The has received a $1 million gift from Home Bank for the highly anticipated renovation of Cajun Field, it was announced on Feb. 15.
In recognition of Home Bank's investment and long-standing partnership with Ragin' Cajuns Athletics, the Ragin' Cajuns Soccer & Track Facility will now be named the Home Bank Soccer & Track Facility.
A portion of the gift will also go to the annual fund, which provides a world-class experience for Louisiana's student-athletes.
"Home Bank has always been a tremendous supporter of Louisiana Athletics, and this gift is further proof of their commitment to the department and our student-athletes," Vice President for Intercollegiate Dr. Bryan Maggard said. "We are grateful for this impactful investment and look forward to our continued partnership for years to come."
Home Bank has been a lead supporter of the Å·ÃÀÈý¼¶Æ¬ and Louisiana Athletics for more than three decades and has continued to make financial investments in the growth of the Å·ÃÀÈý¼¶Æ¬ and Department of Athletics. John Bordelon, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Home Bank, is a Å·ÃÀÈý¼¶Æ¬ alum and tremendous volunteer, having co-founded the Ragin Cajun Athletic Foundation.
"Home Bank was founded in 1908, just a few years after our outstanding Å·ÃÀÈý¼¶Æ¬. As Acadiana has grown over the last century, the Å·ÃÀÈý¼¶Æ¬ and Home Bank have contributed to that tremendous growth," said John W. Bordelon. "Many of our employees attended UL, and we're proud our institution can continue to support the Å·ÃÀÈý¼¶Æ¬ and its impressive athletic program."
The gift from Home Bank is part of the largest comprehensive fundraising campaign in Å·ÃÀÈý¼¶Æ¬ history.
aims to raise $500 million. Among the campaign's priorities: the renovation and maintenance of training and competition spaces for Ragin' Cajuns student-athletes.
Donor investments in major renovation projects such as enhancements to Cajun Field benefit the regional economy through the expenditure of construction dollars locally. Improvements to Cajun Field are also an opportunity for the Å·ÃÀÈý¼¶Æ¬ to offer the community increased entertainment options during football season and throughout the year.
The new west tower of the renovated facility will feature premium suites, a luxurious club level and club seats, loge boxes, and press box. The premium amenities available to Ragin' Cajuns fans will offer new avenues for their involvement with the football program and the Ragin' Cajuns Athletics Foundation.
Premium suites include indoor private seating as well as available outdoor seating for suite holders and their guests. Other amenities include access to the climate-controlled club area, premium catered food and beverages, the ability to add additional food and drink, and a suite attendant to assist with game day needs.
Loge boxes feature private outdoor seating and come with access to premium parking. Club seats will be assigned outdoor seating with high-quality chairs with armrests and beverage holders. Patrons in the loge boxes and club seats will also have access to the club area and all of its amenities.
The club area will also serve as a dining facility for Louisiana's more than 400 student-athletes throughout the year.
Additional plans for the project include a new videoboard, lights, sound system, renovated west side seating, new east side façade and operational and office spaces for Department of Athletics staff.
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Photo caption: From left are John Bordelon, president and CEO of Home Bank; Dr. Bryan Maggard, vice president for Intercollegiate Athletics; and Dr. Joseph Savoie, UL Lafayette president. (Photo credit: Doug Dugas / Å·ÃÀÈý¼¶Æ¬)