Coaches from Four Division I Football Programs to Lead Instruction at 2026 Independence Bowl Youth Football Clinic

SHREVEPORT, La. (May 21, 2026) – The Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl Youth Football Clinic returns for its 15th edition in less than a month on Saturday, June 6 from 8-11 a.m. at Independence Stadium, and this year, campers will get to learn from coaches from Louisiana Tech, Northwestern State, Sam Houston State and ULM.

The Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl Youth Football Clinic is a free, non-contact clinic for 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 in advance at IndependenceBowl.org/youth-football-clinic.

Clinic participants will learn football fundamentals and conditioning drills through a variety of instruction and drills, as well as receive free lunch from Dillas Primo Quesadillas and a free t-shirt courtesy of SportsWorld at the conclusion of the clinic.

The clinic begins at 8 a.m. at Independence Stadium on Saturday, June 6. Check-in begins at 7 a.m. in the southwest entrance of the stadium. A limited number of walk-up registrations will be available on the morning of the clinic. Walk-ups should arrive in the southwest entrance at 7 a.m. 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.

The 15th annual Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl Youth Football Clinic is made possible by the support of Willis Knighton Health, Camus Electric Co., D1 Training Shreveport, Dillas Primo Quesadillas, Module X Solutions, Shelter Insurance – Bland Agency, Inc., SportsWorld and Xfinity.

Parents can contact Jennifer Rider, Director of Events and Operations at Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl, at jennifer@independencebowl.org with any questions about the Youth Football Clinic.

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, 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.

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 jennifer@independencebowl.org 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.

Former LSU Great Tyrann Mathieu to be Featured Speaker at 2026 Independence Bowl Kickoff Dinner

SHREVEPORT, La. (April 27, 2026) – The Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl routinely features some of collegiate sports’ greatest players and coaches to help kick off the college football season at the annual Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl Kickoff Dinner, and 2026’s version of the event will welcome former LSU great and Super Bowl champion, Tyrann Mathieu, as the featured speaker on Monday, August 17.

“I’m honored to be a part of the 2026 Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl Kickoff Dinner,” said Mathieu. “Louisiana has always meant everything to me, so any chance to come back, connect with fans, and celebrate the game that gave me so much is special. I’m looking forward to a great night in Shreveport.”

The 2026 Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl Kickoff Dinner featuring Tyrann Mathieu is set for Monday, August 17 at the Shreveport Convention Center. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. for a cocktail hour, and dinner buffets will be available starting at 6:15 p.m. The program will begin at 7 p.m. and conclude with a Q&A session.

Individual tickets to the event are on sale for $75 apiece, and a table of eight is $600. Fans can purchase tickets at RadianceTechnologiesIndependenceBowl.com/product/kickoff-dinner or by calling the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl office at 318.221.0712 or toll-free at 888.414.BOWL.

“Like many football fans across our state, I have great respect for what Tyrann Mathieu has meant to Louisiana and to the game of football. His career reflects results, toughness, and leadership at the highest level, and his story continues to resonate well beyond the field,” said Keith Burton, 2026 Independence Bowl Foundation Chairman. “We are proud to welcome him to Shreveport-Bossier for the 2026 Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl Kickoff Dinner and look forward to an evening that will be meaningful for our community and especially for the next generation of student-athletes.”

Mathieu rose to prominence as a member of the LSU Tigers in 2010 and 2011, as he was college football’s premier game-changer, causing turnovers on defense and scoring electric touchdowns on special teams. He enhanced his game-breaking reputation in the National Football League (NFL) during his 12-year career, being named First-Team All-Pro three times and Second-Team All-Pro once. He was also a key member of the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl LIV-winning defense.

A New Orleans native, Mathieu made a name for himself as a ball-hawking cornerback and elite track talent during his high school days at St. Augustine High School. In his true freshman season in Baton Rouge in 2010, he played all 13 games for the Tigers, including one start. He finished the season with 57 tackles, 4.5 sacks and two interceptions. He finished his impressive freshman campaign with a dominant effort against Texas A&M in the 2011 Cotton Bowl Classic. He tallied seven tackles, one tackle for loss (TFL), two forced fumbles (FF), one fumble recovery (FR), one interception, one sack and one pass breakup on his way to being named the Most Outstanding Defensive Player of the Game.

