INSIDE THE FAN GUIDE
2025 RADIANCE TECHNOLOGIES INDEPENDENCE BOWL FANS,
The Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl is steeped in college football tradition as the 11th most historic bowl game, and this year is the 49th playing of our community's bowl game. We are proud to be north Louisiana's premier nationally televised sporting event and have striven to provide a fun, hospitable experience for fans.
In this Fan Guide, you will find information on Bowl Week Events, Independence Stadium, our Clear Bag Policy, ticketing and 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 free, family events, as well as some of Northwest Louisiana's best restaurants and destinations. Thank you for your support for the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl! Enjoy Bowl Week and the game!
WHAT'S INSIDE:
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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 and more stadium rules, click here:
ATM’s
STADIUM RULES
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
• Knives
• Straight Blades
Pocket Tools
• Mace
• Tazer/Stun Guns
Ice Chests or Coolers
• Umbrellas
• Banners or Signs
Video Cameras
• E-cigarettes
• 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
Ticket & Gate Information
TEAM WILL CALL & NCAA PLAYER GUEST TICKET GATE
Team will-call booths and the NCAA Player Pass Gates will open two (2) hours prior to kickoff (11 a.m. CST) unless otherwise stated by the participating institutions. Gates will be located at the locations listed below:
Conference USA Will Call & NCAA Player Pass Gate: West Ticket Booth east of Gate #3 Big 12 Will Call & NCAA Player Pass Gate: East Ticket Booth west of Gate #4
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 (11 a.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
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
Parking & Transportation
PARKING PRE-PURCHASE
Multiple parking options are available for purchase prior to game day. A limited number of premium spots are available at the following prices:
Silver Lot: $40
Gold Lot: $40
Brown Lot: $30
Blue Lot parking is also available for pre-purchase for $13. Blue Lot parking is available for purchase on game day for $18. Blue Lot parking is the only parking available for purchase on game day. Both can be purchased by calling (888) 414-BOWL or clicking the button below. Directions and parking entrances are on the back of parking hang-tags. A parking map is located to the right.
Purchase Parking
Charter bus and limousine passes are $50 each and can be purchased through the State Fair Office by calling (318) 635-1361.
ACCESSIBLE PARKING
Accessible parking costs $10 if purchased in advance of game day by calling the Bowl office at (888) 414-BOWL. 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 is the reserved 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).
Parking Map
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
BODACIOUS BAR & Q
8410 Line Ave
Shreveport, LA 71106 (318) 425-9280
BodaciousBarQ.com
DILLAS QUESADILLAS
855 Pierremont Rd #135
Shreveport, LA 71106 (318) 584-7039
Dillas.com
FLEMING SUBWAY
Various Locations Subway.com
FLYING HEART BREWING & PUB
700 Barksdale Blvd
Bossier City, LA 71111 (318) 868-5100
FlyingHeartBrewing.com
HONEYBAKED 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
Numerous Locations
JohnnysPH.com
LILAH'S BAKERY
1718 Centenary Blvd
Shreveport, LA 71101 (318) 676-1407
LilahsKingCakes.com
LIVE! CASINO & HOTEL
711 Live Casino Blvd Bossier City, LA 71111 LiveCH.com/Louisiana
LOOOISIANA BISTREAUX
2090 Brookshires Arena Dr Bossier City, LA 71112 (318) 525-7154
Visit Their Facebook
LOUISIANA SMOKEHOUSE
5108 Jewella Ave
Shreveport, LA 71109 (318) 550-8469
Visit Their Facebook
MARGARITAVILLE RESORT CASINO
777 Margaritaville Way
Bossier City, LA 71111 MargaritavilleBossierCity.com
PIZZA HUT
Numerous Locations PizzaHut.com
PJ'S COFFEE
PJsCoffee.com
1501 Kings Hwy
Shreveport, LA 71103 (318) 675-4560
2119 Airline Dr, Suite 100
Bossier City, LA 71111 (318) 588-5188
PORK & FORK PREPS
521 Barksdale Blvd
Bossier City, LA 71111 (318) 205-7506
PorkAndForkPreps.com
RHINO COFFEE
RhinoCoffee.com
