Every fall, colleges across the country celebrate Homecoming. Alumni come back to their alma mater, fans drive from hours away to catch the big game, and the university itself spends all year planning events to make it one of the best weekends of the year.
For the Louisiana Ragin Cajuns, the 2023 edition of Homecoming will take on a whole new meaning, as 2023 is the 125th anniversary of the university’s founding in 1898.
Events like the Bill Bass Open, the annual homecoming parade, and the Louisiana Athletics Hall of Fame induction are just a few of the events planned around campus and in Lafayette this week.
“UL has a homecoming tradition that is second to none,” Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Bryan Maggard said. “One can feel a unique buzz throughout the entire week that culminates in one of the most special Saturdays of the year.”
One of the greatest things about homecoming week is bringing back memories for people who have been involved with the university for decades.
“Every time Homecoming rolls around, I am reminded of my first Homecoming game,” Jay Walker, the Voice of the Cajuns since 2002, said this week. “I was doing live cut-ins with highlights for KADN-15, which was an independent station at the time. That was the game where the Cajuns trailed Northeast Louisiana (now ULM) 26-0 at the half and roared back to win 40-26. I love Homecoming from a professional standpoint because it seems fans have an extra bit of pep in their step on that day. And, for those who haven’t been back in a while, I’m sure it’s very special. Makes me wish I was an alumnus.”
One of the key events of the weekend is the Hall of Fame ceremonies the night before the homecoming game. Every year, eight members are selected to join the Louisiana Athletics Hall of Fame. This year, a variety of players, coaches, and administrators are being inducted for what will surely be a special night.
“In a word, this year’s class is elite,” Maggard said. “Each individual represents an era of greatness for Louisiana Athletics to include student-athletes, coaches, and administrators. We could not have a better class for the 125th-anniversary celebration of our University.”
Homecoming is also an opportunity to honor the players and teams that came before you. Louisiana has decided to wear a throwback look for Saturday’s nationally televised contest, as the uniform features a white helmet with a red facemask and a red Cajuns script wordmark, red jerseys that spell Cajuns across the front in an ode to the teams of the 1990s, and white striped pants with a fleur-de-lis on the hip.
“The throwback uniforms for this game are great,” Walker said. ” They bring back tons of memories for long-time fans. This year’s jersey goes back to my early days covering the Cajuns.”
“This year’s homecoming uniforms are the best we’ve displayed since I’ve been here,” Maggard said. “The vintage jersey along with the white helmets with the script Cajuns accentuates the essence of homecoming, which is the incorporation of tradition with a modern flare.”
The matchup taking place on the field is one of significance as well, with the Louisiana Ragin Cajuns hosting the Georgia State Panthers in a nationally televised game on ESPNU.
“As a University, we cannot put a value on the exposure national television provides,” Maggard said. “To have our brand marketed for 3 plus hours elevates not only our football program and athletics department but also the entire institution. A platform like ESPNU provides the opportunity for the University of Louisiana to be seen in more than 60 million households.”
Homecoming is a great time for fans and alumni alike. Good football, parades, and some of the best tailgating in the South. With a full schedule of events throughout the week, students will have tons of exciting opportunities to get involved and prepare themselves for a great contest Saturday night against Georgia State.
Whether you’re a graduate of the university or just a Lafayette resident, grab your friends and family and experience Homecoming with a Cajun flair this weekend.
“Embrace everything homecoming has to offer,” Dr. Maggard said. “UL is an economic engine for our community and homecoming week is the perfect opportunity to celebrate, partake, and enjoy all the events the University provides. Saturday will be an all-day festival between tailgating, the parade, and a nationally televised football game. We need a packed house both on our footprint during the day and inside Cajun Field on Saturday night!”
Kickoff from Cajun Field at Our Lady of Lourdes Stadium is set for 7:00 p.m. between the 4-2 Ragin Cajuns and the 5-1 Panthers.