As a sophomore in 2011, he wore the sacred No. 7 for the Tigers and was one of college football’s truly elite players. He totaled 77 tackles, 1.5 sacks, five FF, four FR (including two returned for touchdowns) and two interceptions. He also had two punt return touchdowns. Mathieu’s gaudy numbers earned him a trip to New York City as a Heisman Trophy finalist, and he was also named the Chuck Bednarik Award-winner, SEC Defensive Player of the Year and a Consensus All-American.

Mathieu was selected in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft with the 69th overall pick by the Arizona Cardinals. Playing slot cornerback and free safety, he had an immediate impact for the Cardinals – finishing his maiden campaign with 68 combined tackles, nine pass deflections, two interceptions, one sack and one FF in 13 games after a torn ACL and LCL in early December cut his season short. He was named a member of the PFWA All-Rookie Team.

In his third season in the NFL, Mathieu had his finest season as a member of the Cardinals. He finished the season with 89 combined tackles, 17 pass deflections, five interceptions, one sack, one FF and one touchdown in 14 games. He was named to his first of three career Pro Bowls and was named as a first-team All-Pro safety by the Associated Press.

The most notable stretch of Mathieu’s professional career came from 2019 to 2021 as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs. His first season in Kansas City earned him the second first-team All-Pro nod of his career. Mathieu finished the season with 75 combined tackles, four interceptions, 12 passes defended and two sacks. He was one of the leaders of the Chiefs’ defense and earned his first and only Super Bowl ring of his career when Kansas City defeated the San Francisco 49ers, 31-20, in Super Bowl LIV.

Mathieu was ranked as the 39th-best player in the NFL by his peers in the NFL Top 100 Players of 2020. He earned his second and third Pro Bowl berths in 2020 and 2021, and he also earned his third and final first-team All-Pro honor in 2021.

In the final stanza of his NFL career, Mathieu returned home when he signed a three-year deal with the New Orleans Saints in 2022. He started all 51 games between 2022-2024 for his hometown team – collecting 228 combined tackles, 10 interceptions, three FF and two FR. Mathieu retired on July 22, 2025 after 12 seasons in the NFL.

Along with the honors and awards, Mathieu earned for individual performances and seasons throughout his storied career, he has also been honored for his longevity and career performance. Mathieu was named a member of the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team, and in 2025, he was named a Second-Team AP All-Time All-American for his legendary college career at LSU.

In addition to the on-field awards and honors, he has also received recognition for his commitment off the field. Mathieu has been a Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award nominee for two different franchises, the Chiefs and Saints.

Mathieu joins the prestigious list names who have spoken at the event over the first 15 years of the event, which includes Terry Bradshaw, Bobby Bowden, Lou Holtz, Jason Witten, Emmitt Smith, Archie Manning, Herschel Walker, Steve Spurrier, Drew Brees, Devin White, Marcus Spears, Kim Mulkey, Paul Skenes, Holly Rowe and Mack Brown. 

If you are interested in sponsoring the 2026 Kickoff Dinner, contact Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl Director of Partnership Development Matt Shanklin at matt@independencebowl.org or call the bowl office at (318) 221-0712.

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, 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.

Fernando Mendoza Becomes the Third Independence Bowl Alumni to be Selected with First Overall Pick in NFL Draft

SHREVEPORT, La. (April 24, 2026) – As the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026, the bowl saw just its third former player selected with the first overall selection in the NFL Draft during Thursday night’s first round, as Fernando Mendoza was selected by the Las Vegas Raiders with the first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Mendoza joins two of the all-time great Independence Bowl alumni to be drafted number one in the NFL and becomes the first in over 20 years. He joins College and Pro Football Hall of Famer Bruce Smith, who was drafted first overall in 1985, and Eli Manning, who went first in the 2004 NFL Draft.

Mendoza enjoyed a historic season in 2025, leading the Indiana Hoosiers to an undefeated 16-0 record and their first National Championship in program history. Along the way, Mendoza completed 72 percent of his passes for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns and just six interceptions. He also added 276 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground.

Those gaudy numbers earned Mendoza a laundry list of awards and accolades during awards season. He became the first former Independence Bowl player to win the Heisman Trophy – college football’s highest individual honor. He also won the Maxwell Award, Walter Camp Award, Davey O’Brien Award, Associated Press Player of the Year and was named the College Football Playoff National Championship Most Valuable Player.

