[Ragin9221]

I have been saying for years there needs to be a first come first serve free TG area for the casual fan. That said area should not be with in the gates of OLOL at Cajun Field.

Why not if the space is not being utilized? I never see the NEZ ever filled up on game day?

[Cajun Pop]

It’s around $500 per game to tailgate now with just RCAF and cost of spot. You are automatically ruling out A LOT of potential customers at that price point.

I got 2 spots and I think my total was 500 for the year.

[Cajun Pop]

I agree for the most part. They could charge a premium for those that want to tailgate closer to the stadium and are willing to pay for that privilege and reduce the cost the further away you get from the stadium. Make some tailgating spots free on a first come first serve bases in areas farthest from the stadium. This would satisfy those that want to pay for a reserved spot in an area they want or can afford and give others a chance to come early, grab a spot and spend the day at OLOL Stadium (Cajun Field).

I have been saying for years there needs to be a first come first serve free TG area for the casual fan. That said area should not be with in the gates of OLOL at Cajun Field.

[JMV Just My View]

How about this for folks who want to tailgate, but don't have the means (,or interest) in RCAF. Package this per game..$30 Tailgate, 4 End zone tickets..$60.. parking $10. $100. Buy the entire season, less a 10% incentive for taking a year...$540..use a buy now, pay later app like Affirm to break into 4 affordable payments, no interest.

Sounds very reasonable.

[JMV Just My View]

One of the problems is the overall pricing. I agree with having some tiered pricing as we know that some areas are more valuable than others due to size and location, and what has been in the past just the overall condition of the spots when it rains.

However, when the paid model for all areas went into effect around 2008, we still had waiting lists of 50+. Because pricing was reasonable. I think we all knew that some pricing had to change. But did all of it need to change. You had the 30x30 spots near the stadium paying the same as the old 20x20 spots in a ditch along Bertrand (across from Agave/CVS). Last we checked when we gave up our spot about 4 years ago was that it was costing us over $1,500 for a spot with the TG fee, RCAF donation, TG pass fee, and the tickets just to have the spot.

What previous administration and fundraisers did not understand was by driving up these costs as thinking this was the only way to make money, has actually driven the crowds away to now there are many available spots, meaning lack of money coming in, and also a less fun and exciting atmosphere with the empty tailgating areas.

While those prime spots need that tiered fees and they are prime time real estate for tailgating, some of those areas can be set back to $250 a season or something. Bringing them lower (not free) makes it back to affordable and starts getting those people back. While they need to let people out the back of their vehicles to some extent, I don’t think the free grass area make complete sense as I remember when those areas were free, there were many more issues security-wise that needed more controls. So at least create a way that makes it affordable.

Maybe do a $50 a game to get a 20x20 spot. So you got a spot but can just show up for the game.

Admin/fundraisers need to stop thinking of these areas as lost revenue when dropping the prices. Because they are getting $0 now. Lower them to something that people can do. Because 50x$50 is $2,500 more than you made by not selling any.

This guy gets it. Lower pricing, not free!

[crazycajun]

How about this for folks who want to tailgate, but don't have the means (,or interest) in RCAF. Package this per game..$30 Tailgate, 4 End zone tickets..$60.. parking $10. $100. Buy the entire season, less a 10% incentive for taking a year...$540..use a buy now, pay later app like Affirm to break into 4 affordable payments, no interest.

Just get people there, the money will come. You will never get the money if people don’t show up with their wallets to begin with.

[Fan of 71]

How about this for folks who want to tailgate, but don't have the means (,or interest) in RCAF. Package this per game..$30 Tailgate, 4 End zone tickets..$60.. parking $10. $100. Buy the entire season, less a 10% incentive for taking a year...$540..use a buy now, pay later app like Affirm to break into 4 affordable payments, no interest.

[crazycajun]

There are lower entry points (much lower) but I don't get the RCAF plus tailgating fee.

Make tailgating free with RCAF.

Using your price $3000 a season.

