You may not actually see it now, but work is well underway for Phase I of the Athletics Department Master Plan for UL's Cajun Field and the new year will bring big changes to Cajun Field.

The first phase will add a performance center that will be adjacent to the indoor facility and encompass the coaches offices and a weight room. Phase I will also upgrade the track and soccer facilities, and expand seating at Cajun Field. The changes at Cajun Field, in Phase I, include adding seats in the south end zone above the tunnel and adding bathrooms and a concession area. University officials say this will bring seating capacity to around the 45,000 mark.

Actual construction on Phase I should begin in February. It is expected to be complete by the fall and the start of the 2014 football season.

Funding for Phase I is in place. Officials say they are working now on funding for the second phase of the athletics department master plan which includes taking down the upper tier of seating at Cajun Field and reconstructing an upper deck, adding a 6 to 8 story building on that side of the stadium to include the Hall of Fame, administrative offices, a memorabilia and apparel shop and other facilities.

They will look to several sources for that funding, including the Ragin' Cajuns Athletics Foundation made up of supporters of the University of Louisiana and its athletic programs.

Donations to RCAF are tax deductible. Talk to your tax professional for further details and limitations.

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