The University of Louisiana at Lafayette is undertaking the biggest renovation to its football stadium since the venue opened in 1971.
On Thursday, the university announced a $65 million project to significantly upgrade Cajun Field, which will be renamed Our Lady of Lourdes Stadium after the hospital system that has taken over naming rights.
The project will begin construction on Dec. 11 and is expected to be completed in time for the 2025 season. It’s unclear if or how the 2024 season will be affected.
The proposed revitalization will see a complete overhaul of the stadium’s west grandstands, including five lower bowl chairback sections.
There will be a heavy emphasis on improving the premium experience: The project will produce 34 suites, 40 loge boxes, and 524 club seats.
It all adds up to a capacity of over 30,000 — which means the Ragin’ Cajuns are likely downsizing from the over 41,000 that currently fit inside Cajun Field.
Aside from seating, the program plans to upgrade and modernize all of its amenities around the facility.
On the field, the Cajuns are in a bit of a rough patch after years of success: After winning Sun Belt Conference titles in 2020 and 2021, Louisiana posted a 6-7 record in 2022 and is currently 5-5 near the bottom of the SBC West standings.
