by Malcolm Butler
For the second straight year, Louisiana Tech will be playing in the 49th Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl.
The announcement came today that the Bulldogs will face a future Sun Belt Conference opponent in the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers (6-6) on December 30 at Independence Stadium in Shreveport. Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m. and the game can be seen on ESPN.
Coastal Carolina finished the season with an overall 6-6 record and won five games in the Sun Belt Conference, where Louisiana Tech will be joining in the coming months. After a 6-3 start to the regular season, the Chanticleers lost their final three games of the regular season, including a 59-10 season finale loss to James Madison, who just made the College Football Playoff as the Sun Belt Conference champion.
“We’re certainly excited; it’s always good to play in the postseason,” Louisiana Tech Vice President and Director of Athletics Ryan Ivey said. “Playing in the Independence Bowl means a great deal to this community, and we’re certainly happy to be able to accept to play in front of a great fan base.
“And playing Coastal Carolina — there’s obviously storylines there. Some coaches that were here last year are over there now, and they’re a future conference opponent. It sets up well for us and it’s a great opportunity for our future.”
Tech (7-5, 5-3 CUSA) will be playing in the Independence Bowl for the seventh time in the bowl’s history, the fifth time since the Bulldogs joined the FBS ranks in 1989. Tech has appeared in more Independence Bowls (7) than any other college football program with Ole Miss (5) ranking second. Nine other programs have played in the Independence Bowl three times.
Tech played in the second Independence Bowl back in 1977, defeating Louisville 24-14. The Bulldogs went back to Shreveport the next season, falling 35-13 to East Carolina.
One year after joining the FBS ranks, Tech played Maryland to a 34-34 tie in the 1990 Independence Bowl. Tech defeated Northern Illinois (17-14) in 2008 and Miami (FL) (14-0) in 2019. The Bulldogs lost to Army (27-7) in last year’s bowl.
“It’s the 11th oldest bowl game around,” said head coach Sonny Cumbie. “There is so much history to it. So much tradition. We are really looking forward to getting back there.
“I know last year our players had a great time going to it. The hospitality is tremendous. I know our players will be excited about playing Coastal (Carolina). There are so many storylines behind this match-up.”
This marks Tech’s 13th bowl game since the program joined the FBS ranks in 1989 as the program has a record of 7-4-1. Sonny Cumbie becomes only the second Bulldog head coach in the FBS era to lead the Bulldogs to multiple bowl game appearances, joining Skip Holtz (7).
Tech All-Time at Independence Bowl
1977: Tech 24, Louisville 14
1978: East Carolina 35, Tech 13
1990: Tech 34, Maryland 34
2008: Tech 17, Northern Illinois 14
2019: Tech 14, Miami (FL) 0
2024: Army 27, Tech 7
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RADIANCE TECHNOLOGIES INDEPENDENCE BOWL TICKET INFORMATION
Louisiana Tech football season ticket holders and current LTAC members will be notified via email with information on purchasing tickets for the 2025 Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl. Beginning on Sunday, December 7th, bowl game tickets may be purchased from the LA Tech Athletics ticket allotment. Bowl tickets will be allocated by LTAC Priority Points rank within the current 2025 LTAC membership levels. Fulfillment will begin on December 12th to those that have purchased tickets up to that point. Tickets purchased after Dec 13th will be allocated based on the best available seats remaining.
Louisiana Tech students will be notified via email and social media regarding the process for student bowl ticket claiming and discounted purchases.
To purchase tickets and for additional information regarding the Alumni Association Tailgate, parking and student tickets, please visit: https://latechsports.evenue.
ALUMNI TAILGATE INFORMATION
- Time: 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.
- Location: Ag Building on State Fair Grounds
- The cost for the tailgate is $15 for adults, $10 for children ages 5-10, and free for children ages 4 and under.
- The deadline to pre-register is Friday, December 26. Walk-up prices for game day are $20 for adults and $15 for children ages 5-10.
- For more information click here.
