Annual event offers more than football

The holidays in Shreveport-Bossier City also mean that the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl is back! The bowl will celebrate its 46th edition on Friday, Dec. 23, at 2 p.m. The Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl is more than just a game – it is an annual celebration of college football in Shreveport- Bossier City!

Start the holiday season early by bringing the family to all the free bowl week events that lead local and traveling fans of all ages into game day. There will be a different event hosted by the Independence Bowl each day during bowl week starting on Tuesday, Dec. 20. These events range from watching the football players compete in trivia at the Big Game Show to a Mardi Gras Preview Parade and a free concert from Parish County Line. Come to all the bowl week events and celebrate the return of the biggest sporting event in Shreveport-Bossier City – the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl!

Big Game Show

• Tuesday, Dec. 20, at 6:30 p.m. at Riverview Theatre

• Free admission

Before the teams compete on the field on Friday, Dec. 23, they will duke it out in the Big Game Show at Riverview Theater on Tuesday, Dec. 20. Coaches and players from both teams will compete in an array of game show-style competitions, and the audience will have a chance to participate in the fun, too.

Fellowship of Christian Athletes Breakfast

• Wednesday, Dec. 21, at 7:30 a.m. at the Shreveport Convention Center

• $10

The annual Fellowship of Christian Athletes Breakfast is presented for the participating teams and their coaching and administrative staff. Hosted by the NWLA FCA Chapter, this event annually hosts more than 500 guests – offering a full breakfast and featured speakers who give their testimonies.

Rally On The Red

The Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl is not just a game but a whole bowl week experience. Fans can get the party started the night before the game with a trio of free events, including the Louisiana Mardi Gras Preview Parade, Battle of the Marching Bands, a fireworks show and a free Parish County Line concert.

Louisiana Mardi Gras Parade

• Thursday, Dec. 22 at 6:30 p.m. at Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets & East Bank District

• Free

Kicking off the free night of fun, the Mardi Gras Preview Parade will feature local krewe floats, school bands and spirit squads! It will start at 6:30 p.m. and roll through the Louisiana Boardwalk and the East Bank District in Bossier City – leading into the Battle of the Bands at 7:15 p.m. in the East Bank Plaza.

Battle of the Marching Banks

• Thursday, Dec. 22, at 7:15 p.m. at the East Bank Plaza

• Free

Following the Mardi Gras Preview Parade, the two school marching bands and spirit squads will play in a Battle of the Bands in the plaza of the East Bank District.

Independence Bowl Fireworks Show

• Thursday, Dec. 22, at 7:45 p.m. at Hurricane Alley in the East Bank District

• Free

Parish County Line Concert

• Thursday, Dec. 22, at 8 p.m. at Hurricane Alley in the East Bank District

• Free

You may have seen them in 2018, but Parish County Line is back once again for the Independence Bowl! Finishing off the night of festivities the day before the game, PCL will rock out for a free concert in Hurricane Alley in the East Bank District at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 22.

Game Day

• Friday, Dec. 23

Coca-Cola Fan Fest

• Friday, Dec. 23, from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the State Fair Grounds

• Free

The 46th Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl kicks off at 2 p.m., but the party will start early and go all day leading up to the game with Coca-Cola Fan Fest. Fan Fest begins at 10 a.m. and runs until 1:30 p.m. The fun will be on the turf outside the northeast gate of Independence Stadium in the Silver Lot. DJ Jay Whatley will provide the entertainment; there will be corn hole boards available for everyone to play; there will be food and drink from local favorites and the State Fair of Louisiana! The bowl has also partnered to bring the ESPN Events Tailgate Tour to Coca-Cola Fan Fest. The ESPN Events Tailgate Tour will have tents providing free food, prizes and fun.

46th Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl

• Friday, Dec. 23, at 2 p.m. at Independence Stadium

• Individual tickets starting at $30

• Group tickets, family four-packs, small business fan packs and other ticket packages available.