Independence Stadium: A Landmark of Louisiana Sports History
A visit to Louisiana is incomplete without experiencing the rich history of the Independence Stadium. Located in the heart of Shreveport, Louisiana, this historic stadium is the home of the annual Independence Bowl and has played host to a number of memorable sporting events throughout its long history. This article takes a closer look at the history and highlights of the Independence Stadium.
About Independence Stadium
Independence Stadium is a 33,000-seat football and soccer stadium located in Shreveport, Louisiana. It is the former home of the Shreveport Pirates of the Canadian Football League (CFL) and was the original home of the Independence Bowl from 1976 to 2000. The stadium has a rich history, having hosted two NFL exhibition games in the 1950s, as well as events like the Mayor’s Cup Football Classic, the Shreveport Classic, the Red River Classic, the World Cup Soccer Qualifying Tournament, and the Cajun Classic. The stadium is also used for concerts and other events, such as the Battle of the Badge charity hockey game.
Independence Stadium History
The Independence Stadium opened in 1960 as the State Fair Stadium, replacing the old State Fair Park stadium. It was originally built to host the annual State Fair of Louisiana and to provide a venue for high school football. The stadium was also used to host the first-ever Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) state football championship game in 1961. In 1976, the stadium was renamed to Independence Stadium and became the home of the Independence Bowl.
The stadium underwent a major renovation in 1989, adding more seating and modernizing the facility. In 2006, the stadium underwent another renovation, adding luxury seating, a new playing surface, and updated scoreboards.
Notable Events at Independence Stadium
Independence Stadium has played host to some of the most memorable sporting events in Louisiana history. It was the home of the Shreveport Pirates of the CFL from 1994 to 1995, and hosted two NFL exhibition games in the 1950s. The stadium also hosted the first-ever LHSAA state football championship game in 1961, the Mayor’s Cup Football Classic from 1981 to 1992, the Shreveport Classic from 1993 to 1994, the Red River Classic from 1999 to 2003, the World Cup Soccer Qualifying Tournament in 2001, the Cajun Classic from 2003 to 2007, and the Battle of the Badge charity hockey game in 2017.
In addition, the stadium has hosted a number of concerts, including shows by acts such as The Rolling Stones, Kenny Chesney, and Bruce Springsteen.
Independence Bowl
The most notable event held at Independence Stadium is the annual Independence Bowl. The bowl game was first played in 1976 and is the second-oldest bowl game in the nation. The game features teams from the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and has been sponsored by a number of companies, including PetroSun, AXA, and Camping World.
The Independence Bowl has featured some of the biggest names in college football, including Heisman Trophy winners Herschel Walker, Bo Jackson, and Marcus Mariota. The most-memorable game in Independence Bowl history was the 2006 game when Boise State defeated Oklahoma in an overtime thriller.
Conclusion
Independence Stadium is a landmark of Louisiana sports history. Its long and storied history has made it a destination for sports fans and non-sports fans alike. From hosting iconic concerts to hosting some of college football’s biggest games, the Independence Stadium is a must-see destination when visiting Louisiana.