Cajundome Convention Center | Lafayette LA

Cajundome – Detailed Overview

Introduction

The Cajundome, located in Lafayette, Louisiana, is the city’s premier arena and convention center. Since opening in 1985, it has served as a hub for entertainment, sports, cultural events, and conventions in Acadiana. Known as “Acadiana’s Grand Arena,” it is not only home to major concerts and family shows but also to the athletic programs of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (UL Lafayette).

Design and Layout

Capacity:

Up to 13,500 seats for concerts.

About 11,500 seats for basketball games.

Adjustable configurations for conventions, trade shows, and smaller gatherings.

Structure: A domed multi-purpose arena, designed to be versatile, with telescopic seating and floor space adaptable for concerts, sporting events, exhibitions, or banquets.

Cajundome Convention Center: An adjoining facility with 37,000 square feet of meeting and ballroom space, used for expos, conferences, weddings, and large banquets.

Uses and Events

The Cajundome hosts a wide variety of events year-round:

Sports

Home to UL Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns men’s and women’s basketball teams.

Hosts high school basketball playoffs, wrestling tournaments, and cheerleading competitions.

Previously hosted hockey (Lafayette IceGators) and indoor football.

Concerts & Entertainment

Major performers across genres, including country, rock, pop, and hip-hop.

Family shows such as circuses, Disney on Ice, and monster truck rallies.

Conventions & Expos

Outdoor and hunting expos, bridal shows, Mardi Gras balls, job fairs, and trade conventions.

Community Events

Graduation ceremonies for area high schools and universities.

Religious gatherings and cultural festivals.

Blood drives, health fairs, and charitable events.

Notable History

Opened: November 1985.

Cost: Built at a cost of $64 million.

Management: Operated by the Cajundome Commission in partnership with UL Lafayette.

Renovations: In 2016, the facility underwent a major renovation, upgrading seating, lighting, sound, and concession areas to modern standards.

Disaster Relief Role: The Cajundome has also served as an emergency shelter, most notably housing thousands of evacuees after Hurricane Katrina (2005).

Amenities

Concessions: Wide variety of food and beverage stands, with regional Cajun food options alongside standard arena fare.

Suites and VIP Areas: Luxury boxes and club seating for premium experiences.

Parking: Large surface lots surrounding the venue.

Accessibility: Fully ADA-compliant with elevators, ramps, and accessible seating.

Location

Address: 444 Cajundome Boulevard, Lafayette, Louisiana.

Setting: Adjacent to the UL Lafayette campus, easily accessible from Interstate 10 and Highway 90.

Visitor Information

Tickets: Available online, at the Cajundome Box Office, and through authorized ticketing outlets.

Timing: Doors usually open one hour before events.

Hotels & Dining: Numerous hotels and restaurants are located nearby, making it convenient for visitors attending multi-day events or conventions.

Significance

The Cajundome has become a symbol of Lafayette’s cultural and sporting identity, uniting the community through entertainment, university pride, and large-scale events. Its dual role as an arena and a convention center ensures that it remains one of Louisiana’s most versatile and heavily used venues outside of New Orleans.

The Cajundome is more than an arena-it is a cultural gathering space for Acadiana, blending sports, music, and community life under one dome.