LAFAYETTE, LA (AP) — Lafayette's Cajundome is preparing for its most extensive renovation in three decades. A $20 million makeover will bring new seating, new lights, a rejuvenated roof and host of other upgrades.
Cajundome Director Greg Davis says the facility will close in May 2016 for the six-month renovation project and reopen in December.
Plans call for replacing the original 10,000 seats and adding 1,000 seats to bring capacity for concerts up to 11,000.
The Advocate’s Richard Burgess reports the bulk of the roughly $20 million project price tag is for the seating and related structural changes, lighting and renovations to restroom and lobby areas.
The bulk of the roughly $20 million project price tag is for the seating and related structural changes, lighting and renovations to restroom and lobby areas.
About $1.2 million will be used to clean and seal the Cajundome's massive roof, washing away the mildew that has darkened the dome and bringing back its original pinkish hue, Davis said.
Arenas now are not designed based on what people see when they walk in. They are designed based on what happens when live events occur," Davis said. "The lights that hit the stage will be totally focused on the stage and not bleed into the seats. It's going to be a much more spectacular experience."
In all, it will be the biggest upgrade in the Cajundome's history.
The only comparable project would be the $18 million addition of the Cajundome Convention Center, which opened next to the Cajundome in 2002.
"Nothing would even come close to what we are doing now," Davis said.
