CAJUNDOME Convention Center: Plan Your Event Visit
Going to a trade show, concert, graduation, sports event or conference at the CAJUNDOME? Find the right venue entrance, parking lot, upcoming events, clear-bag rules, nearby hotels and accessible facilities before you leave home.
Lafayette, LA 70506
Venue and guest services
Some events require a pass or payment.
Tickets and accessible seating
First-time visitor tip: The CAJUNDOME arena and Convention Center share a campus but are not the same event space. Check your ticket or invitation for the correct building, entrance, event date and arrival instructions. A convention-center expo may have different doors and admission rules from an arena concert.
Upcoming CAJUNDOME Events in 2026
The CAJUNDOME complex hosts public expos, concerts, Ragin’ Cajuns basketball, markets, graduations and private events. The following dates were listed on the official events calendar during the October 25, 2026 review. Some take place in the arena rather than the Convention Center.
Consumer exhibition listed for October 23–25. The official calendar lists a 10:00 AM start on October 25.
Exhibition basketball game. Scheduled for 6:00 PM at the CAJUNDOME.
Upcoming college basketball event. Ticket release information was listed as pending.
Seasonal shopping market. Confirm admission hours and entry requirements in the event listing.
Live concert with a published 7:00 PM start time.
Multi-day state volleyball competition. Individual session admission and entry times may differ.
Holiday-season market spanning three days. Check the event page for admission and daily schedules.
Event information changes: These are selected listings, not a permanent or complete calendar. Public shows can be added or rescheduled, and private conventions may not be publicly listed. Always match your event’s name and date.
How to find and buy tickets
- Open the official events list.
Go to cajundome.com/events.
- Select your event.
Match the event name, date and venue type. Use the Convention Center filter when looking for exhibitions rather than arena events.
- Read the event details.
Check start time, admission category, age requirements, ticket availability, bag rules and any organizer instructions.
- Use the authorized ticket link.
Public events commonly link to Ticketmaster or another authorized organizer-controlled sales channel. Athletic ticketing may use university ticketing services.
- Keep your confirmation.
Save the mobile ticket or registration confirmation and check your assigned entrance before traveling.
A free-admission expo may not require the same checkout process as a ticketed concert. Do not purchase from an unrelated reseller when the event organizer offers direct registration.
CAJUNDOME Convention Center Parking: Free Lots, Gates & Overflow
Parking is complimentary for most CAJUNDOME and Convention Center events. However, special concerts, major events, university athletics and football game days may have reserved lots, permits or charges.
On-site spaces around the complex.
Credit-card-only purchase under the venue’s published football parking policy.
Valid placard or disabled license plate required.
Blackham Coliseum may also be used for large events.
Which parking area should you use?
| Area | When to use it | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| CAJUNDOME perimeter lots | Typical concerts, conventions, expos and public events. | Generally complimentary unless your event publishes different instructions. |
| Gate 12 lots | Designated pass holders and eligible accessible vehicles during major events. | Parking passes must be displayed when required. |
| Cajun Field | Overflow arrangements, some athletic events and the Cajun Heartland State Fair. | Football parking restrictions and payment rules can be different. |
| Blackham Coliseum | Additional overflow parking when activated for large events. | Do not assume this overflow area is open every day. |
Parking in five practical steps
- Check the event type.
Concert, convention, basketball game, university football event or fair parking rules may differ.
- Review event-specific access.
Check whether your event requires a parking pass or restricts Gate 12.
- Navigate to the correct campus.
Use 444 Cajundome Boulevard for the venue, then follow signs for your designated lot.
- Park only in marked spaces.
Do not park on sidewalks, grass, tree roots or restricted areas unless clearly authorized.
- Remember your parking location.
Save the lot or gate designation and follow the designated pedestrian path to your entrance.
If you regularly attend conventions in different cities, parking arrangements can vary significantly. Our convention center parking garage comparison explains how rates, payment methods and re-entry policies differ between venues; those rates do not apply to CAJUNDOME.
CAJUNDOME Convention Center Map, Address & Directions
Address: 444 Cajundome Boulevard, Lafayette, Louisiana 70506.
The complex sits in Lafayette near the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and Cajun Field, approximately 2.5 miles from Interstate 10.
Driving from nearby Louisiana areas
| Starting area | Practical route |
|---|---|
| Baton Rouge | Travel west on I-10. Take Exit 100 toward Ambassador Caffery Parkway, continue toward Bertrand Drive, then use West Congress Street and Cajundome Boulevard. |
| Lake Charles | Travel east on I-10 to Exit 100, follow Ambassador Caffery Parkway/Bertrand Drive, turn onto West Congress Street, then Cajundome Boulevard. |
| Alexandria | Follow I-49 south toward Lafayette, continue to Johnston Street (US-167), then turn toward Cajundome Boulevard. |
| Houma / Thibodaux | Follow the US-90 corridor toward Lafayette, then use University Avenue and Johnston Street to reach Cajundome Boulevard. |
These are broad approaches published in University of Louisiana at Lafayette visitor directions. Check live road conditions and the exact exit or turning instructions in navigation before driving.
Uber, Lyft, taxi and passenger drop-off
The venue identifies a passenger drop-off and pick-up area accessed from Reinhardt Drive near Gate 12, beside the Convention Center. Drivers must not wait or leave unattended vehicles in the pickup area. Follow event-specific traffic instructions when gates or roads are controlled.
Flying into Lafayette
Lafayette Regional Airport (LFT) is the local commercial airport. Visitors can arrange a rental car, taxi, rideshare or hotel transportation, depending on availability. The venue does not advertise a universal free airport shuttle for all attendees.
If arriving by air, check hotel shuttle availability before booking. Some airport-area hotels advertise their own airport transportation, but the availability, hours and reservation rules differ by property.
Clear Bag Policy, Prohibited Items & Entry Rules
The CAJUNDOME publishes a clear-bag policy for arena and Convention Center events. Bags may be searched at entry, and individual events may have additional requirements.
| Bag or item | Published rule |
|---|---|
| Clear plastic bag | Maximum 12 × 12 × 6 inches. |
| One-gallon clear storage bag | Permitted subject to screening. |
| Small clutch or purse | Venue general guidance lists a small non-clear clutch under 5 × 7 × 1 inches; specific event pages sometimes publish different small-purse limits. Use the more restrictive applicable event instruction. |
| Medical equipment bag | Permitted for necessary medical items, subject to screening. |
| Diaper bag | Exception for age-appropriate children accompanied by an adult. |
| Backpack, duffel or large purse | Generally prohibited. |
| Tinted or patterned plastic bag | Not accepted as a clear bag. |
Other items to leave behind
Venue rules restrict outside food and drinks, glass or metal containers, weapons, illegal drugs, fireworks, laser pointers, coolers, unauthorized recording equipment and other prohibited objects. Event production requirements may add restrictions on signs, cameras or other belongings.
Payment at the venue
CAJUNDOME announced a transition to cashless payments at its box office and event concessions beginning January 1, 2025. Bring an accepted electronic payment method and check your event’s current payment rules. Parking arrangements for certain athletic events may have their own payment requirements.
Hotels Near CAJUNDOME Convention Center
If your conference, concert or expo extends over multiple days, staying close to the venue can simplify arrival and reduce the need for repeated parking trips. These Lafayette-area hotels appear in the CAJUNDOME’s official hotel recommendations.
Hilton Garden Inn Lafayette/Cajundome
Address: 2350 West Congress Street, Lafayette, LA 70506.
Phone: 337-291-1977
Located immediately next to the CAJUNDOME area. A particularly convenient option for visitors who prefer to walk rather than drive between their hotel and the venue.
Best for: Conference attendees, event staff and guests attending consecutive event days.
DoubleTree by Hilton Lafayette
Address: 1521 West Pinhook Road, Lafayette, LA 70503.
Phone: 337-235-6111
Hotel along the Vermilion River, convenient for broader Lafayette visits, business trips and visitors who plan to drive or arrange transportation to the event.
Best for: Travelers combining an event with additional time in Lafayette.
Courtyard Lafayette Airport
Address: 214 East Kaliste Saloom Road, Lafayette, LA 70508.
Phone: 337-232-5005
Suitable for visitors prioritizing Lafayette Regional Airport access, business facilities and a short drive to the convention complex.
Best for: Air travelers and business visitors with a rental car.
Homewood Suites Lafayette Airport
Address: 201 Kaliste Saloom Road, Lafayette, LA 70508.
Phone: 337-264-6044
All-suite lodging with kitchen-oriented accommodation and airport-area access. Useful when attending a multiday conference or working an exhibition.
Best for: Multi-night stays and attendees who need extra living space.
Which hotel should you choose?
| Your priority | Recommended starting point |
|---|---|
| Walk to CAJUNDOME | Hilton Garden Inn Lafayette/Cajundome. |
| Stay near Lafayette airport | Courtyard Lafayette Airport. |
| Longer business stay | Homewood Suites Lafayette Airport. |
| Full-service hotel away from immediate venue congestion | DoubleTree by Hilton Lafayette. |
Before reserving your room
- Compare the total nightly price after taxes and fees.
- Confirm parking charges, especially if you have a rental car.
- Check whether the hotel offers a convention or event room block.
- Ask whether airport or venue transportation must be booked in advance.
- Verify the actual walking or driving route rather than relying solely on straight-line distance.
- Review cancellation deadlines and accessible room availability.