721 Southfield Rd
Shreveport, LA 71106 (318) 828-2671
624 Texas St
Shreveport, LA 71101
1024 Provenance Pl Blvd, Ste 100
Shreveport, LA 71106
SAM'S TOWN CASINO & HOTEL
315 Clyde Fant Pkwy
Shreveport, LA 71101
SamsTownShreveport.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
TEXAS ROADHOUSE
1005A Gould Dr
Bossier City, LA 71111 (318) 746-7122
TexasRoadhouse.com
WALK-ON'S SPORTS BISTREAUX
Walk-Ons.com
3010 Airline Dr
Bossier City, LA 71111 (318) 747-5588
WHATABURGER
Numerous Locations
Whataburger.com
Hotel Partners
COURTYARD SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER CITY/ LOUISIANA BOARDWALK
100 Boardwalk Blvd
Bossier City, LA 71111 (318) 742-8300
VISIT WEBSITE
HAMPTON INN SHREVEPORT/BOSSIER CITY
1005 Gould Dr
Bossier City, LA 71111 (318) 752-1112
VISIT WEBSITE
HILTON SHREVEPORT
104 Market St
Shreveport, LA 71101 (318) 698-0900
VISIT WEBSITE
HILTON GARDEN INN SHREVEPORT BOSSIER CITY
2015 Old Minden Rd
Bossier City, LA 71111 (318) 759-1950
VISIT WEBSITE
MARGARITAVILLE RESORT CASINO
777 Margaritaville Way
Bossier City, LA 71111 (855) 346-2489
VISIT WEBSITE
RESIDENCE INN SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER CITY/DOWNTOWN
501 Traffic St
Bossier City, LA 71111 (318) 584-7125
VISIT WEBSITE
SAM'S TOWN HOTEL & CASINO
315 Clyde Fant Pkwy
Shreveport, LA 71101 (877) 429-0711
VISIT WEBSITE
THE REMINGTON SUITE HOTEL & SPA
220 Travis St
Shreveport, LA 71101 (318) 425-5000
VISIT WEBSITE
LIVE! CASINO & HOTEL
711 Live Casino Blvd
Bossier City, LA 71111 (318) 944-7110
VISIT WEBSITE
For more great hotel options in Shreveport-Bossier, visit RadianceTechnologiesIndependenceBowl.com/Visiting-Shreveport!
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 350 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, 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!
Community Impact
EXTRA YARD FOR TEACHERS
The Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl has gone the extra yard to support teachers and education since 2021.
In partnership with the College Football Playoff's Extra Yard for Teachers initiative, the Bowl has donated over $113,000 to local teachers and schools in Northwest Louisiana since 2021.
This year, the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl donated $1,000 to local educator's projects via DonorsChoose.org on the Extra Yard for Teachers BIG DAY in September, but that is just the beginning! The bowl will honor 29 local teachers with $1,000 each at the 2025 Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl in December 2025. Fans will have the chance to nominate teachers who they think are the most deserving of receiving the $1,000 Donors Choose donation on the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl's social media.
WILLIS KNIGHTON HEALTH / INDEPENDENCE BOWL COMMUNITY SERVICE SCHOLARSHIP
A program in its 20th year, the Independence Bowl Foundation has partnered with WillisKnighton Health to provide $10,000 in scholarships. Each year, the two organizations partner to present a scholarship to one graduating senior from Caddo Parish and one from Bossier Parish. The scholarship is awarded based not only on academic success, but also on a commitment to improving their community through service. The scholarship has been increased from $2,500 to $5,000 apiece this year, and the total amount of scholarships awarded will surpass $100,000 this year.
ANNUAL YOUTH FOOTBALL CLINIC
The 14th annual Independence Bowl Youth Football Clinic hit the field on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at Independence Stadium! The annual clinic is FREE for boys and girls aged 5-13 (incoming 8th graders). All participants received a free meal from Whataburger and t-shirt after the event.
In 2025, campers learned from players and coaches from Louisiana Tech, ULM, Northwestern State, Sam Houston State, Centenary and Southern University-Shreveport.
Community Impact
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL MEDIA DAY
The Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl hosted their inaugural High School Football Media Day, presented by Jimmy Granger Ford of Stonewall, on August 6, 2025 in the Club Level at Independence Stadium.
