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Groundbreaking held for Raising Cane's Ninth Ward Stadium at LCMC Health Field; organizers say nearly $16 million raised
Summary
Community leaders and donors marked the ceremonial groundbreaking for the Raising Cane's Ninth Ward Stadium at LCMC Health Field in New Orleans, where organizers said they have raised nearly $16 million, announced a $169.50 brick campaign and set a goal to raise an additional $5 million for a track and field venue.
Norman Robinson, the event's master of ceremonies, opened the program and welcomed attendees to a ceremonial groundbreaking in New Orleans' Upper Ninth Ward to mark the start of construction on the Raising Cane's Ninth Ward Stadium at LCMC Health Field.
Arie Filco, chairman of Ninth Ward Stadium, traced the project’s 15-year history and announced that "we have successfully raised almost $16 million," thanking federal, state and local officials, private donors and community partners. Filco said the board is launching a new effort to raise an additional $5 million to fund a track and field venue adjacent to the stadium.
The announcement frames the stadium as a multi-partner effort. "One of my very first contributions as a member of Congress was a $3 million earmark that I dedicated specifically for this program," Congressman Troy A. Carter Sr. said, praising public-private cooperation. Todd Graves, founder of Raising Cane’s, and Greg Fern, chief executive officer of LCMC Health, described their organizations’ financial and programmatic commitments. "No nothing ever happens unless someone pursues a vision fanatically," Graves said, describing the role of donors and local entrepreneurship in getting the project across the finish line.
Dr. Fatima Fulmore, superintendent of NOLA Public Schools, said the facility will serve George Washington Carver High School and other city students: "This is a proud moment for our students," she said, calling the stadium a space for both athletics and community gatherings. Mayor Elena Mareno framed the facility as a visible example of the city's "all in" approach to public-private partnerships and said the investment should generate opportunities for residents and small businesses.
Stacy Martin, Ninth Ward Stadium board secretary and chief external affairs officer of Collegiate Academies, launched a brick fundraising campaign for those who wish to contribute at a smaller level. "The brick is 169.50. It is all inclusive of fees and credit cards," she said, and she also noted that organizers expect the stadium's first home game to be in August 2027.
Organizers also unveiled renderings of the stadium and publicly recognized a range of construction partners, school-board members and community organizations that supported the project. The ceremonial portion of the program ended with a group shovel photo and a ceremonial groundbreaking by dignitaries and donors.
What happens next: organizers plan continued fundraising to reach the $5 million track goal and will move into construction. The program emphasized community benefit, school use, and partnerships; no formal government vote or legally binding commitment was taken at the ceremony.
