Independence Bowl Scholar Program to Provide Game Tickets and Meal Coupons to Up to 2,000 Students

SHREVEPORT, La. (Nov. 12, 2026) – The Independence Bowl Foundation hosts numerous community initiatives throughout the year to give back to the local Shreveport-Bossier City community, and a popular program, the Independence Bowl Scholar Program, returns for its third year thanks to the generosity of Fire Tech Systems and BC Restaurants’ Zaxbys, Jersey Mike’s Subs and Shipley Donuts.

“Fire Tech Systems is proud to support the Independence Bowl Scholar Program and partner with the bowl to recognize outstanding students across Caddo Parish,” said Rob Rubel, Senior Fire Sprinkler Sales Manager at Fire Tech Systems. “Investing in local students and supporting their educational journeys is critical to strengthening our community. We are excited to help provide these deserving students and their families with a fun bowl game experience.”

The Independence Bowl Scholar Program provides tickets to the 50th Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl, set to kick off at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 22, and meal coupons to Zaxbys, Jersey Mike’s Subs, and Shipley Donuts to up to 2,000 students from Caddo Parish Public Schools (K-12). Students are selected based on academic achievement or progress during the 2026 fall semester, as determined by each school’s staff.

“Our local Zaxbys, Jersey Mike’s and Shipley Donuts have a shared commitment to the communities we proudly serve. We believe that investing in our children and their education is one of the most meaningful ways we can make a lasting difference. Our schools are the foundation of our community,” said Steve Watkins, Managing Partner of BC Restaurant Holdings. “We are honored to partner with the Independence Bowl Foundation’s Scholar Program to celebrate academic achievement, encourage young minds, and support the bright futures of our local students.”

Students selected by their school will receive a letter with directions on how to redeem their 2026 Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl game tickets and Zaxbys, Jersey Mike’s Subs and Shipley Donuts meal coupons.

The 50th Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl hits the field Tuesday, December 22, in primetime at 7:30 p.m. CST on ESPN. Fans can join the celebration of the Independence Bowl’s half-century by purchasing tickets at RadianceTechnologiesIndependenceBowl.com/tickets. Ticket packages include individual and group tickets, Pizza Hut Family 4-Packs, Small Business Fan Packs and premium options.

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. 

Upcoming Event – Premiere of Fifty Decembers: The Story of the Independence Bowl

The local premiere of the Independence Bowl’s 50th anniversary documentary Fifty Decembers: The Story of the Independence Bowl, a No Homework Productions film, is set for Thursday, November 19 at the Robinson Film Center. Tickets are available now for the 8:30 p.m. screening for $12 apiece.

The premiere’s red carpet and reception will kick off at 6 p.m., and the 45-minute film will have two screenings – one at 7 p.m. and one at 8:30 p.m. in the Willis Knighton Theatre at the Robinson Film Center. A Q&A with the filmmakers and other people involved in the documentary will follow each screening immediately. The 7 p.m. screening is sold out, but tickets remain available for the 8:30 p.m. screening.

Each active Independence Bowl Foundation member receives two complimentary tickets to the premiere, but they must reserve their seat in advance. To redeem member tickets, Independence Bowl Foundation Members can contact the Robinson Film Center Box Office at 318-459-4122 or visit the RFC Box Office in person. 

Public tickets and additional tickets for members’ guests are on sale for $12 apiece at robinsonfilmcenter.org/independence-bowl.

Fifty Decembers: The Story of the Independence Bowl captures the history of Shreveport’s annual college football bowl game, celebrating the moments, memories and people involved in the first 49 years of the Independence Bowl. College football greats and Independence Bowl legends interviewed for the film include College Football Hall of Fame coaches Mack Brown and Frank Beamer, four-time Independence Bowl champion David Cutcliffe and Independence Bowl greats like Duke’s Daniel Jones, Mississippi State’s Wayne Madkin, LSU’s Abram Booty, McNeese State’s Terry McFarland and Louisiana Tech’s L’Jarius Sneed. 

The film will air on ESPNU in December. More information about the television airing will be announced later this year.

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.