Baseball: UL short $6 million for renovations to Tigue; work moving ahead now

The Advertiser, July 23, 2016

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette is about $6 million short in funding to complete updates and renovations to the M.L. "Tigue" Moore Field, but is moving ahead with planned renovations.

In a letter to Ragin’ Cajun Athletic Fund members, RCAF Chairman Robert Daigle and Executive Director Jim Harris wrote that the initial construction budget and fundraising goal for the renovations was $10 million.

"After reviewing alternatives and getting additional input from our student-athletes, coaches and fans, the design evolved into a more prominent stadium with added features," the letter reads.

A portion of the letter to RCAF members about renovations to the Tigue  (Photo: Submitted)

"The enhanced design increased the cost to about $16 million, which could have delayed the project until additional funds were raised. After exploring multiple options, a decision was made to move forward now, secure bridge funding to help cover the increased cost and renovate the stadium this year."

The Athletics Department and RCAF will continue to meet with potential donors to raise the remaining $6 million, the letter says.

No date for completion was given, but the letter says that "we look forward to seeing you for an exciting 2017 baseball season in the stadium that our student-athletes, coaches and fans deserve."