The Media Day featured players and coaches from 30 high schools from nine Parishes across Northwest Louisiana, promoting their teams and upcoming seasons. Representatives from the Louisiana High School Athletic Association, Coaches Association and Officials Association were also featured speakers at the event.
“SHOW YOUR INDEPENDENCE” ART CONTEST
The "Show Your Independence" Art Contest returns for its 11th year in 2025. The contest invites students to show off their creativity by drawing what Independence means to them in the spirit of the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl. All K-12 students in Caddo, Bossier and DeSoto Parishes are eligible to participate. One entry per student is allowed. One winner per grade, per school, will be selected, and the winners will receive an award certificate and one free ticket to the 2025 Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl. The contest is presented by Willis Knighton Health, Harrison Paint Co. and The Shreveport-Bossier City Advocate.
OTHER COMMUNITY EVENTS & INITIATIVES
The Independence Bowl Foundation is prevalent in the Shreveport-Bossier City area throughout the year, hosting events to help enhance the economic impact and growth of our community.
Along with the events and initiatives listed on the last few pages, the Independence Bowl Foundation also hosts the USTA Junior Tennis Classic in April. The USTA National Level 5 tournament brings nearly 200 youth tennis players to Shreveport-Bossier from numerous states all throughout the country.
The Independence Bowl Foundation is also partnering with Whataburger this year for the second consecutive year to help provide tickets to the game and Whataburger meal coupons to up to 2000 students from Caddo Parish Public Schools for academic achievement in the Fall 2025 semester.
Flavor, STYLE FOR TWO CITIES. ENOUGH AND SOUL
Indulge your senses in the diverse culinary wonders of Shreveport-Bossier. From sizzling Cajun and Creole delights to savory Southern comforts, each bite tells a tale of our region’s unique culture. Join us on an adventure as we celebrate the artistry of our local chefs, the warmth of our dining establishments and the unforgettable blend of cultures that make Shreveport-Bossier a destination for food enthusiasts.
SALSICCIA
Frank’s Pizza Neapolitan
At Frank’s, everything is made from scratch and blasted in the wood fire oven for a true Italystyle meal.
SHREVEPORT-STYLE STUFFED SHRIMP
Orlandeaux’s Café
These large, succulent shrimp are stuffed with fiery Creole dressing, deep-fried and served with a spicy tartar sauce.
BOILED CRAWFISH
B&D Seafood
Uber-casual roadside seafood joint serving up seasonal Louisiana favorites like boiled crawfish, shrimp, blue crabs and more.
KING CAKE CHEESECAKE
Sugar Sheaux
Homemade vanilla-almond cheesecake with cinnamon swirl and vanilla cookie crust! Topped with white chocolate, colored sprinkles and a homemade buttercream.
QUESABROSA
Ki Mexico
The Quesabrosa is a sizzling skillet of melted cheese, served with your choice of flavorful toppings.
GUMBO
marilynn’s Place
A dark full-bodied gumbo with Louisiana gulf shrimp, crab, oysters and andouille.
GRILLED SALMON SALAD ZUZUL
Zuzul’s coastal cuisine focuses on fresh, sustainable dishes inspired by coastal Latin America, as well as classic favorites.
World Class Expertise in Your Corner of the World
When you’re facing a serious illness or health condition, getting the best care is your priority. It’s ours too. Now, as part of the prestigious Mayo Clinic Care Network, Willis Knighton has access to some of the world’s highly specialized experts at Mayo Clinic.
It’s just one more way we offer you a World of Good, right here at home.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE BOWL
INDEPENDENCE BOWL NEWS & STORIES
History of the Bowl
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.
PURSUIT (1981)
The I-Bowl pursued and achieved open-ended 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.
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 32nd consecutive game on an ESPN network in 2024.
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)
The Independence Bowl had its bestcase 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 threeyear deal for naming rights.
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)
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.
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.
Tulsa (1976)
History of the Bowl
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 Walk-On’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.
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 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 defense contractor Radiance Technologies in 2020. The partnership bridged together Radiance, who works extensively with the U.S. Military, with the Bowl that was named after the
nation’s bicentennial and featured a primary tie-in with Army West Point. Radiance signed a one-year extension in 2021 through 2025.
