OPSB Approves and Executes Naming Rights Agreements for 9th Ward Stadium
(New Orleans — June 4, 2026) – Today, the Orleans Parish School Board (OPSB) approved and executed two License and Naming Agreements with Raising Cane's Restaurants, LLC and LCMC Health. The agreements officially designate the name of the venue as Raising Cane's 9th Ward Stadium at LCMC Health Field, representing a major milestone in the development of this transformative community athletic facility in New Orleans' Upper Ninth Ward.
These agreements were authorized under the Third Amended and Restated Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) approved by the OPSB on January 26, 2026, which granted 9th Ward Stadium, Inc. the ability to pursue naming rights and sponsorships, subject to final OPSB approval, to support the project's long-term sustainability.
As part of the agreements, Raising Cane's has committed $2 million and LCMC Health has committed $600,000 toward the project in exchange for their respective naming rights. These substantial private investments further secure the future of the stadium while aligning with its public purpose of serving NOLA Public Schools students and the broader community.
"The Orleans Parish School Board is proud to approve and execute these historic naming rights agreements," said Leila Jacobs Eames, President of the Orleans Parish School Board. "Raising Cane's and LCMC Health are investing not only in a world-class athletic facility, but in the health, education, and future success of our students and the Ninth Ward community. This partnership reflects the shared values of youth development, neighborhood pride, and post-Katrina revitalization that define our district's mission."
The multi-use stadium, located at 4300 Almonaster Boulevard adjacent to George Washington Carver High School, will serve as the anchor home for Carver High School's Rams and will be available to all Orleans Parish public schools. It will feature an artificial turf field known as LCMC Health Field, grandstand seating for approximately 3,700 spectators, a press box, scoreboard, locker rooms, concessions, restrooms, parking, and landscaped grass berms. The facility will host high school football, soccer, graduations, concerts, festivals, and other community events.
TKTMJ Inc. has been selected as the general contractor, with the stadium operator still to be determined. Construction is scheduled to begin in late June 2026, with the stadium expected to open in late summer 2027.
Full funding for the stadium has now been secured through state capital outlay, federal earmarks, municipal contributions, voter-approved bonds, and these landmark private commitments. 9th Ward Stadium, Inc. continues to raise additional funds for future phases, including an adjacent track and field complex.
"Access to high-quality athletic facilities plays a vital role in student engagement, physical health, school pride, and community connection," added OPSB President Eames. "By finalizing these naming rights agreements today, we are ensuring that Raising Cane's 9th Ward Stadium at LCMC Health Field becomes a sustainable, first-class resource for our students and residents for generations to come. We extend our deepest gratitude to Raising Cane's, LCMC Health, 9th Ward Stadium, Inc., and all partners who have made this vision a reality."
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About NOLA Public Schools: NOLA Public Schools is the public school district for Orleans Parish. It includes the district's administration and elected school board, known as the Orleans Parish School Board. NOLA Public Schools currently oversees 66 public schools and is led by Superintendent Dr. Fateama S. Fulmore.
For more information, visit www.nolapublicschools.com. For updates, follow NOLA Public Schools on Facebook @NOLAPublicSchools, Instagram @nolaps and Twitter @NOLAPSchools.
