Tech Media Relations

Tech Athletic Director Jim Oakes announced June 16 that the Bulldogs' Nov. 13 contest against Tulsa will be played at Independence Stadium in Shreveport at 6 p.m.

The decision to move the game 60 miles west comes just two weeks after Louisiana Tech announced that its originally scheduled Oct. 30 game against Nevada, which was suppose to be played in Shreveport, would be moved up to Sept. 6, played at Joe Aillet Stadium and televised nationally on ESPN2.

"We have a history of playing in Shreveport every year and we want to continue that," Oakes said. "I think this game will be the perfect fit because it allows what is usually a strong Tulsa following a shorter drive while also giving our fan base in Shreveport a quality opponent."

Tech has played 67 games in its history at Independence Stadium in Shreveport while recording an impressive mark of 42-22-3. Prior to last year's season opening loss to No. 3-ranked Miami in Shreveport, Tech had won three straight games at Independence Stadium.

It will mark the second time the Bulldogs have hosted Tulsa in Shreveport as Tech defeated the Golden Hurricane 27-23 in 1995. Tech leads the all-time series against Tulsa 6-2 despite falling to the Golden Hurricane last season.

The Nevada contest was moved as part of the 2004 television package signed between ESPN and the WAC. It will mark the third ESPN or ESPN2 broadcast in Tech's last seven home games, including the final game of the 2002 season against Fresno State and last year's season opener against Miami.

"We are very pleased to have the chance to open our football season again on national television," Oakes said.

"Also, starting the season with two home games is certainly attractive given the difficulty of the schedule. Playing on Labor Day is not without some risk; however, we found it very difficult to pass up the chance to play a home game on national television."

Oakes said that he believes the early kickoff time on Labor Day will not only benefit Tech competitively, but will also allow Bulldog fans within a 400-plus mile radius the opportunity to drive home following the game in time for work on Tuesday.

With the game moving to Sept. 6, the Bulldogs now open with two home games for the first time since 1997 when Tech started the season with a 30-23 win over Bowling Green and a 17-16 win over Louisiana-Monroe.