ESPN THROUGH 2025 (2020)
In October 2020, the Independence Bowl announced a six-year extension with ESPN to televise the game through 2025. The 2024 game will be televised on ESPN and is the 32nd consecutive Independence Bowl on an ESPN network. The Independence Bowl has averaged 2.34 million viewers over the past six years.
RETURN OF THE BIG 12 (2023)
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. Texas Tech defeated California in the 2023 I-Bowl, becoming the first Big 12 team to win an Independence Bowl since Missouri in 2011.
RADIANCE TECHNOLOGIES EXTENSION (2025)
In August 2025, Radiance Technologies announced an extension of their title sponsorship through at least the 2027 game, with three one-year options to extend the sponsorship through 2030.
Florida State vs. Southern Miss (2017)
Texas Tech vs. California (2023)
Omar n. Bradley Spirit of Independence Award
ABOUT THE AWARD
The Sports Foundation developed the patriotic theme, which is so prominent today in the annual postseason football classic’s activities. Foundation directors decided to recognize an outstanding American citizen or organization each year, with the “Spirit of Independence Award.” The first recipient was General Omar N. Bradley, the only living five-star general in the United States at that time.
The portrait of the man reveals a combination of honesty, strength and determination in a face also able to yield to a subtle humor when the occasion merited. Bradley and his successors symbolize the “Spirit of Freedom and Independence,” which the award was established to recognize.
The following year, and until his death, General Bradley presented the “Spirit of Independence Award” to his fellow recipients. After his death, the General’s name was added to the award.
2025 RECIPIENT General Charles A. Flynn, USA (ret.)
AWARD RECIPIENTS
1977 General Omar N. Bradley
1978 John Wayne
1979 Bob Hope
1980 Paul Harvey
1981 President Ronald Reagan
1982 Art Linkletter
1983 Danny Thomas
1984 U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, Demonstration Squadron
1985 Vietnam Veterans
1986 National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
1987 Brigadier General Charles E. Yeager
1988 Coach Eddie Robinson
1989 Harlem Globetrotters
1990 Boy Scouts of America
1991 Barksdale Air Force Base
1992 Shriner’s Hospital for Children
1993 Sandra Day O’Connor
1994 YMCA
1995 American Red Cross
1996 Veterans of Foreign Wars
1997 Fallen Law Enforcement Officers
1998 Firefighters of America
1999 World War II Veterans
2000 General Gabriel P. Disosway
2001 Heroes of New York City
2002 Congressional Medal of Honor Society
2003 Hal Sutton
2004 General Tommy Franks
2005 General Russel Honore
2006 General Harold Moore
2007 Shreveport-Bossier Community Renewal
2008 “Team Hoyt”
2009 National Football Foundation
2010 St. Jude Children’s Hospital
2011 General Charles C. “Hondo” Campbell
2012 Wounded Warrior Project
2013 Doolittle Raiders
2014 Tuskegee Airmen
2015 Berlin Airlift Veterans
2016 Veterans of the Battle of Chosin Reservoir
2017 Jacob Schick, USMC (ret.)
2018 Brigadier General Jeannie M. Leavitt
2019 Lt. Gen. James M. Kowalski, USAF (ret.)
2021 Lt. Gen. Joseph M. Cosumano, USA (ret.)
2022 Veterans of Operation SENIOR SURPRISE 2023 Women Airforce Service Pilots
2024 General Bryan P. Fenton
2025 General Charles A. Flynn, USA (ret.)
The Ultimate I-Bowl Experience
THE ULTIMATE I-BOWL EXPERIENCE
PRESENTED BY
ONE LUCKY FAN WILL WIN:
• Two (2) Premium Chairback Tickets to the 2025 Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl on December 30
• One (1) Parking Pass
• Two (2) Pre-Game Sideline Passes
• Two (2) nights accommodations at The Remington Suites
• Two (2) Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl t-shirts
• $250 Gift Card from SportsCards Louisiana
• $100 Gift Card from Pizza Hut
No Purchase Necessary
Registration runs November 10 through December 5, 2025
