LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) -- This weekend will be a busy one as the college football season kicks off for the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
The Ragin' Cajuns take on the Grambling State University Tigers on Saturday, Aug. 31, at 7 p.m.
Because this is the first game since the stadium has undergone construction, fans and community members have concerns about stadium seating, parking and beer vendors.
“It’s the first game of another exciting season. We're happy to have everybody back. Obviously looks a little bit different this year," said Sam DeMuzio, the Assistant Director of Athletics for Marketing and Fan Experience.
Grambling Tigers will be seated at the north end zone. Students, alumni and community members will be seated in the area of the student section to the stadium tunnel.
DeMuzio said fans should arrive early to adjust to the new layout and understand the best way to get to their concessions and restrooms.
“I do expect it to get a little crowded, especially if our weather holds up on Saturday night... It's going to be our first game with this new layout. So there are some learning points for everybody," DeMuzio said.
He said the athletics department is expecting many people.
“We know Grambling is going to bring a lot of people. It's a great in-state opponent for us to play,” he said.
He believes if the weather holds up, tens of thousands of people are expected to show up for the game.
“We’re excited. We think we have a great team this year and just everybody in the office is really just ready to get this thing kicked off. I hope fans get here early. The best way to get through this new season and the new operational way of doing things is to get here early and prepare for the weather," he said.
Concerning beer vendors, while there will not be beer hawkers going up and down the aisles, but there will still be beer vendors on site selling their beverages.
“But that's really the only big change our fans will see,” DeMuzio said.
“We will have plenty of grab-and-go stations. Our $2 natural lights are still very available. So besides the beer hawkers, nothing really has changed in terms of how we distribute beer on game day," he continued.
You can find more information about the game, parking, and tickets here.
