Inside the Fan Guide 2023 RADIANCE TECHNOLOGIES INDEPENDENCE BOWL FANS, Embarking on its 47th edition, the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl is steeped in college football tradition as the 11th longest-running bowl game. We are proud to be north Louisiana's premier nationally televised sporting event and have prided ourselves on providing a fun, hospitable experience for fans across the country since 1976. In this Fan Guide, you will find information on Bowl Week Events, Independence Stadium, Clear Bag Policy, ticketing, parking, the Shreveport-Bossier City area and much more. We are excited to welcome you all to Northwest Louisiana for bowl week. We hope you enjoy our full slate of free bowl week events, as well as some of Northwest Louisiana's finest restaurants and destinations. We greatly appreciate your support for the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl and hope you enjoy the game!
WHAT'S INSIDE: Bowl Week Events..........................................................................................................................................2-4 Coca-Cola Fan Fest............................................................................................................................................ 4 50/50 Raffle...............................................................................................................................................................5 Additional Questions?..................................................................................................................................... 9 Stadium Information & Clear Bag Policy.......................................................................................... 10 Ticket & Gate Information............................................................................................................................12 Parking Information & Map.................................................................................................................. 14-15 Restaurant Partners.........................................................................................................................................17 Hotel Partners & Options..............................................................................................................................19 Independence Bowl Foundation.......................................................................................................... 20 1st & Give Community Impact...........................................................................................................22-23 News & Website..................................................................................................................................................29 Inside the I-Bowl Newsletter & Podcast............................................................................................33 Legacy of the Independence Bowl............................................................................................... 34-35 @IndyBowl on Social Media......................................................................................................................36 For information and news, follow us on social media @IndyBowl or visit RadianceTechnologiesIndependenceBowl.com!
VISIT WEBSITE
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Stadium Information CLEAR BAG POLICY
Fans are encouraged not to bring any types of bags inside the stadium; however, the following outlines bags that are permitted: • Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12”; • One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags (Ziploc bag or similar); • Small clutch bags, with or without a handle or strap, that do not exceed 4.5” x 6.5” (approximately the size of a hand). • An exception will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection at a gate designated for this purpose. • An approved logo no larger than 4.5” x 3.4” may be displayed on one side of a permissible clear bag. Prohibited bags include, but are not limited to: purses larger than a clutch bag; briefcases; backpacks, cinch bags, and fanny packs that are not clear and/or exceed the size restriction; luggage of any kind; computer bags/cases; camera bags/cases; binocular bags/ cases or any bag larger than the permissible size. For the full policy, please visit IndependenceBowl.org/stadium-rules/.
ATM’s
ATM’s will be available in the parking/tailgating areas outside of the stadium on the State Fair Grounds. ATM’s will also be located inside the stadium.
FIRST AID
Independence Stadium will have Shreveport Fire/EMS representatives present during the game. To request assistance, see the nearest gate agent or Shreveport Police officer.
HANDICAP ASSISTANCE
Ticket holders needing handicap assistance to their seats can use the elevators located on the south side of Independence Stadium, and golf carts will be available at the bottom of the ramps to assist ticket holders in need.
LOST AND FOUND
Lost and Found is located in the southwest corner of the stadium at the Security Office. For further assistance, contact the nearest SPD Officer or usher.
LOST PATRONS
Lost patrons should contact the nearest police officer who will escort them to the Security Office, located in the southwest corner of the stadium.
PROHIBITED ITEMS
The following items are prohibited inside Independence Stadium: • Firearms • Pocket Tools • Ice Chests or Coolers • Video Cameras • Knives • Mace • Umbrellas • E-cigarettes • Straight Blades • Tazer/Stun Guns • Banners or Signs • Drones • Bags that do not meet the criteria of the Clear Bag Policy (see above) • Telephoto lenses more than 6 inches in length • Outside Food or Drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) • Smoking and vaping are NOT permitted inside the stadium
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Ticket & Gate Information NCAA PLAYER GUEST TICKET GATE
The NCAA Player Ticket Gate is located on the West side of Independence Stadium between gates #2 and #3, next to the elevator. These gates will open at 6:15 p.m. CST.
WILL CALL
Will Call is located in the northeast ticket booth, near Gate 4. Picture ID is required.
GATE INFORMATION
For the most direct and efficient access to your seat, please enter the stadium through the gate indicated on your ticket or below. All gates open two (2) hours prior to kickoff (6:15 p.m. CST).