Mendoza, who has been the surefire first-overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft since the season ended, started at quarterback as a redshirt freshman for the California Golden Bears in the 2023 Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl. He passed for 261 yards and one touchdown against Texas Tech in that game, but the turnover bug bit him, as he threw three interceptions and lost one fumble against a Red Raiders’ defense that was led by 2023 Defensive Player of the Game Jacob Rodriguez, who is likely to be a second or third round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

ON THE DOCKET – 50th Anniversary Kickoff Party & Indy Bowl Overtime

Indy Bowl Overtime, hosted for the first time by the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl in 2025, will serve as the official Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl 50th Anniversary Kickoff Party.

The event is set for Thursday, May 7 at Community Bank of Louisiana, located at 3000 Fairfield Ave, Shreveport, LA 71104. The 50th Anniversary Kickoff press conference will begin at 4:30 p.m. with the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl announcing plans to celebrate the bowl’s 50th anniversary throughout 2026, culminating with the game in December.

Following the press conference, the event will roll into the 2nd annual Indy Bowl Overtime after-hours networking event from 5:00-7:00 p.m. The Lovers, a Shreveport-based Indie-Americana pop duo featuring Cole Vosbury and Amanda June, will perform from 5:00-6:30 p.m. Food will be available for the first 150 people, and Eagle Distributing and Coca-Cola Bottling Co. products will be available throughout the event.

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, 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.

Independence Bowl 50th Anniversary Kickoff Party Set for May 7

SHREVEPORT, La. (April 21, 2026) – Indy Bowl Overtime, hosted for the first time by the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl in 2025, will be even bigger in 2026, serving as the official Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl 50th Anniversary Kickoff Party.

The event is set for Thursday, May 7 at Community Bank of Louisiana, located at 3000 Fairfield Ave, Shreveport, LA 71104. The 50th Anniversary Kickoff press conference will begin at 4:30 p.m. with the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl announcing plans to celebrate the bowl’s 50th anniversary throughout 2026, culminating with the game in December.

Following the press conference, the event will roll into the 2nd annual Indy Bowl Overtime after-hours networking event from 5:00-7:00 p.m. The Lovers, a Shreveport-based Indie-Americana pop duo featuring Cole Vosbury and Amanda June, will perform from 5:00-6:30 p.m. Food will be available for the first 150 people, as well as Eagle Distributing and Coca-Cola Bottling Co. products available throughout the event.

If you have any questions about the 50th Anniversary Kickoff Press Conference, contact Independence Bowl Director of Communications Erik Evenson at erik@independencebowl.org.

For more information about Indy Bowl Overtime, contact Independence Bowl Director of Partnership Development Matt Shanklin at matt@independencebowl.org.

The Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl’s 50th Anniversary celebration is presented by Coca-Cola Bottling Co. of Shreveport, Community Bank of Louisiana, Mike & Judy McCarthy, Wilhite Electric and Willis Knighton Health.

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, 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.

Radiance Technologies Announces Winner of 2025-26 Innovation Bowl

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (April 13, 2026) – The 2025-26 Radiance Technologies Innovation Bowl concluded with presentations from three university teams showcasing their innovative solutions at the company’s Huntsville headquarters on March 31, 2026.

This year’s competition challenged participants to develop techniques, procedures, and processes to validate the output of Generative AI models in conducting scientific and technical analysis.

Purdue University’s “Team TruSeLLM” claimed the $25,000 grand prize with their project, “AutoVerifier: An Agentic Automated Verification Framework Using Large Language Models.” The winning team, comprising of students Kaiyuan Zhang, Yuntao Du, Minh Dinh, and faculty advisor Dr. Ninghui Li, impressed judges with their systems ability to extract claims, systematically assess providence, and identify related collaborative validation or refutation to model results.

Two teams shared runner-up honors: Georgia State University’s “Team Panther Nexus,” represented by Yaswanth Pothuru, Velankani Joise Divya Gorla Christuraj, and faculty advisor Dr. Mark A. Chen, showcased their project, “Uncertainty-Aware LLM-Based Inference Using Contextual Knowledge Hypergraphs.” The University of Southern Mississippi’s “Team USM,” featuring Kiran Silwal, Rupak Raut, Hammad Ahmed, Chetanchal Saud, and faculty advisor Dr. Bikramjit Banerjee, presented their report, “Neuro-Symbolic Validation of LLM Output via Multi-Agent Planning.”

Original 2025-26 Innovation Bowl Challenge

The 2025-26 Innovation Bowl topic focused on the accuracy of Large Language Models and Generative Artificial Intelligence, specifically in their conducting of detailed scientific and technical analysis. To fully exploit the technology, innovative verification frameworks driven by large language models that incorporate fact-grounding, source traceability and provenance tracking must be developed to provide a measure of technical assurance that the output is correct.