$3,000 RCAF automatic tailgating if claimed.

OR $3,000 to tailgate that automatically converts to RCAF membership, so that the next season it is RCAF and free tailgating.

Again there are much cheaper tiers.

Ours is $2500 RCAF and $500 for the spot. Some spots are $5000 RCAF.

[Turbine]

It’s around $500 per game to tailgate now with just RCAF and cost of spot. You are automatically ruling out A LOT of potential customers at that price point.

There are lower entry points (much lower) but I don't get the RCAF plus tailgating fee.

Make tailgating free with RCAF.

Using your price $3000 a season.

$3,000 RCAF automatic tailgating if claimed.

OR $3,000 to tailgate that automatically converts to RCAF membership, so that the next season it is RCAF and free tailgating.

Again there are much cheaper tiers.

[crazycajun]

It’s around $500 per game to tailgate now with just RCAF and cost of spot. You are automatically ruling out A LOT of potential customers at that price point.

[Turbine]

Agree

The most valuable real-estate is actually worthless if it becomes unsellable.

Don't let it slide into unsellable

[Cajun Forever]

One of the problems is the overall pricing. I agree with having some tiered pricing as we know that some areas are more valuable than others due to size and location, and what has been in the past just the overall condition of the spots when it rains.

However, when the paid model for all areas went into effect around 2008, we still had waiting lists of 50+. Because pricing was reasonable. I think we all knew that some pricing had to change. But did all of it need to change. You had the 30x30 spots near the stadium paying the same as the old 20x20 spots in a ditch along Bertrand (across from Agave/CVS). Last we checked when we gave up our spot about 4 years ago was that it was costing us over $1,500 for a spot with the TG fee, RCAF donation, TG pass fee, and the tickets just to have the spot.

What previous administration and fundraisers did not understand was by driving up these costs as thinking this was the only way to make money, has actually driven the crowds away to now there are many available spots, meaning lack of money coming in, and also a less fun and exciting atmosphere with the empty tailgating areas.

While those prime spots need that tiered fees and they are prime time real estate for tailgating, some of those areas can be set back to $250 a season or something. Bringing them lower (not free) makes it back to affordable and starts getting those people back. While they need to let people out the back of their vehicles to some extent, I don’t think the free grass area make complete sense as I remember when those areas were free, there were many more issues security-wise that needed more controls. So at least create a way that makes it affordable.

Maybe do a $50 a game to get a 20x20 spot. So you got a spot but can just show up for the game.

Admin/fundraisers need to stop thinking of these areas as lost revenue when dropping the prices. Because they are getting $0 now. Lower them to something that people can do. Because 50x$50 is $2,500 more than you made by not selling any.

[Turbine]

There seems to be quite a bit of unnecessary bitching in this thread.

I think of it as dead end suggestions.

[Ragin9221]

You know it. People griping about paying $200 for a tailgate spot. Saying they’re overpriced. Where’s my free stuff? SMH

Nobody is asking for “free stuff.” What we’re talking about is fan accessibility and revenue growth. A free tailgating zone isn’t a handout it’s a strategy. When you make tailgating easier for regular fans, more people show up, stay longer, and spend money on food, drinks, merch, and tickets.

Right now, empty tailgate spots make $0.
A free or low‑cost fan zone brings in hundreds of dollars per spot through vendors and increased attendance.

This isn’t about avoiding a $200 fee. It’s about UL creating an environment where casual fans actually want to come back. If the goal is to grow the fanbase and increase revenue, you have to make game day more accessible not more exclusive.

That’s the whole point.

[Turbine]

You know it. People griping about paying $200 for a tailgate spot. Saying they’re overpriced. Where’s my free stuff? SMH

$200 should be at or near one of the RCAF membership entry points. As with all other RCAF memberships it should come with tailgating offerings.

$200 should not be a tailgate price alone

Tailgate price freezes you, membership has room for growth, contact and connections.

ps it should never be RCAF plus extra tailgating money (the model they have now)