Shreveport Police Dept.

Date: Dec. 24, 2008

Phone: (318) 525-5066 Fax: (318) 673-6933

Contact: Cpl Bill Goodin, Public Information Officer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Independence Bowl Time Again

It's Independence Bowl time again in Shreveport/Bossier and the Shreveport Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies are gearing up to provide a safe environment for residents and guests as they gather to enjoy the premiere football game in our area.

As part of our on-going commitment to make game day as safe and enjoyable as possible for all, the Shreveport Police Department would like to take this opportunity to remind football fanatics of some pertinent information regarding the Independence Bowl:

Due to the large crowds and limited parking space, we are urging fans to use the shuttle service which will start at 2:00 p.m. on game day and run until everyone has been transported back to their vehicles. The shuttle pick-up locations will be at Mall St. Vincent and Pierre Bossier Mall and will cost riders $5 per adult. Children under 12 will ride for free. Please remember that anything you carry on the shuttles must be small enough to fit in a 12”x 12” box.

For fans who wait until the last minute to purchase tickets, game day ticket purchase will be available at the stadium; however, fans must pay to park or park beside the Silver Lot attendant & walk to the ticket booth. State Fair personnel, as well as local law enforcement officers, will be on hand to direct fans to the correct parking lots. Taking advantage of the shuttle service is another option available as well for folks looking to buy their tickets at the stadium.

Parking at the stadium will cost $5 for general admission parking and $25 for parking in the silver lot. It will cost $25 to park Buses and $50 to park RV’s.

The Shreveport Police Department wants to remind everyone about smoking regulations. Current laws prohibit smoking inside Independence Stadium. Anyone who wishes to smoke will be allowed to exit the stadium. Fans will be directed to gate personnel who will hole punch their ticket and stamp their hand. The punched ticket stub and that hand stamp will be required for re-entry into the stadium. Again, smoking is prohibited inside the stadium and within 25 feet of any gate. This will be enforced by Shreveport Police.

Louisiana DOTD dynamic message signs on I- 20 will provide directions to Independence Stadium and other information pertaining to the game.

Fans should follow all the directions on the back of their ticket.

Here are some other rules that will be enforced to ensure that the Independence Bowl will be safe for all patrons:

No outside food or drink will be allowed in the stadium.

No ice chests will be allowed in the stadium.

No umbrellas will be allowed in the stadium.

No oversized bags will be allowed in the stadium (bags must fit in a 12”x 12” box).

No mace will be allowed in the stadium.

No Tazers or stun guns will be allowed in the stadium.

No pocket tools will be allowed in the stadium.

No straight blades will be allowed in the stadium.

No fireworks will be allowed in the stadium.

No video cameras will be allowed in the stadium.

No knives will be allowed in the stadium.

No weapons will be allowed in the stadium.

The Shreveport Police Department is looking forward to once again serving our citizens and guests by providing a safe and secure Independence Bowl.

Anyone with any information regarding the identity of this suspect are encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 673-7373 or 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.crimestoppersshreveportcaddo.com

-spd-

View all SPD press releases at www.ci.shreveport.la.us/dept/police/spdnews