GATES & ENTRANCES
Sections 100-102, 200-202: Gate 2 Sections 103-108, 203-205: Gate 3 Sections 109-115, 212-215: Gate 4 Sections 116-124, 216-224: Gate 1 Sections 125-130, 225-230: Gate 2
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Sections 423-426: Club Gate Suite A-F: Club Gate North Suite: Gate 3 South Suite: Gate 2 North Tents & Chairman’s Club: Gates 3 or 4
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Parking Information A limited number of premium reserved parking spaces are available for $27 each, or fans can pre-purchase Blue Lot parking passes for $12. Both can be purchased through the bowl office, by calling (888) 414-BOWL (2695), or through the bowl website at RadianceTechnologiesIndependencebowl.com/parking.
PURCHASE PARKING Cash-only parking lots are available around the State Fair Grounds and will be open on game day. Parking in these lots is $15. There will be a limited number of available spaces. Charter bus and limousine passes are $50 each and can be purchased through the State Fair Office by calling (318) 635-1361. A parking map is located to the right.
ACCESSIBLE PARKING
Accessible parking costs $10 if purchased in advance of game day. The price increases to $15 when purchased on game day and is located adjacent to the north side of Independence Stadium in a designated lot, as well as on the north side of Hirsch Coliseum. Accessible parking is limited.
RV PARKING
RV spaces are available on the Louisiana State Fair Grounds. The price, including hook-up is $50 per day. To make reservations for RV space contact the State Fair Office at (318) 635-1361.
TAILGATING
The White Lot, conveniently located northeast of Independence Stadium, has been reserved for tailgate space. The price is $25 per parking space. To make reservations for tailgating space, contact the State Fair Office at (318) 635-1361. Grass Tailgate Areas can be purchased through the State Fair Office and the price depends on the amount of space. Tailgating is not permitted in General Parking (Blue, Silver, Gold, Brown, Red, or Orange Lots).
INDEPENDENCE STADIUM
3301 Pershing Blvd Shreveport, LA 71109 Directions and parking entrances are on the back of parking hang-tags.
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Gray Lot
Green Lot
Brown Lot
Orange Lot
Gold Lot
AREA MAP
Red Lot
G3
STADIUM
Independence Stadium
Independence Stadium
Silver Lot
Lot Red
G4
Tan Lot
State Fair Barns
White Lot
Magenta Lot
Hirsch Coliseum
Pink Lot
General Admission Parking Blue Lot
Parking Map
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Restaurant & Bar Partners 2JOHN’S STEAK & SEAFOOD
2151 Airline Dr Bossier City, LA 71111 (318) 841-5646 2JohnsRestaurant.com
BISTRO TO GO
748 Lassus St Shreveport, LA 71106 (318) 861-4833 BistroToGo.co
DILLAS QUESADILLAS
855 Pierremont Rd #135 Shreveport, LA 71106 (318) 584-7039 Dillas.com
FLYING HEART BREWING & PUB
700 Barksdale Blvd Bossier City, LA 71111 (318) 868-5100 FlyingHeartBrewing.com
HONEY BAKED HAM CO. & CAFE 5739 Youree Dr Shreveport, LA 71105 (318) 865-4411 HoneybakedHam.com
JACQUELYN'S CAFE
1324 Louisiana Ave Shreveport, LA 71101 (318) 227-8598 JacquelynsCafe.com
JOHNNY’S CATFISH & SEAFOOD
5130 W Bert Kouns Ind. Loop Shreveport, LA 71118 (318) 686-3695 JohnnysCatfish.com
JOHNNY’S PIZZA HOUSE JohnnysPH.com
3915 Gilbert Dr Shreveport, LA 71104 210 E Preston Ave Shreveport, LA 71105 3202 N Market St Shreveport, LA 71107 6138 Greenwood Rd, Ste 300 Shreveport, LA 71119 8714 Youree Dr, Suite C Shreveport, LA 71115 3000 Colquitt Rd Shreveport, LA 71118 5795 Hwy 1, S-10 Shreveport, LA 71107 4100 Barksdale Blvd, Suite 121 Bossier City, LA 71112 2016 Arline Dr Bossier City, LA 71111 114 Benton Spur Rd Bossier City, LA 71111
PORT CITY BARBECUE
2113 Airline Dr #600 Bossier City, LA 71111 (318) 562-3704 PortCityBarbecue.com
SHAVER’S CRAWFISH & CATERING 270 Ockley Dr Shreveport, LA 71105 (318) 869-0600 ShaversCatering.com
SONIC DRIVE-IN
3724 Greenwood Rd Shreveport, LA 71109 (318) 636-6604 order.sonicdrivein.com
SUPERIOR GRILL
6123 Line Ave Shreveport, LA 71106 (318) 869-3243 SuperiorGrill.com
SUPERIOR’S STEAKHOUSE
855 Pierremont Rd #120 Shreveport, LA 71106 (318) 219-4123 SuperiorsSteakhouse.com
TEXAS ROADHOUSE
1005A Gould Dr Bossier City, LA 71111 (318) 746-7122 TexasRoadhouse.com
