Independence Bowl Announces 50th Anniversary Celebration Festivities

SHREVEPORT, La. (May 7, 2026) – The Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl, college football’s 11th most historic bowl game, will celebrate its 50th playing in December 2026, and the Independence Bowl Foundation announced Thursday afternoon the year-long festivities celebrating the 50th anniversary leading into game day.

“There are only 35 communities in the country with the privilege of hosting a college football bowl game each year, and for our community to do that for 50 years says something powerful,” said Keith Burton, 2026 Independence Bowl Foundation Chairman. “It says we understand that major events like this do not just happen; they are built by people who care enough to invest their time, resources and energy into something bigger than themselves.

“Fifty years is more than an anniversary. It is a testament to a community that believed it could host something special; to the leaders, volunteers, sponsors, city and parish partners, board members, coaches, student-athletes and fans who continued showing up year after year; and to Shreveport-Bossier’s ability to welcome the nation, celebrate college football and create memories that last far beyond one game.”

The Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl will use a variety of avenues to celebrate the 50th anniversary in the community, online through social media and website interaction with fans, and during bowl week and on game day to culminate the celebration.

Below is a breakdown of the various elements of the celebration and how fans can participate in celebrating this historic landmark.

Community Events & Initiatives

• Online Fan Time Capsule
• Downtown Fireworks & Drone Show
• 50-Year Yard Signs

Fan Engagement

• #IndyBowl50 Campaign
• Summer of Giveaways
• 50th Anniversary Beer Collaboration with Great Raft Brewing 
• Interactive Trivia Series

Gameday Experience

• Themed Tailgate Experience
• Honoring the Legends

Merchandise & Memorabilia 

• Anniversary Merchandise
• Commemorative Print & Posters
• Commemorative Coins

Storytelling

• Documentary
• All-Time Team
• Fan Memory Submissions
• Throwback Content Series

Fans can stay up to date on all the 50th anniversary festivities throughout the year by visiting RadianceTechnologiesIndependenceBowl.com or following the bowl on Facebook, X and Instagram at @IndyBowl.

Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl fans can visit OpportunityLouisiana.gov to explore why Louisiana businesses are positioned to win. 

On the Docket – 15th Annual Youth Football Clinic

A summer staple on the Independence Bowl Foundation’s slate of year-round community events, the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl Youth Football Clinic returns to Independence Stadium for its 15th edition on Saturday, June 6 from 8-11 a.m.

The Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl Youth Football Clinic is a free, non-contact clinic and is open to boys and girls ages five through 13 (incoming eighth graders). Registration for the clinic is limited to the first 400 registrants, so parents are encouraged to register their child for the clinic in advance at IndependenceBowl.org/youth-football-clinic.

Each year, campers receive instruction from regional college football coaches and staffers. Check-in begins at 7 a.m. on the day of the event in the southwest entrance of the stadium. A parent or guardian must complete a waiver for their child upon check-in at the clinic on the morning of the event for the child to participate.

Parents can contact Jennifer Rider, Director of Events and Operations at Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl, at [email protected] with any questions about the clinic.

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 set for 2026. 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.