Shreveport, LA (PRWEB) December 09, 2014 -- The University of Miami Hurricanes will face the University of South Carolina Gamecocks in the 2014 Duck Commander Independence Bowl, with kick-off at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 27 at Independence Stadium in Shreveport. This will mark the first time in the 38-year history of the bowl that the Miami Hurricanes have competed in the annual match-up and the second time that the South Carolina Gamecocks have competed in the bowl.
Here are five things that every fan should know about Shreveport and its sister city, Bossier City:
1. Casinos
Shreveport-Bossier’s six riverboat casinos and “racino” at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs lend 24-hour excitement to the region's entertainment offerings. In Shreveport, Sam’s Town Hotel and Casino and Eldorado Resort Casino are located along Clyde Fant Parkway in the heart of downtown. Just across the Red River in Bossier City, Margaritaville Resort Casino is the area’s newest casino property. Also located in Bossier City are Horseshoe Casino and Hotel, Boomtown Casino and Hotel and DiamondJacks Casino and Hotel. All five casinos offer 24-hour gaming action, a variety of restaurant options and more.
2. Louisiana’s legendary cuisine
Louisiana is known for its unique cuisine. Visit Herby-K’s (1833 Pierre Ave., Shreveport) for acclaimed shrimp po-boys, gumbo and etouffee or stop by Marilynn’s Place (4041 Fern Ave., Shreveport) for New Orleans-style beignets, bloody marys and more. For award-winning fine dining, try 2John’s Steak and Seafood (2151 Airline Dr., Bossier City) or Wine Country Bistro and Bottle Shop (4801 Line Ave., Shreveport). A complete list of local dining options can be found at http://www.shreveport-bossier.org.
3. Craft beer
The nationwide craft beer craze has officially arrived in Shreveport-Bossier, where craft beer lovers can visit the popular brewery and tasting room at Great Raft Brewing (1251 Dalzell Street, Shreveport) for a free brewery tour at 1 p.m., 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 27. Great Raft Brewing was recently praised as one of “10 New U.S. Craft Breweries to Watch” by Bon Appetit magazine. Also available in area bars and restaurants, the brewery serves three flagship brews as well as a variety of seasonal and small-batch creations.
Craft beer fanatics looking for a variety of options will enjoy The Round Bar (61 craft beers on draft, 3044 Youree Drive, Shreveport), Strange Brew (125 beers, 235 Wall Street, Shreveport) or Twisted Root Burger Co. (28 craft beers on tap, 8690 Line Avenue, Shreveport).
4. Shopping
The Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets (540 Boardwalk Boulevard, Bossier City), an outdoor shopping and entertainment district on the riverfront in Bossier City, offers a huge variety of options including an all-new J. Crew Factory Store, Coach Factory Store, Nike and Banana Republic outlets, Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World and more. Another popular shopping destination is The Shoppes at Bellemead (6535 Youree Drive, Shreveport), which includes 20 upscale shops like Charming Charlie, White House Black Market and Ann Taylor Loft.
5. Pep rally, post-game fireworks and more
The 2014 Duck Commander Independence Bowl will feature lots of opportunities for fans to gather and celebrate, including a free parade and pep rally at the Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets at 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 26 and fireworks at Independence Stadium immediately following the game. Beginning at 10 a.m. on game day, fans are invited to a free Fan Fest event at Hirsch Memorial Coliseum (located adjacent to Independence Stadium) featuring free food, live music, inflatable games and more.
To purchase tickets to the 2014 Duck Commander Independence Bowl, visit http://www.independencebowl.org or call 888-414-BOWL. For official visitor information on things to see and do in Shreveport-Bossier, visit http://www.shreveport-bossier.org or call 800-551-8682.
Chris Jay, Shreveport-Bossier: Louisiana's Other Side, http://www.shreveport-bossier.org, +1 (318) 429-0658, [email protected]
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