Tech, ULM, McNeese, LSU etc.and Branding?

[Turbine]

You left out that these are EXTREMELY tacky.

Sticking power tacky?

[CAJUNSby90]

Sticking power tacky?

No, more along the line of SCARE people off tacky.

[Cajunrunner]

You left out that these are EXTREMELY tacky.

I used to not bother with you. Figured I'd give you the benefit of the doubt.

But you're a moron. There's nothing tacky about the Acadiana flag on a sleeve.

[HoustonCajun]

I don’t believe anything tied to Acadiana should be removed or downplayed. If anything, it should be elevated. It represents the cultural heart of where most Cajuns come from—and where a significant portion of our fanbase calls home.

Put it this way: if we actively engage communities like Crowley, New Iberia, Eunice, and Opelousas, and rally their support, we could easily pull 30,000 fans per game, Acadiana is a cornerstone of our identity, and embracing it only deepens our connection to the region.

There’s no harm in using the flag. In fact, it reinforces authenticity and honors the heritage we represent.

But here’s the core issue: there’s too much emphasis on “Ragin’ Cajuns” and not enough on “Louisiana.” If the goal is to represent the entire state, the Louisiana name has to lead. Acadiana is vital—but it must be part of a broader, unified brand that speaks to all Louisianians.

We need to flip the focus “Louisiana” is the brand—“Ragin’ Cajuns” is the spirit. The Acadiana Flag is part of that spirit and region. That shift could expand our reach, deepen our pride, and connect us with people far beyond the 337 area code.

We also need to change the band name from the Pride of Acadiana to the Pride of Louisiana. We are not the University of Acadiana, just happen to be located in Lafayette/Acadiana. We want to drop Lafayette from our name yet want to include Acadiana as a reference. While that may not be confusing to people in Acadiana, it does send a mixed message to the rest of the country on who we are. A Lafayette area code on our helmet, an Acadiana flag on our uniforms and our band name do not say we are the University of Louisiana. We are no longer a regional university and need to represent the state, not just Lafayette/Acadiana. People know where we are located.

[Ragin9221]

No, more along the line of SCARE people off tacky.

Why would anyone be scared off by it? Except that if not used properly.

I think the real issue is that UL games still feel like a Lafayette thing. Most folks in the surrounding areas whether it's New Iberia, Opelousas, Crowley, or Abbeville are naturally drawn to LSU. It’s tradition. It’s what they’ve grown up with.

But UL has a chance to change that if it reaches out in the right way.

If the program started to lean into the pride of the entire Acadiana region, instead of just Lafayette, I truly believe attendance could take off. These communities are full of passionate people who want to feel represented. They want to see themselves in the team.

The Acadiana Flag is more than just colors—it’s home. Putting it on the uniform, waving it in the stands, embracing it in the spirit. that’s how you make folks from Breaux Bridge to Ville Platte feel like they belong. Like they’re part of this.

[Ragin9221]

Let me add something to this.

We need to build a statewide presence that still honors our regional roots. UL shouldn’t just be Lafayette’s team—it should feel like Acadiana’s heartbeat and a rising force across Louisiana.

That’s why tailgating needs to be a full-on celebration. Not just a gathering but a festival Music, food, culture, energy. Something that feels exciting for locals and inviting to newcomers. If we want fans to show up and stay engaged, it starts in the parking lot.

We should lean hard into tailgating as an experience. Make it fun. Make it loud. Make it unmistakably Louisiana, and uniquely Cajun.

[MarlinMan3]

Great point about tailgating..... sounds some have complained about not being able to leave and re-enter stadium...
If that were allowed tailgating could go longer.... and could alleviate some pressure on concessions. Instead ofndropping the rule one way to compromise could be to move the ticket entry points down in to the parking lot somewhere, this could also alleviate any potential lines/bottlenecks when trying to enter the game. For example if you go to fenway park you show ticket to enter the street outside stadium

[Ragin9221]

Great point about tailgating..... sounds some have complained about not being able to leave and re-enter stadium...
If that were allowed tailgating could go longer.... and could alleviate some pressure on concessions. Instead ofndropping the rule one way to compromise could be to move the ticket entry points down in to the parking lot somewhere, this could also alleviate any potential lines/bottlenecks when trying to enter the game. For example if you go to fenway park you show ticket to enter the street outside stadium

My Dream!

