The question I have is Shreveport's role now. Since we subsidize the I-Bowl, will this put Shreveport below a potential Liberty Bowl? Nationally and possibly even regionally, Memphis has more glamour than Shreveport/Bossier. http://www.chron.com/CDA/umstory.mpl/sports/3295491
Good Question. I think Memphis gets a better slot, but the Liberty Bowl ain't what it used to be. I don't recall watching more than about 10 minutes of Liberty Bowl action in the last twenty years. I go to the Independence Bowl every year. Things seemed grim after this last game. I heard that the Big 12 was pulling out and the SEC might. Then there's the dearth of sponsorship. The Bowl has faced tougher times before. I hope that it can continue. It would be nice if State Fair, er, I mean Independence Stadium could be replaced. Maybe some visionary over in Bossier City could get it done. I was over there last weekend walking down the brand new "Louisiana Boardwalk" on the Bossier riverfront. It sure was nice and Shreveport sure as heck missed out, again !!
How about possible moving the Independence Bowl to a different city? I know its the Independence Bowl in Independence Stadium, but if the bowl were closer to say NEW ORLEANS?!?! then it would draw more people.
The I-Bowl draws pretty well for a third tier bowl. Since the SEC came on board the game is a sellout or near sellout every year.
As much as I love college football sometimes it seems as though we need to cull some of these bowl games.
Right now, the Indy bowl pits the SEC vs the Big Ten, right? ...Perhaps if they make an SEC vs Big XII, the Indy Bowl would draw even more?
