CELEBRATING YEARS OF SERVICE
Celebrating 25 Years of Service
Founded in 1999, Radiance Technologies has become one of the nation’s leading research and development contractors for the Department of Defense. From the start, founders George Clark and John Dennis envisioned a company where customer success is our success, and the driving force that makes this dream a reality is emplyee-ownership. Twenty-five years later, employee-ownership is still one of our top priorities. Through shared values and a desire to execute the customer’s mission, our employee-owners will continue George and John’s vision well into the future.
INSIDE THE FAN GUIDE
2024 RADIANCE TECHNOLOGIES INDEPENDENCE BOWL FANS,
Embarking on our 48th edition, the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl is steeped in college football tradition as the 11th most historic 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, 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:
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
• 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
SHREVEPORT DEALERS
Chevyland
Holmes Honda
Morgan Buick - GMC Shreveport
Orr Nissan Shreveport
Hebertʼ s Town & Country
Jeep - Chrysler - Dodge - Ram
Rountree Ford - Lincoln
Orr Kia of Shreveport
Yokem Toyota
Morgan Hyundai
Audi Shreveport
Porsche Shreveport
Mercedes of Shreveport
Volvo of Shreveport
Land Rover of Shreveport
Yokem Mitsubishi
BOSSIER DEALERS
Landers Jeep - Chrysler - Dodge - Ram
Red River Chevrolet
Harvey Toyota - Lexus
Family Mazda - Volkswagen
Orr Kia Bossier
Morgan GMC Bossier
Orr Nissan
Wray Ford
Harvey Subaru
Holmes Honda Bossier
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
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
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. Directions and parking entrances are on the back of parking hang-tags.
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).
Parking Map
STADIUM AREA 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
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
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
Various Locations JohnnysPH.com
LOOOISIANA SEAFOOD MARKET
9220 Wallace Lake Rd
Shreveport, LA 71106 (318) 525-7154
Visit Their Facebook
McDONALD'S
Various Locations McDonalds.com
PIZZA HUT
Various 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
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
SUGARWALK POPCORN
7460 Youree Dr, Suite 220E
Shreveport, LA 71105 (318) 220-4502
SugarWalkPopcorn.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 Walk-Ons.com
7031 Youree Dr Shreveport, LA 71105 (318) 220-4256
3010 Airline Dr Bossier City, LA 71111 (318) 747-5588
Various Locations Whataburger.com
Medical experts to reduce your risk of injury and improve your game
• Sports medicine
• Orthopedics
• Primary care doctors
• Athletic trainers
• Physical therapy
• Nutritionists
The right place for sports medicine is the right place for your family’s care.
Caring for young athletes and every member of your family. wkhs.com/sports-medicine
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 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!
Use code INDEPENDENCE to save on your next order
Community Impact
EXTRA YARD FOR TEACHERS
The Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl has gone the extra yard to support teachers and education since 2021.
The Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl, in conjunction with the College Football Playoff's Extra Yard for Teachers initiative, has donated over $86,000 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 on DonorsChoose.org on the Extra Yard for Teachers BIG DAY in September, but that is just the beginning! The bowl will honor 16 local teachers with $1,000 each at the 2024 Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl on Saturday, December 28. Fans will have the chance to nominate the teachers that they think are the most deserving of receiving the $1,000 Donors Choose donation on the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl's social media.
Following 2024's donations to local educators, the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl will have donated over $100,000 to local teachers over the past four years!
WILLIS-KNIGHTON HEALTH / INDEPENDENCE BOWL COMMUNITY SERVICE SCHOLARSHIP
A program in its 19th year, the Independence Bowl Foundation has partnered with Willis-Knighton Health 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 $95,000 in scholarships donated to local high school seniors through this program.
Community Impact
ANNUAL YOUTH FOOTBALL CLINIC
The 13th annual Independence Bowl Youth Football Clinic, presented by Whataburger, hit the field on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at Independence Stadium! The annual clinic is FREE for boys and girls aged 5-13 (incoming 8th graders). All participants received a t-shirt and free lunch from Whataburger after the event.
In 2024, campers learned from Centenary head coach Byron Dawson and coaches and staffers from LSU, Louisiana Tech, ULM, Northwestern State, Sam Houston State, Centenary and Southern University-Shreveport.
“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.
OTHER COMMUNITY EVENTS & INITIATIVES
The Independence Bowl Foundation is prevalent in the ShreveportBossier 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 above, the Independence Bowl Foundation also hosts the USTA Junior Tennis Classic in April. The tournament brings over 125 youth tennis players to Shreveport-Bossier from states all throughout the country.
Also, for the first time, the Independence Bowl Foundation partnered with Whataburger this year to help provide tickets to the game for up to 1750 students at Caddo Parish Public Schools for academic achievement in the Fall 2024 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
Franks Pizza Neapolitan
Everything is made from scratch and blasted in the wood fire oven for a true Italy-style 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.
GUMBO
marilynn’s Place
A dark full-bodied gumbo with Louisiana gulf shrimp, crab, oysters and andouille.
STEAK & POMMES RÖSTI
Fat Calf BRASSERIE
6 oz filet mignon, creamed spinach, bearnaise, parsley aioli, pommes rösti.
HOT CHICKEN & BISCUITS
Sauvage
Sauvage, has quickly established itself as a go-to restaurant for anyone who appreciates perfectly fried chicken and flaky, buttery homemade biscuits.
Plan your Foodie tour!
OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE BOWL
Head
INDEPENDENCE BOWL NEWS & STORIES
Legacy of the Independence 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 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.
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 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.
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.
Tulsa (1976)
Oregon vs. Wake Forest (1992)
Josh Heupel (Oklahoma - 1999)
Legacy of the Independence Bowl
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.
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.
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 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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
2024 RECIPIENT General Bryan P. Fenton
AWARD RECIPIENTS
U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, Demonstration Squadron
(NASA)
E.
Russel Honore
Shreveport-Bossier Community Renewal
“Team Hoyt”
St. Jude Children’s Hospital
General Charles C. “Hondo” Campbell
Wounded Warrior Project
Tuskegee Airmen
of the Battle of Chosin Reservoir
Jacob Schick, USMC (ret.)
Brigadier General Jeannie M. Leavitt
Gen. James M. Kowalski, USAF (ret.)
Lt. Gen. Joseph M. Cosumano, USA (ret.)
of Operation SENIOR SURPRISE
Women Airforce Service Pilots
General Bryan P. Fenton
Ultimate I-Bowl Experience
THE ULTIMATE I-BOWL EXPERIENCE
PRESENTED BY
ONE LUCKY FAN WILL WIN:
• Two (2) Premium Chairback Tickets to the 2024 Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl on December 28
• 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 Sports Card Louisiana
• $100 Gift Card from Pizza Hut
No Purchase Necessary Registration Ends December 8, 2024
CELEBRATING YEARS OF SERVICE
Celebrating 25 Years of Service
Founded in 1999, Radiance Technologies has become one of the nation’s leading research and development contractors for the Department of Defense. From the start, founders George Clark and John Dennis envisioned a company where customer success is our success, and the driving force that makes this dream a reality is emplyee-ownership. Twenty-five years later, employee-ownership is still one of our top priorities. Through shared values and a desire to execute the customer’s mission, our employee-owners will continue George and John’s vision well into the future.