Youngsville, the fastest-growing city in Louisiana, has added a new element to engage residents and attract newcomers.
Along with a recently opened sports-themed splash park, the city's latest project is the expansion of the Youngsville Sports Complex, which is now home to eight pickle ball courts, two collegiate baseball fields, an all-inclusive children’s playset, and an amphitheater that is expected to draw more community events and outdoor concerts.
The amphitheater opened last fall, but its first ticketed event will be a performance by Louisiana singer Lauren Daigle, city officials announced last week. Daigle will perform at 6 p.m. Sept. 13. Tickets went on sale Thursday.
The Lake Charles native grew up in Lafayette and has won two Grammys as well as 12 Dove Music Awards.
“I think that this event will help put our venue on the map. So if the right artist at the right time is being routed through this area, we certainly want to be a destination that would be considered," Youngsville Mayor Ken Ritter said.
Singer Lauren Daigle performs during her concert, Behold: A Christmas Tour, at the Saenger Theater in New Orleans, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024. (Staff photo by Scott Threlkeld, The Times-Picayune)
The amphitheater is the center of a 46-acre expansion project to enhance recreation opportunities in the community.
Dirt used in the amphitheater's construction was taken from a nearby drainage project to help mitigate drainage issues and lower flood risk.
“So that's really where the amphitheater idea was, you know, was born. It was really an opportunity to, how do we use the spoil from the drainage project and create something unique,” Ritter said.
The long-term plan is to utilize the amphitheater for the city's annual Independence Day celebration, outdoor concerts and other community events.
"This will without question have a positive impact on the Lafayette Parish economy," Ritter said. "We expect more of these type of events will have regional attraction. The economic impact from our restaurants and hotels are certainly expected to be positive."
Attracting attention
Previously, most events in Youngsville were held at Sugar Mill Pond or the town center.
Officials expect to sell approximately 5,300 tickets for Daigle's performance. Seating will include general admission on the grass lawn, VIP tables, and multiple seating areas with different price tiers.
City fire marshals originally gave a capacity of 14,000 for the event, assuming there would be standing room, but that number was reduced to ensure the safety of the crowd, Ritter said. Attendees can expect to see safety protocols including metal detectors, a clear-bag policy and ample security personnel on site.
Since the amphitheater opened in October, the area has hosted numerous community events including a pumpkin patch, a Veterans Day concert, a Christmas event with a live nativity scene, and St. Thomas More Catholic High School's annual Hopefest music festival.
"Hosting and planning large events is nothing new" for Youngsville, Ritter said. The recent Mardi Gras Mambo softball tournament attracted about 100,000 people over three days, according to data from city officials.
"So having thousands of people is something we are accustomed to accommodate, we are just new to having artists, but we feel that we've done our research, our homework, and have a great artist to partner with to help get it done smoothly," Ritter said.
Choosing an artist involved numerous factors, most importantly a cross between demand and availability, he said.
"I know this is a smaller venue for Daigle compared to where she has performed, but it's a great opportunity to be in a more intimate environment and a gateway to what is to come for the city of Youngsville,” Ritter said.
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