Hurricane Katrina was the worst natural disaster in U.S. history and caused a flood of truly biblical proportions. It came ashore east of New Orleans on August 29, 2005, knocking down trees and buildings and collapsing sections of the bridge over Lake Pontchartrain. It breached the levees and collapsed several sections of the seawalls that had been protecting New Orleans, thus flooding 80 percent of the city and drowning hundreds of people. In the end, more than 1,800 people died in southeast Louisiana and southwest Mississippi, mostly in the greater New Orleans area. About a month later, on September 24, Hurricane Rita came ashore in southwest Louisiana and completely leveled the town of Cameron.

The Lafayette Cajundome is a 13,500 seat, multi-purpose arena located in the heart of Lafayette. It is home to the University of Louisiana Ragin' Cajun basketball programs, and the University uses the venue for numerous events including commencement ceremonies. The Cajundome also hosts regional concerts, conferences, Mardi Gras balls, and outdoor fairs. Completed in 1985, the landmark facility was built by the State of Louisiana. The City of Lafayette provides a portion of operational funding, but event revenues provide the majority of the facility’s budget. The Cajundome is owned by the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and managed by the Cajundome Commission. The Cajundome has hosted concert acts such as Sir Elton John and Garth Brooks and performances and events from WWE to Cirque du Soleil. It has been home to professional sports teams including Ice Hockey and arena football. Although the Cajundome has four locker rooms and a small number of private showers for performers, the facility was never intended to house overnight guests.

Louisiana's third largest metropolitan area, Lafayette is currently home to over 241,000 people. Lafayette is most well known for being the heart of Cajun culture. In the 18th century, the forced migration of the Acadians from what is now Nova Scotia created a pocket of unique French culture in Southwest Louisiana that is known as “Acadiana”.

Here in Acadiana, you’ll find food, music, and landscapes unlike anywhere else. Lafayette holds regular festivals including the annual “Festival International de Louisiane” which brings in musicians from around the world for a free five-day celebration, and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors.

Beyond celebrations and culture, Lafayette has more than 100 “A” and “B” rated schools, with many public schools offering language immersion programs. The University of Louisiana at Lafayette is nationally recognized for its excellence.

Lafayette is also a growing economic hub. Lafayette is one of only a few cities in the US to offer affordable, municipally-run fiber internet to every home. Lafayette’s enjoy’s a diverse economy with thriving businesses across virtually all industries.