Entire band will head to Shreveport
Published Dec. 9, 2003
There will be about 280 more Tigers on the field when the football team travels to Shreveport, La., for the Independence Bowl on Dec. 31.
Due to financial constraints, some Marching Mizzou members and staff were concerned the entire band would not be able to attend the game against the University of Arkansas Razorbacks.
The athletic department confirmed on Monday that all members of Marching Mizzou would be allowed to attend the Independence Bowl.
"Over the last couple of weeks, as it became apparent that we'd be going to a bowl game, the decision was made to try and send the whole band," athletic department spokesman Chad Moller said.
Athletic department officials estimated it would cost between $60,000 and $70,000 to send the entire band to the game. The funding will come out of the bowl allotment funds, he said.
Drum major Josh Eklund said he is excited to have the opportunity to play at a bowl game.
"I am very much looking forward to going to the game," he said. "This is my fifth year in Marching Mizzou, so it's nice to be able to spend my last year finishing out the season at a bowl appearance."
Moller said he anticipates that the band will be able to play pregame and halftime shows.
"I think it's great that we are able to send Marching Mizzou," he said. "It means a lot to a lot of people, and I'm happy that we were able to get it all worked out."