Innovation Bowl Defined:

A joint effort with the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl, the Radiance Technologies Innovation Bowl is an academic competition between schools and conferences affiliated with the Independence Bowl. Schools compete for a $25,000 grand prize by developing innovative approaches to a current research and development topic selected by Radiance Technologies.

Evaluation of submissions is a two-step process where teams submit their ideas and approaches to Radiance Technologies before the end of the fall term. Scientists and researchers within Radiance Technologies pick three finalists, announced at the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl. These teams then further develop their ideas in the spring semester through prototypes, models and simulation or experimentation and presented their findings in person to a panel of experts.

About Radiance Technologies:

Radiance Technologies is an employee-owned prime contractor founded in 1999. Radiance has over 1000 employee-owners across the United States serving the Department of Defense, the national intelligence community, and other government agencies. From concepts to capabilities, Radiance leads the way in developing customer-focused solutions in the areas of cybersecurity, systems engineering, prototyping, and integration, as well as operational and strategic intelligence, including scientific and technical intelligence. For more information, please visit radiancetech.com.

15th Annual Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl Youth Football Clinic Hits the Field on Saturday, June 6

SHREVEPORT, La. (April 13, 2026) – 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.

“Opportunities like this youth clinic are so powerful because they give young people a chance to learn, compete, and grow in a positive environment,” said Keith Burton, 2026 Independence Bowl Foundation Chairman. “The Independence Bowl Youth Football Clinic has become a strong tradition in our community, and we are grateful for the coaches and volunteers who invest their time in our children. It will be a great morning at Independence Stadium, and I encourage families across our area to take advantage of it.”

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.

Clinic participants will learn football fundamentals and conditioning drills through a variety of instruction and drills from a wide range of FBS and FCS football coaches and staff. All campers receive free lunch and a free t-shirt at the conclusion of the clinic.

Each year, campers receive instruction from regional college football coaches and staffers. Current football players and coaches from Louisiana Tech, ULM, Sam Houston State, Northwestern State, Centenary College and Southern University-Shreveport instructed clinic participants in 2025.

The clinic begins at 8 a.m. at Independence Stadium on Saturday, June 6. Check-in begins at 7 a.m. in the southwest entrance of the stadium. A limited number of walk-up registrations will be available on the morning of the clinic. Walk-ups should arrive in the southwest entrance at 7 a.m. on the morning of the clinic. 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 jennifer@independencebowl.org with any questions about the 15th Annual Independence Bowl Youth Football Clinic.

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, with the 50th anniversary set for 2026. The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs defeated the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers, 23-14, in the 49th edition on December 30, 2025. 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.

Junior Tennis Classic Featured Around 150 Youth Tennis Players from Across North America

SHREVEPORT, La. (March 30, 2026) – For the third straight year, the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl welcomed youth tennis players from across North America to Shreveport-Bossier City for the annual Independence Bowl Junior Tennis Classic. 

Nearly 150 players from 11 different states, as well as one player from Calgary, Alberta, made the trip to the 318 for the USTA National Level 5 tournament. The states players and their families traveled from include Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas.

Players enjoyed a great weather weekend across Shreveport-Bossier, as tournament play was conducted at Pierremont Oaks Tennis Club and Querbes Tennis Center in Shreveport and Bossier Tennis Center in Bossier City. The tournament featured singles and doubles for boys and girls 12U, 14U, 16U and 18U.

Since returning after a four-year break, the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl Junior Tennis Classic has been a highly successful national-level tournament. The 2024 edition of the tournament was named the 2024 Junior Tournament of the Year by the Louisiana Tennis Association.

The Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl Junior Tennis Classic was presented by Graf Orthodontics and made possible by the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission, Carter Credit Union, Dogwood Farm & Ranch and Steve Craig. The results of the tournament draws can be viewed on the official USTA tournament page.

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, with the 50th anniversary set for 2026. The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs defeated the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers, 23-14, in the 49th edition on December 30, 2025. 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.

Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl Releases Special 50th Anniversary Logo

SHREVEPORT, La. (March 18, 2026) – As part of the celebration of the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl’s 50th edition, the bowl released a special-edition 50th anniversary logo. 

The Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl, college football’s 11th most historic bowl game, was established in 1976 as part of the nation’s bicentennial celebration. The commemorative logo will be utilized in a multitude of ways as part of the year-round celebration of 50 years of Shreveport’s annual bowl game.

