By Message Staff
LAFAYETTE – State officials have reassured Louisiana Baptists that the Cajundome will be ready for the 2016 Youth Evangelism Conference scheduled for the Lafayette facility, Nov. 20-21.
A June 30 report in The Advocate created confusion among the public by stating the arena “won’t re-open for business until Dec. 1.” But apparently, the information was not correct in context of the YEC.
“We have been given assurances the Cajundome will be ready prior to our event,” Louisiana Baptist Convention youth strategist Steve Maltempti said in a statement to the Baptist Message.
Maltempi shared information with the Baptist Message which cleared up the misunderstanding caused by The Advocate article.
“The reason you see Dec. 1st in media reports is we don’t expect or plan to schedule basketball and, hockey games or any major concerts until Dec. 1st, or about 9 days after your event ends,” wrote one Cajundome official to Maltempi. “We have always expected and needed those 9 days to prepare the hockey rink and basketball court on top of the hockey rink in the new arena configuration for the upcoming season after your event.”
This official noted that crews will continue the work, which began May 23, up until Nov. 18 and then complete the final details for basketball and hockey competition Nov. 22-30.
But he said all the facilities needed for the YEC will be completed and fully functioning and “ready for use.”
“Being ready for your event takes much less setup and specific configuration details than basketball, hockey or a reserved seat concert,” he wrote.
The 2016 YEC theme is “Stories,” based on 1 John 1:2-3. Ed Newton, pastor of Community Bible Church in San Antonio, Texas, is the main speaker.
To register and for more information about this largest annual gathering of Louisiana Baptists, visit yeclouisiana.org, or call 318.448.3402.
