Megan Wyatt

mbwyatt@theadvertiser.com

Along with bold redesigns and practical upgrades, you'll also find tastier snacks because of the Cajundome's $22 million makeover.

Think regional specialties: fried catfish topped with crawfish etouffee, chicken and sausage gumbo, crawfish nachos and Cajun sausage pizza.

Think fresher, healthier fare: a grilled chicken sandwich on a wheat bun, a turkey pesto panini and sweet potato fries.

Think new takes on classics: an 8-ounce Angus burger with bacon and blue cheese on a brioche bun with a side of house potato chips or nachos with house tortilla chips, grilled chicken, jalapeno cheese, tomato, guacamole and jalapenos.

"We're able to offer food now that matches the expectations people have in this area," said Cajundome director Greg Davis. "A lot of people used to go out to eat before coming to a basketball game or a concert, but you don't have to do that now. There are plenty of options."

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The revamped menu is possible because of a complete redesign of the arena's lower-level concession stands that happened during the Cajundome's six-month renovation project.

Before the renovation, food had to be cooked and prepared in a Cajundome kitchen and transported to individual concession stands where the food was kept warm until sold. Now, concession stands include grill and fry equipment.

Worried about waiting longer for your food? Don't be. TVs at the concession stands ensure that you won't miss a moment of action while your burger cooks.

The new concession stands also include an increased beer selection with craft options, such as Bayou Teche's Ragin' Cajuns ale and Abita's Amber lager. Beer is now served at a frosty 27 degrees.

ANOTHER RENOVATION: Gastropub expands menu, hours, seating

The concessions come with slightly higher price tags.

You'll pay $11.25-12.50 for craft beer, $8-11 for a burger with chips, $7.50 for a grilled chicken sandwich with chips, $7.50 for crawfish nachos and $6.50-8.50 for a slice of pizza.

"The pricing is competitive with other arenas," Davis said. "We have to self-generate 95 percent of the revenues required to operate the facility, so we wanted our concessions to be comparable to what others are doing."

Not in the mood for fancy food at a basketball game? Don't fret. You'll still find all of the concession classics — from peanuts and popcorn to candy and chips — at the Cajundome.

Although the Cajundome reopened this week after a six-month closure, renovations will continue to take place over the next several months.

The final $1 million of the $22 million project is dedicated to renovating the upper-level concession stands and bathrooms.

Cajundome renovations nearing completion

Gastropub expanding menu, hours, seating

30 projects tackled in $22M Cajundome renovation