New Football Stadium Announced in Youngsville for ARCA, But Some Ask: What About Southside?

Youngsville is set to receive a major boost with Mayor Ken Ritter's announcement that construction is underway on a new sports complex on over 10 acres of land across from the existing Youngsville Sports Complex.

Named the Charter Schools USA Acadiana Sports Complex, located at 2500 Chemin Metairie Pkwy, the new facility will include a football stadium with seating for 2,500 people, with potential for future expansions. In addition to this, the sports complex will feature a running track and areas dedicated to pole vaulting and high jump events.

While many in the community welcomed the development with enthusiasm, the news has ignited a debate. The heart of the issue is the perceived priority given to Acadiana Renaissance Charter Academy (ARCA) over Southside High School in Lafayette Parish. Southside, a public high school not far from the new stadium's location, has been awaiting its own football facility.

Byron Sealy, a local resident, expressed his disappointment and concerns about Southside students having to travel to other stadiums and face potentially hazardous environments. Similarly, Southside student Lainee LeBlanc shared her frustration about ARCA getting a stadium in its first year with a football team while Southside has waited despite having a strong football program.

In response, Eryn McBride clarified that the funding sources for the two schools are entirely different. While ARCA receives private funding through Charter Schools USA, similar to private school funding, Southside is under the Lafayette Parish School System (LPSS). She urged Southside students to rally for their own stadium, considering the discrepancies in funding management.

To address misconceptions, Kily LaGarde asked Mayor Ken Ritter to confirm that LPSS does not fund the ARCA stadium. Jacques Fontenot, in search of answers, asked the Mayor about Youngsville city leadership's efforts to pressure LPSS into ensuring equal facilities for Southside.

Stafford Barnett chimed in on the conversation by pointing out that Youngsville residents had previously voted against a tax intended for school funding, leading to the current predicament.

There are now rumblings of a potential short-term agreement that might allow Southside High School to use the ARCA stadium until they can build their own. Many remain hopeful that the new complex could serve as an interim solution for Southside while also becoming a point of pride for Youngsville.

As discussions continue, one thing is clear - the community's excitement about the growth and development in Youngsville remains clear and present. We'll be sure to provide updates as construction progresses.