UL has big decision to make on Cajun Field renovation

[CharlieK]

It's not that I didn't notice the other issues, I just didn't mention them. I think the real name for the stadium should be "ageing field".

In your opinion, is it worth trying to save a structure with so many issues? Starting to sound like we would be better off building from scratch in the parking lot and tearing CF down. Recognizing we don't have any money for any of it, and it's all a pipe dream till we identify where the money comes from.

[DieHard1280]

I'm no expert, but don't think a soccer type stadium can be done in phases like Jay said the admin is planning. So, seems like we can move on from the soccer talk.

[Ragin9221]

I'm no expert, but don't think a soccer type stadium can be done in phases like Jay said the admin is planning. So, seems like we can move on from the soccer talk.

I am down renovating Cajun Field. Problem is it is only used 5 times a year we need something that can be extra revenue for Cajun Field.

Gotta think Cajun Dome. They have tried to make Cajun Dome profitable between Ice Hockey to Arena Football.

[CajunT]

You’re completely missing what makes the MLS stadiums incredible. They aren’t build for capacity. We don’t need more than 35k here anyway. They are 100% designed for fan experience. They are designed with sight lines as the number one consideration. Cajun Field has terrible sight lines if you are below row 20 in the lower bowl.

They have standing areas designed into the stadium, which is a bar. Imagine if Legends or Pete’s would sponsor a bar area inside of Cajun Field where people could drink at a bar setting and watch the game. Attractions inside the stadium to draw people in. It is something MLS and MiLB have done that makes a huge impact on attendance.

Nashville’s stadium holds 30,500. Which would be a little smaller than I’d like to see only by 2000 or so seats. The current layout of Cajun Field lends itself perfectly to something like that.

I’d like to see the entire lower bowl completely redone. Steepen the embankments and have the lower seating be a little more vertical. Then a much smaller upper deck on both sides between the 30’s that has 12-15 rows of seats. With a canopy covering the whole thing. Chairback the entire stadium and make them comfortable. They don’t need to be 16” seats. Give fans a little room to breathe and make this place the crown jewel of college football in the region.

You think that soccer stadiums are only ones built with site lines? Have you attended a game at AT&T Stadium in Dallas yet? It's a state of the art stadium that meets all the requirements you just listed and yet it is a football stadium. Naturally we don't have the resources to build something like it, but there are basic design opportunities that can meet the requirements that you have stated. I don't have a problem with overhangs in a stadium, but the conceptual look needs to remain that of a football stadium with brick exterior matching the rest of the complex. JMO

[ManAboutTown]

The very first thing that needs to happen?
We need to elect people in state leadership that know how to bring jobs and investment back to the state of Louisiana. Without that, we're all screwed.

[DieHard1280]

The very first thing that needs to happen?
We need to elect people in state leadership that know how to bring jobs and investment back to the state of Louisiana. Without that, we're all ____ed.

Let me know when pigs or elephants fly. Dumbo notwithstanding.

Just move Lafayette to Texas. Problem solved.

[MelRock]

Like Cajun T said, corporate investment is a must and is being worked on. Also what Ragin9221 said is correct about only being used 5 times a year.

The plan is to bring more events and corporate (private/public) investment. The renovated stadium will be a multi-purpose building with the primary focus on football and UL athletics.

Everyone inside the athletic department is aware of getting away from doing business as usual. They are looking at alternative revenue streams, which must be accomplished if we are to succeed. That being said, some of the change will take time and need infrastructure in place to support the initiatives. Events cannot happen in a vacuum.

[CajunT]

The very first thing that needs to happen?
We need to elect people in state leadership that know how to bring jobs and investment back to the state of Louisiana. Without that, we're all screwed.

We need to start with Lafayette first!

[CajunVic]

The very first thing that needs to happen?
We need to elect people in state leadership that know how to bring jobs and investment back to the state of Louisiana. Without that, we're all screwed.

P

Yep.

development of an entertainment district needs to be green-lighted yesterday. Green light the development and immediately announce the Stadium renovation, complete with plan & renderings. Let the fan base get behind this thing. The complete plan needs to be sold to the public, with the stadium renovation being the spearhead. If Billy and staff can come through in a big way this season, announce it all at the Bowl game.

So, do we need to elect officials first or green light the creation of a development district yesterday?

You are nothing but a joke.

[Crawfish]

I not saying we can get a MLS team, but I think we could get a minor league soccer team affiliated with the USL.

Never, I repeat never use the term "USL" in this room again or you will be tarred and feathered and your rotting carcass will be fed to a half starved rabid bulldog from Ruston

[Cajun fan1]

.

MAT has blocked you so you are wasting your time trying to ____ him off.

[Ragin9221]

Never, I repeat never use the term "USL" in this room again or you will be tarred and feathered and your rotting carcass will be fed to a half starved rabid bulldog from Ruston

Haha I know you are joking. United Soccer League! We might have USL all over our stadium specially if we did get a minor league soccer team.

Then again maybe not 😉

[CajunVic]

MAT has blocked you so you are wasting your time trying to ____ him off.

I call out and respond to postings on this board that are out of line have hidden agendas or are just off base. My postings are for the universe. What a little man to not take opposing view points to his. Oh well.

[Cajun fan1]

I call out and respond to postings on this board that are out of line have hidden agendas or are just off base. My postings are for the universe. What a little man to not take opposing view points to his. Oh well.

You have been blocked lol 😂😂😂😂😂

[ManAboutTown]

Like Cajun T said, corporate investment is a must and is being worked on. Also what Ragin9221 said is correct about only being used 5 times a year.

The plan is to bring more events and corporate (private/public) investment. The renovated stadium will be a multi-purpose building with the primary focus on football and UL athletics.

Everyone inside the athletic department is aware of getting away from doing business as usual. They are looking at alternative revenue streams, which must be accomplished if we are to succeed. That being said, some of the change will take time and need infrastructure in place to support the initiatives. Events cannot happen in a vacuum.

All sounds great. And I hope it works out that way.

My macro point was, there needs to be a composite plan in place prior to renovating/rebuilding, but the Stadium needs to be the project that drives the push. I would like to see the entire entertainment district & Stadium overhaul presented to the public at the same time. In detail, and with realistic target dates. I know we are still pretty far from that, but when the time is right, IMO, this would be the most effective route.