If I had the chance to shape UL’s tailgating experience, I’d revolutionize it from the ground up because frankly, with Sodexo involved, we’ve been boxed in.
The potential is massive. And if UL is serious about building a statewide presence with regional flair, then it has to start in the parking lot with community, culture, and celebration.


Step One: Tailgate Village—Acadiana Style

We need a full-scale Tailgate Village just steps from the stadium. Not a few tents scattered around but a purpose-built square that feels like a pre-game festival. Imagine this:

-A permanent stage featuring live Zydeco, Cajun artists, DJs, and pep rallies
- Tables, chairs, and shaded pavilions so families and fans can settle in and stay a while
- Local vendors serving everything from boudin egg rolls to crawfish étouffée and craft cocktails
- Branded merch tents offering Acadiana flag gear, UL retro throwbacks, and gameday exclusives
- Interactive fan spaces for photo ops, chalk art, community booths, and kids’ activities

It should feel like a Saturday festival—a place you arrive hours early for, not just to tailgate, but to connect with your region.

This would be connected to this!

Step Two: North End Zone Standing Room Bar Make It “The Ragin’ Box”

Inspired by The Band Box in Nashville, UL needs a high-energy standing room bar in the NEZ—a social hot spot where fans can eat, drink, and cheer without ever sitting still.

- Walk-up bar serving local brews and Cajun cocktails
- Casual tables and high tops where fans mix, mingle, and keep an eye on the action
- Ultra-visual space with LED signs, fan selfies on screens, and Ragin’ Cajuns branding everywhere
-DJ booth or curated gameday playlist setting the rhythm from kickoff to fourth quarter
-Exclusive merch walls and giveaways for the fans who turn up early and stay loud

This becomes the heartbeat of the stadium, the destination for the diehards, the first-timers, and everyone in between.

Here is my vision

IMG_4490.jpg

The Ragin Box

AC4F5B89-7FE3-4D6F-8BD4-604E0796C435.jpg

or this

8770E9C1-981D-4F26-B16A-88D416D2C116.jpg

IMG_1188.jpg

IMG_1187.jpeg

Tailgate Villiage- This is for the average fan. This is where they tailgate! Just bring yourself and enjoy.

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With a stage in the front!!

[Ragin9221]

Let me say this: it needs to be a square. It needs to feel convenient. That whole oak tree and baseball stadium setup—it’s just not cutting it. It's tucked away, not laid out right, and people don’t gravitate toward it.

Most folks park on the grass across from Cajun Field at the Light Center. So why not meet them where they already are? Put the energy out front across from where they park right on Congress.

People should be able to cross the street and walk straight into the heart of it. The music, the vibe, the sights and smells—they should hit you before you even park your car. You should see people laughing, eating, drinking, enjoying themselves—and instantly think:

"Man, that looks like the place to be."

No guessing. No hidden corner. It should be loud, visible, and magnetic. Something that feels like UL something you feel proud to be a part of.

Let’s make it easy for fans to find the action, and impossible for them to ignore it.

Think Moncus Park?!

IMG_4493.jpeg

[VObserver]

Why would anyone be scared off by it? Except that if not used properly.

I think the real issue is that UL games still feel like a Lafayette thing. Most folks in the surrounding areas whether it's New Iberia, Opelousas, Crowley, or Abbeville are naturally drawn to LSU. It’s tradition. It’s what they’ve grown up with.

But UL has a chance to change that if it reaches out in the right way.

If the program started to lean into the pride of the entire Acadiana region, instead of just Lafayette, I truly believe attendance could take off. These communities are full of passionate people who want to feel represented. They want to see themselves in the team.

The Acadiana Flag is more than just colors—it’s home. Putting it on the uniform, waving it in the stands, embracing it in the spirit. that’s how you make folks from Breaux Bridge to Ville Platte feel like they belong. Like they’re part of this.

This is a sweeping generalization that is patently untrue. I don't pretend to know everyone in Vermilion Parish, but I see literally hundreds of the ones I do know at Cajun Field on a regular basis. Most of Lafayette's immediate neighboring parishes have roughly the same percentage of UL fans as Lafayette does. Now, I freely admit that that percentage is too low, but to claim that folks in rural and suburban Acadiana do not already see UL as their university is just ridiculous.