WALK-ON'S SPORTS BISTREAUX 7031 Youree Dr Shreveport, LA 71105 (318) 220-4256 Walk-Ons.com
RHINO COFFEE
721 Southfield Rd Shreveport, LA 71106 (318) 828-2671 RhinoCoffee.com 624 Texas St Shreveport, LA 71101 1024 Provenance Pl Blvd, Ste 100 Shreveport, LA 71106
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WE ARE PROUD TO SUPPORT
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877-613-0711 | BALLYSSHREVEPORT.COM 451 CLYDE FANT PKWY | SHREVEPORT, LA 71101 © 2023 Bally’s Corporation. BALLY, BALLY’S, the BALLY’S Logo, BALLY REWARDS, WELCOME TO THE BALLYVERSE, FOR FUN’S SAKE, and JUMP INTO THE THRILL are service marks and registered service marks of Twin River Management Group, Inc. and its affiliates.Bally’s Shreveport is a registered trademark of Bally’s Corporation. Must be 21 or older to gamble. Spa License: E2502
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Hotel Partners
HILTON – SHREVEPORT
SAM'S TOWN HOTEL & CASINO
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RESIDENCE INN SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER CITY/DOWNTOWN
104 Market St Shreveport, LA 71101 (318) 698-0900
451 Clyde Fant Pkwy Shreveport, LA 71101 (877) 613-0711
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HAMPTON INN SHREVEPORT/BOSSIER CITY 1005 Gould Dr Bossier City, LA 71111 (318) 752-1112
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315 Clyde Fant Pkwy Shreveport, LA 71101 (877) 429-0711
501 Traffic St Bossier City, LA 71111 (318) 584-7125
VISIT WEBSITE Shreveport-Bossier City has many great hotel options throughout the area. For more hotel options, click the button below! MORE HOTEL OPTIONS
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Independence Bowl Foundation ABOUT THE INDEPENDENCE BOWL FOUNDATION
The Independence Bowl Foundation consists of a number of volunteer committees, which carry out all functions of the Foundation, drawing upon its more than 425 members. Also made up from the Foundation membership is a group of committees which put on the Independence Bowl. Each year, a newly appointed Bowl Chair and Vice-Chair, along with the Executive Director and her staff, oversee the various committees, working closely with each committee chairperson to see that this bowl of over four decades is a success.
JOIN THE FOUNDATION
* Members 35 or younger or who live 35 miles or more outside of Shreveport-Bossier City may join the Independence Bowl Foundation for an Associate membership of $100. 1. Current Chairback ticket holders will not be required to make a donation to keep their seats. 2. By request, based on availability. 3. Maximum of 10 spots available. Based on availability, scheduling set by IBF staff. Includes travel, Friday night meal and regular game tickets.
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Community Impact ANNUAL YOUTH FOOTBALL CLINIC
The 12th annual Independence Bowl Youth Football Clinic hit the field in 2023 at Independence Stadium! The annual clinic is FREE for boys and girls ages 5-13 (incoming 8th graders). All participants received a free meal and t-shirt at the conclusion of the event. Campers got a chance to learn from Centenary head coach Byron Dawson and coaches from Louisiana Tech, Northwestern State, Sam Houston State, Southern-Shreveport and Southern Arkansas.
1ST & GIVE CHARITY FLAG FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT
The Independence Bowl Foundation hosted its third annual 1st & Give Charity Flag Football Tournament in 2023. The tournament raised $3,800 for five local non-profit organizations – Gingerbread House, Community Support Programs, Camp Rainman of Northwest Louisiana, Christ Fit Gym and Arc Caddo-Bossier. Teams were formed by local businesses and organizations – including Firetech Systems, KSLA News 12 and Barksdale Air Force Base. Each team playing in the tournament designated a non-profit that they would be competing on behalf of to raise money for that organization. The $350 registration fee for each team was donated directly to their charity, and an additional $1,000 was donated to the winning team’s charity. For the third consecutive year, Community Support Programs took home first place and the grand prize of $1,350.
