Expand Energy to Sponsor Independence Bowl 1st & Give Program

SHREVEPORT, La. (Sept. 30, 2026) – The Independence Bowl is more than just a football game, as demonstrated through the bowl’s 1st & Give program. 

Expand Energy, which operates natural gas production across Northwest Louisiana and is anchored by a regional office in Mansfield, has partnered with the Independence Bowl Foundation for the last two years – a partnership that helps support the bowl’s 1st & Give initiatives. 

“At Expand Energy, we are committed to investing in the communities where we live and work. Our partnership through the Independence Bowl and the 1st & Give program is a natural extension of that commitment, allowing us to support organizations that make a meaningful difference in the lives of local families,” said Michelle Cavanaugh with Expand Energy Community Affairs. “We are proud to partner with organizations that share our dedication to strengthening communities and creating lasting positive impact.”

The goal of 1st & Give is to raise the charitable giving profile of the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl and Independence Bowl Foundation, further advancing the Foundation’s mission of enhancing community impact in the Shreveport-Bossier City area. 1st & Give initiatives include Extra Yard for Teachers donations, Willis Knighton Community Service Scholarships, Big Game Show Charity Round and other philanthropic projects and endeavors.

“We greatly appreciate Expand Energy’s continued support of our 1st & Give program,” said Independence Bowl Foundation Executive Director Erik Evenson.  “Corporate support like theirs has helped make the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl one of the longest-running college football bowl games and allows us to engage and support the community with endeavors like 1st & Give.”

To learn more about the Independence Bowl Foundation’s 1st & Give program and all of its initiatives, visit IndependenceBowl.org/1st-and-Give. 

ABOUT THE RADIANCE TECHNOLOGIES INDEPENDENCE BOWL™

Established in 1976, the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl™ is college football’s 11th most historic bowl game, with the 50th anniversary game set for Tuesday, December 22, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. CST on ESPN. Radiance Technologies is the bowl’s title sponsor through at least the 2027 Bowl Season. 

The Independence Bowl Foundation is a prominent presence in the Shreveport-Bossier City area throughout the year, hosting events to enhance the economic impact and growth of our community. The Mission of the Independence Bowl is to attract and provide quality, nationally recognized football competition oriented to the Ark-La-Tex region. For more information, visit RadianceTechnologiesIndependenceBowl.com or follow the bowl on Facebook, X and Instagram at @IndyBowl.