Hotel prices and availability change by event date. No fixed nightly hotel rate is represented here.
Accessibility: Parking, Wheelchairs, Seating & Assistance
CAJUNDOME publishes accessibility services for guests with disabilities, including accessible parking, elevators, restrooms, seating, listening assistance and service animals.
| Service | What visitors need to know |
|---|---|
| Accessible parking | Designated spaces in CAJUNDOME and Cajun Field lots. First come, first served; valid placard or license plate required. |
| Passenger drop-off | Gate 12 near the Convention Center is a designated drop-off and pickup location. |
| Convention Center elevator | Located at the north end of the Convention Center building. |
| Convention Center escalator | Located in the south lobby. |
| Accessible restrooms | The venue states its public restrooms are wheelchair-accessible. |
| Hearing assistance | Assistive listening devices may be available. Contact the venue for arrangements. |
| Sign-language interpretation | Request at least 15 business days before the event. Service is subject to event and performer approval. |
| Service animals | Recognized service animals are permitted under the venue’s published accessibility policy. |
How to arrange accessible accommodations
- Identify the service you need.
Examples include accessible seating, a wheelchair-accessible route, hearing assistance or sign-language interpretation.
- Contact Facility Services.
Call 337-265-2100 and give the event name, date and accommodation requirements.
- Request accessible tickets where applicable.
For ticketed seating, explain your seating requirements to the box office at 337-265-2104.
- Confirm arrival arrangements.
Ask which parking gate and entrance to use, particularly for guests with limited mobility.
Arena seating note: The venue lists accessible seating near the upper portions of Sections 108–112, 116 and 120–124 for applicable arena configurations. These are arena seating references, not numbered Convention Center meeting-room locations.
Convention Center Layout, Exhibit Halls & Meeting Capacity
CAJUNDOME Convention Center serves exhibitions, meetings, banquets, trade shows, community events and private functions. It is separate from the larger arena, which supports sports and major concerts.
The venue’s published planning guide provides the following exhibit-space specifications. This is an older venue guide, so these are useful historical planning references rather than guaranteed 2026 room capacities or current rental quotations.
| Space | Published area | Theater capacity | Banquet capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Halls A & B combined | 37,303 sq ft | 3,724 | 1,500 |
| Exhibit Hall A | 13,996 sq ft | 1,224 | 528 |
| Exhibit Hall B | 23,250 sq ft | 2,088 | 960 |
Source: CAJUNDOME Convention Center Venue & Service Guide. The same historical guide identifies a 30-foot exhibit-hall ceiling height. Exact usable square footage, fire-code capacities and layouts must be confirmed for the proposed configuration. Some figures in the published guide differ slightly between tables and floor-plan labels.
Other meeting spaces
The venue floor-plan materials identify meeting and conference rooms named for Acadiana parishes, including Vermilion, St. Mary, St. Martin, St. Landry, Iberia, Evangeline and Acadia. The Convention Center also includes service areas, meeting support rooms and loading access.
Arena versus Convention Center
| Facility | Typical use | Capacity considerations |
|---|---|---|
| CAJUNDOME Arena | Concerts, basketball, major entertainment, large gatherings. | The current visitor guide describes adjustable capacity of approximately 4,500–13,000. |
| Convention Center | Expos, trade shows, meetings, receptions, consumer markets and conferences. | Current visitor information gives an adjustable range of 20–2,000, depending on configuration; historical hall setup charts show larger theater-style figures. |
For events with trade-show booths, large tables or elaborate production equipment, a simple maximum-capacity number is not enough. The organizer must account for aisle clearances, staging, fire exits, accessibility routes, catering and other layout requirements.
How to Book CAJUNDOME Convention Center for an Event
Businesses, associations, community groups and private organizers can inquire about renting Convention Center facilities. The venue handles rental arrangements, event layouts and support-service coordination.
Information to prepare before contacting the venue
- Event name and type: Expo, trade show, meeting, banquet, wedding or other event.
- Preferred date: Include alternative dates and setup/breakdown days.
- Expected attendance: Total visitors and peak simultaneous occupancy.
- Requested space: Exhibit Hall A, Hall B, combined space or meeting room.
- Floor setup: Theater, classroom, banquet, exhibition booths or custom arrangement.
- Equipment: Audio, projection, lighting, stage, networking and other production requirements.
- Food service: Catering and concession expectations.
- Loading: Vendor shipments, delivery vehicles, booth installation and removal needs.
- Budget: Facility rental plus required staffing and operational services.
Venue booking steps
- Decide which facility you need.
For conventions, trade shows and meetings, start with Convention Center rental. Arena events may involve a different booking configuration.
- Review the floor plans.
Estimate whether your proposed booths, tables, seating and presentation space can fit.
- Contact venue sales.