WILLIS-KNIGHTON HEALTH SYSTEM COMMUNITY SERVICE SCHOLARSHIP
For the past 18 years, the Independence Bowl Foundation has partnered with the WillisKnighton Health System to provide $5,000 in scholarships. Each year, the two organizations partner to present a $2,500 scholarship each to graduating seniors from Caddo and Bossier Parishes. The scholarship is awarded based not only on academic success, but also on a commitment to improving their community through service. This year will mark $90,000 in scholarships donated to local high school seniors through this program.
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Community Impact TEACHER & EDUCATION DONATIONS
The Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl is donating over $11,800 to local teachers in 2023. On September 19, the Extra Yard for Teachers BIG DAY, the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl donated $1,775 total to five local teachers. Those donations were just the start of the contributions to local teachers from the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl and Extra Yard for Teachers this year. In early November, the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl also donated $5,096 to 14 different local teachers through Donors Choose projects, bringing the total donated to local teachers on Donors Choose to $6,780. These donations supported 19 different projects and 18 different teachers in Caddo and Bossier Parish. The Independence Bowl will donate $5,000 to local teachers through Touchdown for Teachers, and following the 2023 Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl, Extra Yard for Teachers will contribute $1,000 to local teachers in the Shreveport-Bossier community for each touchdown scored in the 2023 Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl. The funds generated through Touchdown for Teachers will directly benefit teachers in the Shreveport-Bossier area. Following this year's initiatives, the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl will have donated over $78,000 to local teachers and schools in the ShreveportBossier area since 2021. The 2023 contribution could grow to well over $11,000 this year depending on how many touchdowns are score in the 2023 Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl.
“SHOW YOUR INDEPENDENCE” ART CONTEST
The Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl started the “Show Your Independence” Art Contest ten years ago, which asks local kids K-12 in Caddo and Bossier Parish to draw what the word “Independence” means to them. First, second and third place is awarded to students at each grade level. Those 36 students are awarded with two tickets to the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl, and their artwork is put on display at Independence Stadium during the game.
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ENOUGH
Flavor,
STYLE
AND SOUL FOR TWO CITIES
From mouthwatering cuisine to thrilling experiences and riverfront gaming and entertainment, Shreveport-Bossier has a cultural blend you won’t find anywhere else.
VISITSHREVEPORTBOSSIER.ORG
Real PEOPLE Real FUN
The Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission is the official organization dedicated to the promotion and facilitation of successful sporting events in Shreveport, Bossier City and Caddo and Bossier parishes.
SHREVEPORTBOSSIERSPORTS.COM
Stay up to Date! OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE BOWL
Head to RadianceTechnologiesIndependenceBowl.com to catch up on everything you need to know about the 2023 Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl – including bowl week and gameday events, stadium policies, parking and shuttles, news and stories, the Independence Bowl Foundation, and more!
VISIT WEBSITE
INDEPENDENCE BOWL NEWS & STORIES
Check out RadianceTechnologiesIndependenceBowl. com/News for all the latest news and notes about the bowl and Foundation. Stories include news about former Independence Bowl players and coaches, Independence Bowl events, philanthropic endeavors, awards, the game and more!
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INSURANCE
Inside the I-Bowl INSIDE THE I-BOWL NEWSLETTER
The Inside the I-Bowl Newsletter is your source for up-to-date information and notes about all things Indy Bowl! It is sent out monthly during the offseason and weekly during the college football season. The newsletter features bowl projections, alumni news, notes about I-Bowl teams and conferences, college football highlights and more! Subscribe to the newsletter with the form on our website’s homepage!
SUBSCRIBE HERE!
INSIDE THE I-BOWL PODCAST
The official podcast of the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl! It keeps you up to date on all the I-Bowl news and events, as well as college football news. Lou Groza Award-winning kicker and 2019 Chairman, Art Carmody IV, and Director of Communications Erik Evenson talk to former I-Bowl players and coaches, as well as national college football media members. Click the buttons to subscribe and listen!
I-BOWL WEEKLY RADIO SHOW
I-Bowl Weekly presented by Origin Bank is back again in 2023! Tune into 1130 The Tiger every Wednesday during football season from 6-7 p.m. for the official radio show of the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl! Director of Communications Erik Evenson and Lou Groza Award-winning kicker and former I-Bowl Chairman Art Carmody IV get you set for each weekend of college football. They'll update you on all the best games of the weekend, the Big 12 and Pac-12 leading into the big game, and everything you need to know about the 47th Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl!
