If you're planning to attend the Sun Belt Baseball Tournament at M. L. "Tigue" Moore Field at Russo Park, welcome to the Hub of Cajun Country.

Here are a few answers to questions you might have.

WHAT DO WE CALL THIS PLACE? --"at Russo Park" was added to the name of the stadium last year with the $18 million renovation, after the Russo family, long time benefactors of Ragin' Cajuns baseball. M. L. "Tigue" Moore (d. 1994) was known as "Mr. Baseballl" in Lafayette and was instrumental in getting the ball park on its current site built in 1978. The pine trees over the outfield wall were planted by Mr. Moore and the baseball team 40 years ago. "Tigue" is pronounced TEEG. And, fans here still refer to the place as the "Tigue."

Right now, Cajuns' season ticket holders have the option of renewing their seats for the tournament. That ends this weekend and ticket booklets for the general public will go on sale next Monday. We expect there will be seating available in most, if not all areas when individual game tickets go on sale Tuesday morning. Currently, ticket booklets for visitors are available through your school. You can buy ticket booklets for as little as $50.

Individual ticket prices are as follows:

LOGE AND PATIO BOXES (if available: $21.00)
SUPREME RICE FIELD BOXES AND GRANDSTAND: 15.00
BLEACHERS (first and third base side) and standing room: $10.00

All seats are reserved seats. The only general admission is standing room.

The loge boxes are located above the first and third base bleachers. This area is covered and features a high top table and chairs. The field boxes are down the left and right field lines and also feature the high tops. The boxes begin at the end of each dugout and extend down the foul lines to the bullpens. I can't guarantee any of those seats will be available, but you can inquire at the box office if you wish to sit there.

The Supreme Rice Field Boxes are ground level and extend from dugout to dugout. There are a little over 200 seats available. During the season, that area comes with a wait staff that will go and get your concessions and beverages for you. (I think that will be available for the tournament as well). Again, those seats may or may not be available. They will not go to the restroom for you, however.

The grandstand is raised. About 1/2 the seats are covered. The bleachers are down the first and third base lines. Those seats are not covered. Bring your sunscreen.

CONCESSIONS: Located on the concourse. You'll find normal ball park fare...and then some. Like most places, prices can be a bit high, depending on what you're expecting. In addition to the main concession areas, you also find a few amenitites: Jambalaya and Pastalaya ($8) individual Deano's Pizza ($8) for a meal. The Kettle Corn is like crack...highly addictive. And, you HAVE to try Mr. Vic's fresh roasted peanuts. That concession is located near third base on the concourse. If you're in line at the main concession stand, you are afforded a line of site to the action on the field simply by turning around while you're in line.

BEER: Of course. You can get domestic and a couple of imports in cans. There is also domestic and some imports on tap as well as several craft beers. Sales end in the seventh inning of each game. Located on the concourse, but there are vendors in the grandstand as well.

There is also a second concession stand with limited items (including beer) at the top of the grandstand area.

RESTROOMS: Two for men, two for women. Located on the concourse.

DIMENSIONS: 330-375-400-375-330--It's the most pitcher friendly ball park in the league. The ball carries better during the day than at night. If there's any wind, it will be blowing in. If you hit it, it will go. But there aren't many cheap home runs here.

SCOREBOARD: Left Center Field. Scoreboard and video board are side by side.

NEED TO EAT?: Everyone will have his own opinions on the best places to eat. But you can't go wrong here:

PO BOYS: Old Tyme Grocery on St Mary near campus is the most popular. But Pop's downtown, Juliens on University or Chris' on Kaliste Saloom or Pinhook are excellent as well.

DINNER: You can't go wrong with Don's Seafood. The Hut is on Johnston street, the original location is downtown. Seafood and very good steaks as well. Other spots include Prejeans on I-49 North, Blue Dog Cafe on Pinhook Rd. and Drago's on Johnston.

CRAWFISH: Boiled. Still in season. Check out Dwight's on Johnston Street or Crawfish Time on Verot School Road or Ridge Road. EDIT: Scratch Dwight's. Their last night for boiled crawfish is this Friday.

SUSHI: Tsunami downtown is the best. Rock N Sake in River Ranch is great, too.

PLACES TO EAT A LOT AND DRINK EVEN MORE: LaFonda on Johnston street offers Mexican food (and really good steaks) and the best margaritas in the city. Social is right next door. Excellent wine and bourbon selection and good American fare. Try the fried chicken. Thank me later.

DRUNK FOOD: Mel's Diner on Johnston at Bertrand is open 24 hours.

WATERING HOLES: Corner Bar on Johnston next to the Grand Theater and right behind Drago's is very popular. But you'll find Legend's on Bertrand to be the place before or after the game. There are seven different locations of this bar. But the one on Bertrand is right near the ball park and most Cajun baseball fans will be there. There's also a brand new bar and grill called "My Place," located on Foreman Drive. Newly remodeled, it has live music on Friday. The downtown area has several places to sip. Not very busy during the week.

If you're looking for something more upscale, River Ranch offers Pour and the Tap Room. River Ranch is the most exclusive area of the city. Camellia Boulevard leads you to the area.

LIVE MUSIC: Kind of hit and miss, depending on the day. But Artmosphere near downtown usually has live music and the Grouse Room in the River Ranch area could have live music on any given night. You can call either of those places to find out what's happening.

If you have any questions, I'll try to answer them. Safe travels to Cajun Country.

LaFonda's does not have the best margaritas. That title belonged to the Filling Station, which that recipe is now served at Bentley's on Ambassador.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk