Martin Specialty Coatings to Sponsor Inaugural Charity Round at the Big Game Welcome Party

SHREVEPORT, La. (Dec. 23, 2024) – The Big Game Welcome Party just got bigger. Martin Specialty Coatings will sponsor the first-ever Charity Round of the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl Big Game Welcome Party.

The Big Game Show, a trivia-style game show between the two teams, is always one of the most fun events of Bowl Week and kicks off the competition between the teams, and this year the stakes will be higher. During the Big Game Show at the Team Welcome Party, each team will compete for designated Shreveport-Bossier charity during the Charity Round, presented by Martin Specialty Coatings. 

“The entire Martin Team is excited to be part of the Independence Bowl experience!” exclaimed Martin Specialty Coatings Chief Executive Officer Tim Keeley. “Our community is fortunate to have such a great long-standing partner who is constantly striving to improve the quality of life in Northwest Louisiana. Tis the season for giving and doing so by supporting a spirited event like this is awesome.”

The winning team’s charity will receive a $5,000 donation, while the losing charity receiving $2,500. One team will compete on behalf of the Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana and the other for The Hub: Urban Ministries.

“We are incredibly grateful to be chosen as one of the benefiting charities for this exciting Independence Bowl event. The Big Game Welcome Party embodies the spirit of community, and we’re thrilled to see athletes competing not just on the field but for a greater cause—helping neighbors in need,” said Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana Executive Director Martha Marak. “Thank you to Martin Specialty Coatings and the Independence Bowl for supporting the Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana and our mission to fight hunger. Every dollar makes a difference in ensuring no one in our community goes without a meal.”

“The Hub’s mission is to give everyone in our city access to a restored life. Events like the Independence Bowl and the Big Game Welcome are incredible opportunities for our city to come together and do some good for our city!” said Founder of The Hub Cassie Hammett. “Shreveport is an incredible place to live, and The Hub is committed to seeing it become a place of restoration. We are so pumped to be a part of this event!”

The 48th Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl kicks off on Saturday, December 28 at 8:15 p.m. CST between the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs and No. 19/22 (AP/CFP) Army West Point Black Knights. Tickets start at $20 and are on sale now at RadianceTechnologiesIndependenceBowl.com/Tickets. There is a bevy of ticket packages available – including individual tickets, group tickets, Pizza Hut Family 4-Packs, Small Business Fan Packs, premium options and more. For ticketing questions, fans can email [email protected] or call the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl office at (318) 221-0712.

For information on Independence Stadium rules and the clear bag policy, please visit RadianceTechnologiesIndependenceBowl.com/stadium-rules/. Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl fans can visit OpportunityLouisiana.com to explore why Louisiana businesses are positioned to win. 

About Martin Specialty Coatings

Martin Specialty Coatings is a full-service coatings company headquartered in Shreveport, La. Serving the Ark-La-Tex and Mississippi, we provide turnkey solutions for commercial construction and industrial facilities, including commercial roof coatings, resinous flooring, commercial waterproofing, and an in-house custom coatings shop with liquid and powder coatings.

ABOUT THE RADIANCE TECHNOLOGIES INDEPENDENCE BOWL™

Established in 1976, the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl™ is college football’s 11th most historic bowl game. The 48th edition of the game is set for Saturday, December 28 at 8:15 p.m. CST on ESPN between the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs and No. 19/22 (AP/CFP) Army West Point Black Knights. Huntsville, Ala.-based Radiance Technologies is the bowl’s title sponsor through the 2025 Bowl Season. The bowl’s conference, team, and television agreements also run through the 2025 season. 

The Independence Bowl Foundation is prevalent in the Shreveport-Bossier City area throughout the year, hosting events to help enhance the economic impact and growth of our community. The Mission of the Independence Bowl is to attract and provide quality, nationally recognized football competition oriented to the Ark-La-Tex region. For more information, visit RadianceTechnologiesIndependenceBowl.com or follow the bowl on Facebook, X and Instagram at @IndyBowl.