Flyover for Independence Bowl to Feature Two B-52H Stratofortress

A B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron takes off from RAF Fairford, England, for a training mission with the Royal Moroccan Air Force during Bomber Task Force 25-1, Nov. 22, 2024. As a stabilizing force, Morocco contributes to regional security and supports peace and prosperity both in the Middle East and throughout Africa. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Mary Bowers)

SHREVEPORT, La.  (Dec. 23, 2025) – The 49th Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl between Coastal Carolina and Louisiana Tech is just one week away on Tuesday, December 30 at 1 p.m. CST, and fans in Independence Stadium on game day will get to experience two of the United States Air Force’s longest-operating aircrafts – the B-52H Stratofortress – flying overhead.

The Independence Bowl will feature a flyover by two B-52H Stratofortress aircraft from the 2nd Bomb Wing, based out of Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana. 

The 2nd Bomb Wing’s primary mission is to provide safe, secure, and reliable global strike capabilities in support of U.S. national defense. Barksdale is grateful for the strong support it receives from the Shreveport-Bossier community and values the strong partnerships it shares with local organizations and community leaders that further support the mission, Airmen and their families.

Prior to the flyover and game, the teams will also get a closer look at these aircraft and more when they tour Barksdale Air Force Base during Bowl Week. Coastal Carolina and Louisiana Tech will be touring Barksdale Air Force Base, getting an inside look into some of the capabilities the base has to offer. After hearing from the 2nd Bomb Wing Commander, Col. Christopher Cain, the tour will include a static display of the B-52 Stratofortress, affectionately knows as the BUFF, demonstrations from our Security Forces Defenders, a hands-on demo of some of Barksdale’s Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) capabilities, and equipment displays used by the Logistics Readiness Squadron (LRS).

The 49th Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl kicks off on Tuesday, December 30 at 1 p.m. CST between Coastal Carolina and Louisiana Tech. Tickets start at $20 and are on sale now at RadianceTechnologiesIndependenceBowl.com/Tickets. There is a variety of ticket packages available – including individual tickets, group tickets, Pizza Hut Family 4-Packs, Small Business Fan Packs and more. For ticketing questions, fans can email [email protected] or call the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl office at (318) 221-0712. 

For information on Independence Stadium rules and the clear bag policy, please visit RadianceTechnologiesIndependenceBowl.com/stadium-rules/. Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl fans can visit OpportunityLouisiana.gov to explore why Louisiana businesses are positioned to win. 

ABOUT THE RADIANCE TECHNOLOGIES INDEPENDENCE BOWL™

Established in 1976, the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl™ is college football’s 11th most historic bowl game. The 49th edition will kick off on Tuesday, December 30 at 1 p.m. CST on ESPN. Radiance Technologies is the bowl’s title sponsor through at least the 2027 Bowl Season. The bowl’s conference and television agreements also run through the 2025 bowl game. 

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. 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.