pledged money, or (c) the political and fiscal climate were much different than they are now.

I would not be surprised if building a new stadium is a legitimate option.

I don't believe it is an option. I haven't said much, if anything in this thread but some people have completely gone off the rail with talk of a new stadium. I spoke with someone who is involved with the committee and he stated that the master plan is fluid to allow changes to the stadium renovation plans. They are meeting today to discuss the process going forward. I have no idea how it will look design wise when the plans are completed, but as you stated the end result could look like a new stadium.

[LaCajunsFan]

Agree.

He did kinda throw a rough timeline out there saying we might do it in phases. West side, East side, then if needed a NEZ.

Sounds like they indeed will be placing a priority on premium seating and fan experience and going after a complete replacement of all existing pre-SEZ structure.

Also, found it interesting he focused on making Cajun Field an entertainment venue, not just a football stadium.

Champions Square....Stay tuned....

Really like that part too....I think the plans to add Heyman Ctr, new retail/restaurants etc along Congress is a no-brainer. Win-Win.

[anhil8tor]

I feel like this is a dumb question, but shooters gotta shoot: if we build an entire new stadium, would we go a season or part of a season without a home stadium? Relocate to Clark field? (joking)

McNaspy just for 4 games

[HoustonCajun]

Maggard said that won't happen both in the interview with Buckley reported in today's Advertiser and on ESPN1420 this morning. He also confirmed he has no interest in adding capacity and I would not be surprised if the new renovation design results in less capacity. A big focus of his comments on this issue was the "premium" seating potential. On another note, they have set a goal of 14000 season tickets. Quite a challenge in this economy. They will put more effort into the surrounding parishes than the past. I wished he would have commented on improving student attendance as that is key. Tying that to the stadium, I think it is critical they find a way to protect folks on the west side from the blistering sun in the new design.

How critical is protection from the West sun? Yes, it is very hot. Bu, LSU has 50,000 people facing the West sun. Texas has the same and both have more day games than we do. It doesn't affect their numbers.

I hope current capacity still stays at 40,000. It will set us apart from all of the G5 schools with 20,000 - 30,000 seat stadiums. Houston and UCF have 40,000 seat stadiums and several P5 schools have stadiums in the 40,000 range, i.e. TCU, Utah, Washington State, Vanderbilt, Northwestern, Syracuse, and Boston College. IMO, it creates a different perception of our program and will allow for our scheduling of P5 schools. It will also set us up for the long term rather than dropping to say 35,000 and having to consider expansion in a few years.

Also, 14,000 season tickets should not be insurmountable. We have over 500,000 people in the Acadiana area and we are creating new excitement with a new coaching staff. It is much more costly to buy season tickets at LSU, for example, and they have, what about 70,000. Surely, 14,000 is doable. So, the economy is not hurting them. And, the economy is booming and will get even better. A great time to seek more season tickets holders, more RCAF members, and fund raising for the stadium.

[Ragin9221]

One thing he talk about was enhancing the experience at CF. Well I think when it comes to renovation this thread has provided a lot ideas to enhance the game day experience.

I just hope we are able to move fans closer to the field, and install canopy to block people from the elements as well as lock in the crowd noise on the field. With premium seating and suites added to the top deck.

[CajunJeaux]

I really hope they get the designers of Jerry World involved and go in that direction...