Call the main venue office at 337-265-2100 and request the meetings, conferences and expos rental team.
- Request date availability and a quotation.
Ask for the full price including facility rental, labor, setup, equipment, cleanup, security and required service providers.
- Review contractual details.
Check insurance, payment dates, cancellations, vendor requirements, event operating hours and deposit conditions.
- Confirm the booking directly.
Complete the venue’s required agreement and payment process only after receiving the official terms.
Useful Services & Event-Day Checklist
Onsite services
- Restrooms: Available throughout the arena and Convention Center.
- Elevators and escalators: Available in designated parts of the facilities.
- ATM: The venue identifies an ATM in the Convention Center south lobby, among other campus locations.
- Guest assistance: Call 337-265-2100 for venue-related visitor questions.
- Lost and found: Report a missing item to a CAJUNDOME employee or contact Facility Services after the event.
- Food and refreshments: Availability depends on the event and its catering or concession setup.
- Security: Bag inspections and searches may be required at entry.
Before leaving home
- Confirm event date, start time and which building hosts the event.
- Save the event ticket, badge or registration confirmation.
- Check whether parking is free or restricted for your event.
- Use an approved clear bag and leave prohibited belongings behind.
- Bring an accepted cashless payment method.
- Choose your parking gate or accessible drop-off arrangement.
- Check local weather and allow extra time for event traffic.
- Keep the venue phone number available if you need assistance.
CAJUNDOME Convention Center: 10 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is the CAJUNDOME Convention Center located?
CAJUNDOME and Convention Center is at 444 Cajundome Boulevard, Lafayette, Louisiana 70506, near Cajun Field and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. The main telephone number is 337-265-2100.
2. Is parking free at CAJUNDOME Convention Center?
Parking is complimentary for most events. Major concerts, athletic events and certain reserved lots may require parking passes or paid entry. The published University of Louisiana football grass-lot price is $10 with credit-card-only payment.
3. Where can I find upcoming CAJUNDOME events?
The official events calendar at cajundome.com/events lists public concerts, sports, markets and exhibitions. Select the event to check dates, admission and ticket information. Private events may not appear publicly.
4. Which hotel is closest to CAJUNDOME Convention Center?
Hilton Garden Inn Lafayette/Cajundome at 2350 West Congress Street is immediately adjacent to the CAJUNDOME area and is a convenient walking-distance option. Confirm the pedestrian route and room availability before booking.
5. What is the CAJUNDOME clear bag policy?
The venue generally allows a clear bag no larger than 12 × 12 × 6 inches, a one-gallon clear storage bag, or an appropriately sized small clutch. Medical-equipment and qualifying diaper-bag exceptions apply. Check your event’s current rules because small-purse limits can differ.
6. Is CAJUNDOME Convention Center wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The venue publishes accessible parking, restrooms, elevators and other accommodations. Contact Facility Services at 337-265-2100 to confirm arrangements for your particular event.
7. How many people can the CAJUNDOME Convention Center hold?
The venue’s visitor guide describes a configurable Convention Center capacity range of 20–2,000, depending on the setup. Historical exhibit-hall planning charts show larger theater-style configurations. Ask the venue for the approved capacity for your specific room and layout.
8. Can I leave and re-enter a CAJUNDOME ticketed event?
Generally, no. The published rule states that visitors leaving the arena or Convention Center cannot re-enter unless they possess an unused ticket. Specific organizers may provide additional event instructions.
9. How do I book CAJUNDOME Convention Center for a private event?
Prepare your preferred dates, estimated attendance, event type, room setup and technical needs. Contact the venue at 337-265-2100 and ask for the appropriate event sales team to obtain availability and a current itemized quotation.
10. Where is the accessible passenger drop-off at CAJUNDOME?
The venue designates a drop-off and pickup location near Gate 12 on Reinhardt Drive, beside the Convention Center. Vehicles cannot remain waiting or parked in the drop-off zone. Confirm event-specific access requirements in advance.
Official Resources & Contact Information
| What you need | Official resource |
|---|---|
| Current event listings | CAJUNDOME Events |
| Parking arrangements | Parking & Lot Map |
| Driving and drop-off directions | Getting Here |
| Bag and prohibited-item policies | Know Before You Go |
| Accessible accommodations | Accessibility |
| Lodging recommendations | Hotels |
| Venue room and hall layouts | Event Floor Plans |
Main office: 337-265-2100
Box office: 337-265-2104
Published administrative hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM Central Time. Event-day hours can differ. These are administrative office hours, not guaranteed box-office opening hours.
Final visitor advice: Confirm the correct event building first, then choose your parking area or hotel. Check the relevant event listing for current admission and bag rules. Most essential venue information is summarized above, so the official website is primarily needed to complete tickets, registrations, reservations or event-specific confirmations.