Sports in Acadiana
A Way of Life
Sports are a big part of Acadiana’s vibrant community life. We have a fun and lively culture that’s hard to find anywhere else. From the electrifying energy of high school football to the friendly spirit of rec league teams, sports unite people of all ages.
The fall season sees local high school stadiums come alive with excitement, attracting families, friends, and neighbors to cheer on their teams. The marching bands and the thrill of the game create a special atmosphere that’s all Acadiana.
Tailgating before UL Football games is a tradition that’s been around for ages. The Canaille Cajun Crew has been at the same spot for 15 years. What began with a small gathering of six friends has grown to a lively event of up to 80 people as their young families grow. Crew co-founder Jaeden Wallace says, “New faces and Cajun fans are always welcome, but it’s not just about jambalaya and gumbo. It’s the family vibe, the camaraderie, and a chance to catch up with old friends, some you only see yearly at the tailgates.” [TAILGATE PHOTO]
Lafayette Parish has a bunch of awesome facilities that can host all sorts of events, from national to local. We’ve hosted NCAA Baseball and Softball Regionals, USA Olympic Boxing Team Finals, a USA Karate National Championship, and even all levels of the PONY Baseball World Series! Teams come from all over the world, like Mexico, Japan, and the Philippines. [BOXING / BASEBALL PHOTO]
We also offer numerous recreational leagues in Acadiana, ranging from youth soccer, adult softball, soccer, pickleball, and community basketball, catering to all skill levels. It’s a great way for people of all ages to stay active and involved in their community.
Our commitment to quality of life is reflected in our top-tier facilities. We’re always building, maintaining, and expanding them to make sure everyone can enjoy them.
Lafayette Consolidated Government has invested several million dollars to bring Brown Park up to a premier standard. Moore Park is seeing a similar investment, upgrading the back ten fields and adding a new soccer stadium for tournaments and championships. [MOORE PARK SIGN PHOTO]
Youngsville, Scott, Carencro, and Broussard also have turf field complexes that are open every weekend of the year. YSC recently opened a 3000-seat amphitheater to host festivals and concerts. [AMPHITHEATER PHOTO]
In Acadiana, sports and recreation are woven into everyday life. Participation unites us and reminds us of what it means to be part of this wonderful community.
Here are 20 notable sports venues and leagues in and near Acadiana, each offering something for everyone and playing a unique role in our community:
Cajun Field - Home of the UL Ragin' Cajuns football team, where the spirit of Acadiana is on full display during every game.
Cajundome - Host to basketball games, concerts, and a variety of community events.
Tigue Moore Field at Russo Park – Home of UL Ragin Cajun baseball team.
Yvette Girard Field at Lamson Park – Home of the UL Lady Cajun softball team.
Youngsville Sports and Recreation Complex - A premier facility offering fields for soccer, baseball, basketball, pickleball and more, with a 3000-seat amphitheater. It’s a cornerstone for youth sports.
Broussard Sports Complex at St. Julien Park - A premier facility with tennis, soccer, baseball/softball and disc golf. A project is under way to add a roofed pickleball pavilion with 27 courts.
Girard Park – Unofficial flagship of Lafayette Parks and Rec Dept. Home to Festival Acadien et Creole, the park features a 1.25-mile jogging trail, a stocked fishing pond, full size pavilion with restrooms and grill, tennis courts, outdoor volleyball and basketball courts, a 9-hole disc golf course, and an outdoor splash pad.
Moore Park - Known for its soccer fields and vibrant youth leagues. LCG has invested several million in the last two years to upgrade the fields and a new soccer stadium with a turf field.
Lafayette Little League Complex - A place where young athletes learn the fundamentals of baseball and the values of teamwork. More than one team has advanced to the Little League Championship in Williamsport, PA.
Pelican Park - A community favorite for its recreational leagues and events.
Domingue Center – Was Lafayette’s original Recreation Center and is in City Park, which includes Jay and Lionel Hebert Municipal Golf Course, OJ Mouton Swimming Pool; Clark Field - a lighted artificial turf football and soccer stadium. The Center offers a weight room, game room, and an indoor gymnasium.
Comeaux Rec Center - Offers indoor air-conditioned gym space, game room, pickleball courts, soccer fields, ball fields, jogging trail.
Acadiana Park Nature Station - Not just for sports, but also a spot for outdoor activities and nature appreciation.
Beaver Park - Well-lit tennis courts and park with ball fields, pavilion and fishing pond.
Thomas Park - Park with a playground and picnic tables, a basketball court, and tennis courts.
Blackham Coliseum - A historic venue that hosts various sports events and exhibitions.
Planet Ice - The only ice rink in the area, offering a unique venue for ice skating and hockey.
Scott Park - A multi-use park that caters to various recreational activities and sports leagues.
Willow Oaks Equestrian Center - The go-to spot for horse enthusiasts and competitive equestrian events. The center is located just minutes from the Acadiana Mall.
Evangeline Downs- An essential venue for horse racing highlighting the region’s rich cultural heritage.