Ticket renewals are being sent out to past ticket buyers in March, and ticket buyers who renew their tickets and add over $140 in additional tickets to their renewal will receive a commemorative Independence Bowl 50th anniversary coin. For more information about ticket renewals, fans can contact Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl Director of Ticket Sales & Operations, Brooks Anderson, at brooks@independencebowl.org or by calling the office at (318) 221-0712.

Additional details and plans for the Independence Bowl’s 50th anniversary celebration will be announced at a later date.

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, with the 50th anniversary set for 2026. The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs defeated the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers, 23-14, in the 49th edition on December 30, 2025. 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.

2026 Chairman Keith Burton at the Helm of Independence Bowl Foundation after Annual Membership Meeting

SHREVEPORT, La. (March 17, 2026) – As the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, 2026 Chairman Keith Burton will lead the Independence Bowl Foundation.

Burton, officially sworn in at the 2026 Annual Membership Meeting on Thursday, March 12 at Pierremont Oaks Tennis Club, takes the reins from 2025 Chairwoman, Sarah Giglio.

“It is a tremendous honor to serve as Chairman of the Independence Bowl Foundation during such a special year. The 50th anniversary is an opportunity not only to celebrate the incredible legacy built over five decades, but also to position the Independence Bowl for an even stronger future,” said Burton. “I look forward to working alongside our outstanding staff, volunteers, and Foundation members to deliver another great bowl experience for our community and college football fans.”

The entire 2026 Executive Committee and Board of Directors slate was voted in at the Annual Membership Meeting – a slate that includes some of Shreveport-Bossier City’s most influential leaders and citizens.

Keith Burton serves as Superintendent of Caddo Parish Public Schools, where he leads one of Louisiana’s largest school systems and works closely with educators, community leaders, and business partners to improve educational outcomes and expand opportunities for students. Prior to becoming superintendent, Burton served the district in several leadership roles, including Chief Academic Officer and school principal, and has spent more than three decades in education.

A longtime resident of the Shreveport-Bossier area, Burton has been actively involved in numerous civic, nonprofit, and community organizations. His service includes leadership roles with the Committee of 100, the Rotary Club of Shreveport, the Norwela Council of the Boy Scouts of America, Community in Schools/Volunteers of America (CIS-VOA), and the Shreveport-Bossier Military Affairs Council.

Burton has been a member of the Independence Bowl Foundation for many years and currently serves on its Board of Directors, Executive Committee and Selection Committee. As Chairman for the 2026 game, he will help lead the organization during the Bowl’s milestone 50th anniversary season, working alongside staff, volunteers, and board leadership to strengthen conference relationships, enhance the bowl experience for participating teams and fans, and position the Independence Bowl for continued success in the evolving landscape of college football.

He and his wife, Tina, have three children — Ryan, Will, and Anna Kate — all of whom live in the Shreveport-Bossier community with their spouses.

Below is the 13-member Independence Bowl Foundation Executive Committee for 2026-27:

• Chairman: Keith Burton (Caddo Parish Public Schools)
• Vice-Chairman: Greg Lott (Progressive Bank)
• 1st Vice-Chairman: Tim Wilhite (Wilhite Electric)
• 2nd Vice-Chairman: Doug Bland (Shelter Insurance – Bland Agency, Inc.)
• Treasurer: Jayce Simpson (Community Bank of Louisiana)
• Secretary: John David Person (WIELAND)
• Immediate Past Chairwoman: Sarah Giglio (Gilmer & Giglio)
• Three-Year Term: Crystal Wooldridge (Raymond James)
• Three-Year Term: Bert Schmale (Home Federal Bank)
• Two-Year Term: Tyler Williams (Edward Jones)
• Two-Year Term: Victor Mainiero (Caddo Parish Public Schools)
• One-Year Term: Taylor Jamison (NextEra Energy Resources)
• One-Year Term: Lee Holmes (U.S. Air Force Reserve)
• Title Sponsor Ex-Officio: Jerry Skievaski (Radiance Technologies)

Sixteen Three-Year Term members of the Independence Bowl Foundation Board of Directors were voted in at the meeting, while the Two-Year and One-Year Term members rolled into their respective board slots. There are also 32 Life Directors on the board. The Independence Bowl Foundation has 89 active members of the Board of Directors, including nine Ex-Officio members. The entire Board of Directors can be found at IndependenceBowl.org/team/#board. 

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