The kickoff is scheduled for 3:30pm on December 28th, and the game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.
In the following few pages, you'll find a complete breakdown of the 2006 PetroSun Independence Bowl, including team analysis, ticket-buying options, Shreveport accomodations and travel tips and an in-depth look at the gameday match-up.
The Bowl
The Independence Bowl, sponsored by PetroSun, is played on December 28th at Independence Stadium in Shreveport, Louisiana. The name came from the game's first year of play, 1976, which was also the U.S. bicentennial.
The bowl originally had the winner of the Southland Conference taking on an at-large opponent. The Southland Conference is now a Division I-AA conference. In 1995, the Independence Bowl began featuring SEC teams. With the creation of the BCS bowls, the game's tie-in included a Big 12 team as well as one from the SEC. Oklahoma State played in the Independence Bowl in 1981 against Texas A&M but lost 33-16. Alabama's only trip to the bowl was in 2001 when they beat Iowa State 14-13.
The Site
Independence Stadium is located at the fairgrounds in Shreveport, Louisiana. It was formerly known as State Fair Stadium in the 1970's before it was approved as an NCAA postseason location. It seats 53,000 and has played host to a failed Canadian Football League team as well as a short-lived World Football league team.
The stadium is located just off I-20, east of Jewell Ave.
Here are driving directions for each possible entry detailed by the Independence Bowl's website:
- From the south:
* Take I-20 west to Dallas. Take either the Hearne Avenue or Jewella Avenue exits and turn right. Follow directions according to accompanying map for parking entrances.
- From the east:
* Take I-20 west to the Hearne Avenue or Jewella Avenue exits. Take either exit and turn right. Follow directions according to accompanying map for parking entrances. - From the west:
* Take I-20 east to the Jewella Avenue or Hearne Avenue exits. Take either exit and turn left. Follow directions according to accompanying map for parking entrances.
Tickets
Tickets are currently available online for as little as $25 in the endzone. Sideline tickets are $35.
