The University of Louisiana Lafayette Ragin Cajuns received funding for a new stadium project with Our Lady of Lourdes claiming naming rights.
On Tuesday, UL Lafayette Athletics announced that Lourdes would be providing $15 million in funding for their stadium renovation project.
With that funding, Lourdes also secured naming rights to the new stadium upon its completion. Fans will be watching the Ragin Cajuns football team on Cajun Field at Our Lady of Lourdes Stadium, officials said.
UL Lafayette and Our Lady of Lourdes have been partnering since 1980, creating scholarships for athletes and supporting athletic programs with medical teams and health services.
This September will mark 50 years since the first game at Cajun Field, University of Louisiana at Lafayette President Dr. Joseph Savoie said at the presser.
"It is appropriate that the name references a miracle. It pays tribute to the a organization that have played a huge part in the university," Savoie said.
He thanked healthcare workers, including those at Lourdes, for their continued work through the pandemic. Cajun Feild will reopen to fans this fall season.
The gift, Lourdes says was made possible through board funding. "This gift is terrific for the community," President and CEO Kathleen Healy-Collier said.
"We will attract new students, businesses and investments in our community," Healy-Collier said "As our university succeeds, we all rise together."
UL Head Coach Billy Napier says that this partnership will impact people and create remarkable opportunities. "We are here to celebrate a great partnership. When my program has needed help, Lourdes has met our needs."
Napier says the renovation project will change the experience for all Ragin Cajuns.
This is the largest investment Lourdes has made to the university, many saying it is a historical moment.
A timeline on when renovations begin or be completed on the stadium was not provided
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