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Legacy of the Independence Bowl SEC TIE-IN (1995)
The Poulan/Weed Eater Independence Bowl reached an agreement with the SEC to secure the fifth choice from the prestigious conference.
BIGGEST MATCHUP (1997)
Tulsa (1976)
BIRTH OF A BOWL (1976)
The Sports Foundation gained certification for the Independence Bowl from the NCAA on its first try. The Southland Conference champion served as the host team. The first game featuring McNeese St. and Tulsa had a budget of $75,000 and paid each team $25,000, drawing 19,164 fans.
The Independence Bowl had its best-case scenario as local favorite LSU was selected to play Notre Dame in Independence Bowl XXII.
NEXT TITLE SPONSOR (1998)
Sanford, based in Bellwood, Ill., became the Independence Bowl’s second title sponsor, signing a three-year deal for naming rights.
PURSUIT (1981)
The I-Bowl pursued and achieved openended status on both sides ending the affiliation with the Southland. Texas A&M from the Southwest Conference defeated Jimmy Johnson's Oklahoma St. from the Big Eight, 33-16.
FIRST TITLE SPONSOR (1990)
Poulan/Weed Eater signed on as the game’s first title sponsor in 1990.
Josh Huepel (Oklahoma - 1999)
BIG 12 TIE-IN (1999)
Independence Bowl officials reached a three-year agreement with the Big 12 to provide a team to the post-season game.
SEC RENEWAL (1999)
The partnership with the SEC was extended through 2001.
MAINSTAY (2001)
Oregon vs. Wake Forest (1992)
ESPN (1992)
The 1992 matchup between Wake Forest and Oregon marked the first I-Bowl to be shown on ESPN. The Bowl signed a six-year extension with ESPN in 2020 and will play its 30th-consecutive game on an ESPN network in 2022. The 2021 I-Bowl drew 3.37 million viewers on ABC.
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On January 10, 2001, MainStay signed on as the newest title sponsor of the Bowl. The subsidiary of New York Life signed an agreement that extended through the 2003 game.
CONFERENCE AGREEMENTS (2005)
Primary agreements with both the Big 12 and SEC were renewed through 2009.
ADVOCARE V100 (2009)
On May 21, 2009, Bowl officials announced AdvoCare as the fifth title sponsor. They remained title sponsor through 2013.
Legacy of the Independence Bowl ACC VS. MWC (2010)
In 2010, the Independence Bowl announced a new match up of teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference and Mountain West Conference. Those partnerships ran through 2011.
C-USA. The 2022 Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl is slated for a matchup of Army West Point vs. the American Athletic Conference.
RADIANCE TECHNOLOGIES (2020)
The Independence Bowl announced a guaranteed five-year partnership with prime contractor Radiance Technologies in 2020. The partnership bridged together Radiance, who work extensively with the U.S. Military, with the Bowl that was named after the nation’s bicentennial and that will feature Army West Point two more times through 2025.
ESPN THROUGH 2025 (2020)
Miami vs. South Carolina (2014)
SEC VS. ACC (2012)
In 2012, the Independence Bowl announced it resumed its partnership with the SEC. In 2013, the Independence Bowl Foundation signed extensions with both conferences through 2019.
WALK-ON’S BISTREAUX & BAR (2017)
In October 2017, the Independence Bowl announced Baton Rouge-based WalkOn’s Bistreaux & Bar as the title sponsor of the game in a three-year partnership. The partnership brought together two Louisiana brands and ran through 2019.
In October 2020, the Independence Bowl announced a six-year extension with ESPN to televise the game through 2025. The 2022 game will be televised on ESPN and is the 30th-consecutive Independence Bowl on an ESPN network.
RADIANCE EXTENSION (2021)
A year after the original five-year title sponsorship deal with Radiance Technologies, the title sponsor and the Independence Bowl Foundation agreed to a one-year extension in 2021 – extending the partnership through 2025.
Houston vs. Louisiana (2022)
RETURN OF THE BIG 12 (2023)
Florida State vs. Southern Miss (2017)
UNIQUE BOWL TIE-INS (2020)
The new agreements announced in 2020 bring a rotation of independents Army West Point and BYU to Shreveport to face off against a rotation of the Pac-12, AAC and
The Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl announced in May 2023 the return of the Big 12 Conference as a primary tie-in for the bowl for the first time since 2009. With BYU moving to the Big 12, the conference became the primary tie-in for the 2023 and 2025 Bowl Seasons.
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@IndyBowl on Social Media Follow the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl official social media accounts for the latest updates on everything Independence Bowl! Follow us on X, Facebook and Instagram – @IndyBowl.
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