Athletics: LUS Fiber Named Official Internet Partner of the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns

Agreement aligns Ragin’ Cajuns and LUS Fiber in new partnership

LAFAYETTE – Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Athletics and LUS Fiber are proud to announce that the municipally owned internet, cable, and phone provider has been named The Official Internet Partner of the Ragin’ Cajuns.

LUS Fiber has long been a major internet provider to the University with its unmatched all-fiber network and is the exclusive provider of video services to students living on campus using the connecTV streaming platform.

"We are grateful for this new partnership with LUS Fiber," said Director of Athletics Bryan Maggard. "Collaborating with strong local organizations like LUS Fiber benefits our University, campus community and athletics department, as well as all of Lafayette. Their involvement with Ragin’ Cajuns Athletics will tremendously impact our ongoing efforts to increase the reach of our brand locally, regionally and nationally."

"Ragin’ Cajuns Athletics is part of the heartbeat of our community. When they are successful, all of Lafayette benefits. I am proud that LUS Fiber will help promote and support our Ragin’ Cajuns," said Mayor-President Josh Guillory.

Major signage featuring LUS Fiber will be installed at Cajun Field leading up to the football program’s Wednesday, Oct. 14, game vs. Coastal Carolina and will soon be seen throughout various athletics facilities, including Cajun Field, Lamson Park and M. L. Tigue Moore Field at Russo Park. LUS Fiber will help keep more fans connected to the Ragin’ Cajuns than ever before through live and virtual events, as well as Fan Days, radio and podcasts, text score alerts, the #GeauxCajuns smart phone app and more.

An exciting dimension of this sponsorship is support of Ragin’ Cajuns Athletics’ expansion into Esports – highly organized, multiplayer video game competitions. The explosive popularity of Esports has grown in-step with increased access to high-speed internet around the world. According to Newzoo, a gaming industry analytics company, the total worldwide Esports audience is estimated to reach 495 million people by the end of 2020, with tournaments viewed in person and via services like Twitch and YouTube, and revenues topping $1 billion. This audience is expected to grow more than 10% annually moving forward.

More than 170 colleges in the United States have varsity Esports programs that are recognized by a governing body called the National Association of Collegiate Esports. Last year alone, the NACE awarded over $16 million in prize money, given as scholarships and aid for the winning students-athletes. With LUS Fiber’s own robust network at the forefront of performance and reliability, the organization is in a unique position to connect the Department of Athletics with this emerging athletics program, enabling engagement with even more University students alongside traditional sports.

LUS Fiber and the University are proud to call Acadiana home and look forward to a bright partnership that facilitates substantial positive impact on students and the community.

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