home to the Shreveport Pirates of the Canadian Football League, which was undergoing US expansion at the time. In the late 1990s, the stadium capacity was expanded from approximately 40,000 to 50,832. In 2005, to meet accommodations of the upcoming Independence Bowl in 2006, the stadium went through a renovation to extend the capacity from 52,000 to 59,000. Then in 2008, the City of Shreveport created an entire new section of the stadium. This portion would allow the stadium capacity to be expanded only if need be. This expanse put the total capacity at 63,000. This was part of a grander upgrading plan that improved all aspects of the facility, from concourses to playing surface. Independence Stadium was considered as a possible playing site for the New Orleans Saints during the 2005 National Football League season due to Hurricane Katrina, but Shreveport eventually lost out to the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, and Louisiana State University's Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge. However, Independence Stadium eventually was chosen to host the Saints' first preseason home game for the 2006 season while the Louisiana Superdome prepared for its grand re-opening. Field Turf was installed on the stadium's playing surface in 2010. In 2010, a Texas UIL playoff game was played featuring Mesquite Horn HS and the technical host Longview. Longview won, 28–14. In 2011, Independence Stadium hosted the Port City Classic, an NCAA college football competition between Louisiana Tech University of Ruston, Louisiana, and Grambling State University of Grambling, Louisiana. The south end zone of the stadium borders Interstate 20. Game results Rankings are based on the AP Poll prior to the game being played. Source: MVPs The bowl names both an offensive and defensive player of the game; on several occasions, the award has been shared. Source: Most appearances Every current member of the SEC except Tennessee, Florida and Kentucky has appeared in the game. Of the 14 current or former members of the Big 12, only Kansas, Texas, Baylor and West Virginia have yet to appear in the game. With the appearance of Duke in the 2018 game, every current or former member of the ACC except Pittsburgh has appeared. Updated through the December 2022 edition (46 games, 92 total appearances). Teams with multiple appearances Teams with a single appearance Won (16): Arizona, Auburn, Duke, East Carolina, Florida State, Houston, Minnesota, Mississippi State, NC State, Ohio, Syracuse, UAB, Virginia, Wake