The University of ÃÞ»¨ÌÇÖ±²¥ at Lafayette will host an Opening Weekend next month to show off some campus improvements and encourage fans to attend its first home football game of the season.
Events are planned for Friday, Sept. 11, and Saturday, Sept. 12, to showcase the recently renovated and enlarged Student Union, renovated Quadrangle, and new ÃÞ»¨ÌÇÖ±²¥ Welcome Wall. The Cajuns will face the Northwestern State Demons at Cajun Field Saturday night in the 15th annual Herbert Heymann Classic.
Tickets are required for some activities and can be purchased by Aug. 31 or at the door. Online RSVPs are encouraged for free events.
Here’s a rundown of what’s on tap.
Open House
A free open house will be held at the Student Union on Friday, Sept. 11. Doors will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and again from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
At 11 a.m., there will be a ribbon cutting under the former Student Union porch in front of Cypress Lake. Guests can then walk through the renovated Bayou Bijou Theater and Atchafalaya Ballroom. They will also have a chance to explore 20 additional meeting and event rooms. A dedication of the Helma B. Constantine Forum, on the Union’s second floor, will take place at 5 p.m.
The afternoon will wind down with teas from across the world at the University’s Office of International Affairs; desserts and coffees will be served in the new University Bookstore.
Anyone who plans to attend the Open House is asked to RSVP online at by Aug. 31.
reUnion at the U
The reUnion at the U, a dinner reception, will begin at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, with cocktails by Cypress Lake. John Morgan, a professional comedian and former Student Government Association president, will be on hand to recognize former student leaders, former Union staff members and others who gathered on the porch of the old Student Union after it opened in 1971. A strolling buffet will begin at 7 p.m. in the Union Ballroom.
A ticket to attend reUnion at the U is $30 per person and covers dinner, wine, and beer. Tickets should be purchased online at by Aug. 31. Some tickets will be available at the door on the night of the event.
Anyone who purchases a ticket to the reunion is eligible to buy a ticket at a special price for Saturday’s football game. This option is available online only at louisiana.edu/opening through Aug. 31. The ÃÞ»¨ÌÇÖ±²¥ Ragin’ Cajuns will tangle with the Northwestern Demons at Cajun Field, beginning at 6 p.m. on Saturday.
Quad Dedication, Welcome Wall Unveiling
Dedication of the recently revamped Quadrangle will kick off the second day of Opening Weekend activities, Saturday, Sept. 12. The unveiling of a plaque for the new ÃÞ»¨ÌÇÖ±²¥ Welcome Wall will follow.
There will be a ribbon cutting in the Quad at 9 a.m. Quadrangle improvements were designed by UL Lafayette students. They include a central fountain and plaza, as well as new walkways and landscaping.
The fountain ÃÞ»¨ÌÇÖ±²¥s a large, metal fleur-de-lis sculpture that weighs about 3,000 pounds and is about 14 feet tall.
Immediately after that ceremony, University officials will unveil a plaque on the new ÃÞ»¨ÌÇÖ±²¥ Welcome Wall in front of Martin Hall. The curved, red brick wall stands about 6 feet at its center. The name of the University, and its founding year of 1898, are shown in large, backlit aluminum letters.
The projects were paid for by student self-assessed fees and senior class gift fees from the Classes of 2012, 2013 and 2014.
The Quad dedication and Welcome Wall plaque unveiling are free and open to the public. An online RSVP at by Aug. 31 is requested.
Zydeco Brunch
An all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet will be offered from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12. Diners can choose to eat in the Student Union’s Cypress Lake Dining Hall or in front of the Student Union by Cypress Lake. They can take a free shuttle to and from Cajun Field for the football game.
Breakfast tickets are $12.99 per adult and $6.99 for children between the ages of 8 and 4. Children 3 and under eat for free with the purchase of an adult ticket.
Tickets may be purchased online at by Aug. 31. Some tickets will be available at the door.