Students of UL-Lafayette are definitely rejoicing after it was announced on Tuesday that student tailgating will return to Cajun Field for the 2019 football season.

The tailgating festivities for Louisiana Ragin Cajuns football had previously been located near the fraternities and sororities which resulted in smaller student turnouts to the actual games in the last couple of seasons. The student tailgate area will be located to the southeast of the facility and feature music, food vendors and activities.

The organization of student tailgating has been a longtime partnership between Louisiana’s Department of Athletics and the University’s Office of Student Engagement & Leadership, with the shared goal of providing a first-class gameday experience and atmosphere for University students.

The time-honored tradition of Cajun Walk, which occurs two hours prior to kickoff, has fans greeting and interacting with the Ragin’ Cajuns upon their arrival to the stadium will be extended to proceed through the student tailgating area starting this season.

Students interested in reserving tailgating space can do so by registering with the Office of Student Engagement & Leadership at a later date.

Students will have free parking available to them in the lot directly east of Cajun Field on a first-come, first-serve basis. Students must show Cajun Card identification to be able to park for free.

The athletics program will be announcing a student fan organization available to all enrolled students at the University, with more coming in the summer months.

-Clint Domingue