Big 12 to Face Pac-12 Legacy Team in Independence Bowl

The Big 12 Conference will face a Pac-12 Legacy team in the golden anniversary matchup of the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl, organizers announced. The game is scheduled to kick off Tuesday, December 22, at 7:30 p.m. CST at Independence Stadium in Shreveport, Louisiana, with a national television broadcast on ESPN, according to radiancetechnologiesindependencebowl.com.

Golden Anniversary Matchup Finalizes Conference Ties

Independence Bowl Foundation Chairman Keith Burton said the pairing offers an engaging contest for regional spectators and television viewers alike. Available ticket options range from individual admissions to Pizza Hut Family 4-Packs and Small Business Fan Packs.

Keith Burton, Independence Bowl Foundation Chairman

Big 12 Enters Postseason Slate Following Historic Start

The Big 12 Conference enters the postseason after placing its highest number of teams in the AP Top 25 during October league play in over a decade, big12sports.com reported. The 16-team league also recorded its best non-conference record since expansion. Big 12 Chief Football and Competition Officer Scott Draper noted that expanding postseason opportunities strengthens the student-athlete experience.

The conference holds deep historical ties to the Shreveport postseason contest, having appeared 13 times across the first 49 editions. The Texas Tech Red Raiders represented the conference in 2023, defeating California 34-14 under head coach Joey McGuire.

Pac-12 Legacy Selection Pool Brings Diverse Programs

The opposing roster will be drawn from a pool of Pac-12 Legacy programs currently competing across the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, and the surviving Pac-12 membership. Included in this group are Arizona, Arizona State, California, Colorado, Oregon, Oregon State, Stanford, UCLA, USC, Utah, Washington, and Washington State. Burton stated that these institutions elevate the national profile of the milestone game by introducing prominent brands to Louisiana spectators.

December Schedule and Stadium Policies

Prior to the Shreveport postseason fixture, the Big 12 schedule opens its championship slate on Friday, December 4, at 7 p.m. CT at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Attendees heading to Independence Stadium for the December 22 primetime kickoff are subject to venue regulations, including a strict clear bag policy detailed on the official event portal.