Ragin’ Cajuns Release Fan Survey Results; Add To Gameday Enhancements For 2017

LAFAYETTE – The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Department of Athletics officially released results of its Football Fan Survey, using input collected from participants to help improve the gameday experience at Cajun Field beginning in 2017.

New gameday enhancements, many that were based on results of the survey, will take place within Cajun Field and areas around the stadium beginning with the Ragin’ Cajuns season opener against Southeastern Louisiana at 6 p.m. on Sept. 2.

"We’re appreciative of the input provided by Cajun Nation through the fan survey," Louisiana Director of Athletics Dr. Bryan Maggard said. "We value the input and will work hard to continuously improve the gameday experience."

A new general tailgating area at M.L. "Tigue" Moore Field at Russo Park, new stadium and concourse graphics around Cajun Field, a new playing surface replacing the nine-year-old field turf, pre-game activities, fireworks, and improved concessions and video board content are some of the new enhancements in store for fans this season. Maggard and the Louisiana Athletics Department are also encouraging fans to follow four main Pride Points – Arrive Early, Wear Red, Be Loud and Stay Late.

Nearly 1,200 fans participated in a survey that began in May with 81 percent interested in a general tailgating area. Beginning with the 2017 season, a new general, family-friendly tailgating area will be located at Russo Park that will feature concessions, a Kid’s Zone with inflatables, face paint stations, story book characters, a kid-friendly deejay, entertainment and the ability to get autographs from Ragin’ Cajuns student-athletes and coaches. Fans will also have the ability to watch games from around the nation on televisions situated throughout the concourse, purchase merchandise from the Ragin’ Cajuns Store and watch the ESPN 1420 Pre-Game Show.

Survey participants also showed an interest in pre-game and in-game activities along with more options for concessions, prize giveaways and better access into Cajun Field.

A new student tailgate area will be held at Bourgeois Park, featuring a live deejay from Hot 107.9 FM, available concessions for students (payment options include cash and declining balance), free reserved tailgating spots and tents, tailgating games, and other game-day activities, including a pep rally with Ragin’ Cajuns head football coach Mark Hudspeth.

Some of the new modifications that will take place around Cajun Field during the season will include aesthetically enhanced graphics in the concourse areas, fireworks that will go off after the National Anthem and all Ragin’ Cajuns touchdowns and victories, along with improved in-game and promotions to engage fans.

Access into Cajun Field will be made easier for fans after a new Clear Bag Policy was released earlier this summer. The new policy and gate entry upgrades will allow fans easily enter the facility without the traditional serpentine line style as in years past. This will actually help efficiently and safely allow fans into the venue.

Another new enhancement to Cajun Field will be the installation of a new playing surface. The previous surface, which was installed prior to the 2008 season, is being replaced with Matrix Turf, the same surface used at the Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium.

Listed below are new game-day enhancements for fans visiting Cajun Field for Ragin’ Cajuns football beginning in 2017:

Game-Day Enhancements:

Pre-game festivities at Russo Park
Fireworks during national anthem and all Ragin’ Cajuns touchdowns and victories
Gate entry improvements allowing easier access into Cajun Field
Updated concourse and stadium graphics around Cajun Field
Clear Bag Policy (link)
New field turf
New student tailgate area located at Bourgeois Park
Wireless HD cameras for new fan engagement promotions
New cushion seatback options available for Sections P and Q

In addition to the gameday enhancements at Cajun Field, Maggard unveiled Pride Points in preparation for the 2017 Season, encouraging fans to:

Arrive Early
Wear Red
Be Loud
Stay Late