Shreveport-Bossier: Louisiana's Other Side gears up to welcome Texas A&M Aggies and Georgia Bulldogs to the 2009 AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl, to be held 4 p.m., Dec. 28 in Independence Stadium.

Texas and Georgia fans will love what others love about the area. From the glittering excitement of the riverboat casinos, the wonderful array of festivals, the mouth-watering local cuisine, fantastic shopping and numerous outdoor activities, to the museums and attractions - this area promises not only an exciting football match-up, but a great experience for the entire family.

While here check out the Louisiana Boardwalk, the state's largest outlet/shopping/dining entertainment complex on the banks of the Red River. The kids will love Sci-Port: Louisiana's Science Center with the world's only interactive laser planetarium. When it's time to chow down, stop in one of the local eateries like Monjunis Italian Restaurant, Fertitta's Delicatessen or the Blind Tiger.

Louisiana is known for Mardi Gras, but Shreveport-Bossier celebrates this time like nowhere else in the state.

Over the course of the two major parade weekends - Krewe of Centaur (Feb. 6, 2010) and Krewe of Gemini (Feb. 13, 2010) - an estimated 400,000 parade-goers get in the Mardi Gras spirit as they reach for more than eight million beads, tossed to seas of people yelling 'throw me something mister.'

Besides those two great events, there are other Mardi Gras parades such as the Krewe of Barkus and Meoux Pet Parade (Feb. 7, 2010), the Krewe of Highland Parade (Feb. 14, 2010) and the Krewe of Aesclepius Parade (Feb. 16, 2010).

Celebrations in 2010 will kickoff with the Mardi Gras Twelfth Night Party, Jan. 9, at the Shreveport Convention Center. Tickets to the event are $40. The party, co-hosted by the Krewes of Gemini and Centaur, is a chance for everyone to mix and mingle, indulge in libations, dance to live music and ooh and ahh at royal courts representing at least 16 area Mardi Gras Krewes. The Molly Ringwalds will provide the music for that 80's theme party 7 p.m.-midnight. Call 318-741-9264 for more information.


Harlem Globetrotters to Bring High-Flying Fun to CenturyTel Center

Coming off the most successful year in the franchise's illustrious history, with a record-breaking 62 box office records and more than two million smiling fans, the iconic Harlem Globetrotters will showcase their eye-popping 2010 World Tour at 7 p.m., Feb. 3, 2010 at the CenturyTel Center in Bossier City.

Now in their 84th consecutive season of touring the world, the Globetrotters' high-flying show, known for thrilling fans young and old, features some of the most extraordinary athletes and entertainers on the planet - including Big Easy Lofton and Flight Time Lang, who are starring in the Emmy Award-winning CBS reality hit, "The Amazing Race;" the always hilarious Special K Daley; dribbling magician Scooter Christensen; and ball handling wizards Handles Franklin and Ant Atkinson.

Sponsored by Campbell Soup Company, Spalding and America's Best Contacts and Eyeglasses, tickets for the event are on sale now, starting at $17, and are available at the CenturyTel Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.ticketmaster.com, or by phone at 800-745-3000.

For more information about the Harlem Globetrotters, visit www.harlemglobetrotters.com.


CenturyTel Center to Host Country Music Icons - Martina McBride and Trace Adkins

Martina McBride and Trace Adkins will perform at the CenturyTel Center in Bossier City on Saturday, February 13, 2010 at 7:30 p.m.

Ticket are on sale for $59.75, $49.75 and $29.75. All seats will be reserved. (This does include a facility fee but may not include any applicable service or convenience charges.)




Homewood Suites by Hilton Special Offers Continue

Homewood Suites by Hilton - Shreveport is continuing its great package options for travelers. Located at 5485 Financial Plaza, the recently opened Homewood Suites by Hilton - Shreveport is conveniently located less than five miles away from Shreveport Regional Airport.

Romance Package: Slip into something a little more comfortable at the Homewood Suites by Hilton!

Check in to a spacious suite and relax in a comfortable bath robe while enjoying a luscious box of assorted fine chocolates. There's no need to rush. Sleep in late and feast on our delicious complimentary Suite Start® hot breakfast. And to top it all off, the hotel will arrange for a late check-out at 1 p.m. The Homewood Suites Romance Package is a romantic getaway you're sure to remember. Rates as low as $149.

Shop 'til you Drop: Grab your girls and treat yourselves to a weekend of shopping and savings brought to you by the Louisiana Boardwalk and the Homewood Suites by Hilton in Shreveport!

Relax and enjoy an unforgettable shopping experience just in time for the holidays! In addition to a spacious suite and a delicious complimentary Suite Start® hot breakfast, you will enjoy a VIP Coupon Book with more than $500 in savings and a $50 gift card redeemable at most of the Boardwalk's unique shops and restaurants! Rates as low as $139.

For more information about the Louisiana Boardwalk, please call 318-752-1455 or visit their website at www.louisianaboardwalk.com.