On Facebook
On Flipboard
Why the Razorbacks should continue to play games in Little Rock
Nearly every year, the Arkansas Razorbacks football, baseball and men's basketball teams make the nearly three-hour trek south to Little Rock, Arkansas.
The one-off games held in the capital of the Natural State may not always be held in the nicest facilities or played against the toughest competition, but their impact goes far beyond that of a single contest.
The sports landscape of Arkansas is very distinct compared to that of other SEC states. States such as Alabama may not feature a professional sports team but does play host to two major collegiate athletic programs in Auburn and Alabama. The same can be said for Mississippi (Ole Miss, Mississippi State) and Kentucky (Kentucky, Louisville), among others.
States such as Missouri and Louisiana may only feature one major collegiate athletic program, but their respective sports landscapes are supplemented by professional teams.
Arkansas, however, doesn't belong to either of these tiers. The University of Arkansas in Fayetteville boasts the only Power Four athletic program in the state, and two minor league baseball teams — the Texas League's Arkansas Travelers and Northwest Arkansas Naturals — stand as the only professional sports teams in the state.
That makes the Razorbacks the team in the state of Arkansas in all three major sports. The only problem? The university rests in Washington County in the northwest corner of the state. Fayetteville is a town on the rise, but it's still a long drive for fans who don't reside in Northwest Arkansas.
The trip to Fayetteville was even longer before the late 1990s, the trip from Little Rock to Fayetteville was incredibly inefficient. The completion of I-540 in 1999 made it easier for fans from all corners of the state to attend games, but the distance of the trip was still daunting.
In 1948, the Arkansas football team played their first game in Little Rock's new War Memorial Stadium. Nearly 76 years later, the Razorbacks opened their 2024 season with a 70-0 victory over Arkansas Pine-Bluff in Little Rock.
Arkansas played its 25th basketball game inside Simmons Bank Arena in North Little Rock on Saturday, beating Central Arkansas in an 82-57 rout.
On April 1, the Arkansas baseball team will play at Dickey-Stephens Park — the home of the aforementioned Travelers — for the 14th time, facing off against Grambling in North Little Rock.
These games against far inferior competition don't mean much in the grand scheme of things for Arkansas, but they mean the world to fans who otherwise couldn't get to Fayetteville to experience an Arkansas home game.
For some, a trip to War Memorial Stadium, Dickey-Stephens Park or Simmons Bank Arena could be the only opportunity a lifelong fan has to watch a Razorback game with fellow Razorback fans.
For a fan base as rabid as any in the world, a game against Grambling, UCA or UAPB might as well be the World Series, the NBA Finals or the Super Bowl.
Wherever you go in the state of Arkansas, you're likely to be met with a Hog Call. The few times a year "Woo Pig Sooie" is heard in Little Rock, the eccentric chant is being performed by fans who couldn't be more pleased to finally be seeing their team in person.
Playing in Little Rock doesn't offer the glitz and glamour of playing a game in Razorback Stadium, Bud Walton Arena or Baum Stadium, but it does provide the opportunity for Razorback fans who live far from Fayetteville to cheer on their beloved Hogs.
More must-reads:
- Boogie Fland helps Arkansas rout Central Arkansas
- With better sense of urgency, Texas faces Arkansas-Pine Bluff
- The 'Coaches with the most Final Four appearances' quiz
Breaking News
Trending News
Customize Your Newsletter
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!
TODAY'S BEST
Dodgers Facing Trade Decision After Blake Snell News
Left-handed starting pitcher Blake Snell is in his tenth major-league season after making his debut with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2016. Snell spent time with the San Diego Padres, then signed a deal with the San Francisco Giants after the 2023 season, which he later opted out of to enter free agency in 2024. The 32-year-old veteran signed a five-year, $182 million contract this offseason with the Los Angeles Dodgers after an exceptional 2024 campaign. Snell earned such a lucrative contract thanks to his outstanding career to date, which includes two Cy Young Awards and an All-Star appearance. Over 213 career starts, he owns a 77–58 record, a 3.18 ERA and 1,372 strikeouts. Snell was placed on the injured list on April 6 (retroactive to April 3) with left shoulder inflammation after experiencing discomfort during a bullpen session; he had made only two starts for the Dodgers before the injury. After four minor-league rehab outings, manager Dave Roberts announced on Sunday that Snell is expected to rejoin the rotation next week. With his return looming, the Dodgers have decided to shift to a six-man rotation but now face a decision on right-hander Dustin May’s roster status. May returned to a full-time starting role for the first time in two seasons and has struggled. On Sunday against the Boston Red Sox, May allowed four runs in five innings of work, and he entered the start with an ERA of 4.73. May’s name has surfaced in trade rumors, and he is a candidate to potentially be moved to the bullpen. He is an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season.
Important trade stalls as Maple Leafs dangle bottom-six forward
The Toronto Maple Leafs are still looking for a solution to their bottom-six surplus, and veteran forward Calle Jarnkrok remains at the center of trade discussions. However, according to The Fourth Period, trade talks surrounding the 33-year-old winger have failed to gain momentum. They write: “He has a $2.1M cap hit and owns a 10-team no-trade list. The market hasn’t been vibrant, to this point, but the Leafs will continue to dangle him.” Why can’t the Maple Leafs find a taker for Jarnkrok? Jarnkrok has quietly been on the trade block for much of the offseason, but general manager Brad Treliving has yet to find a taker. After adding several depth forwards this summer, the Leafs now face a crowded bottom six — and Jarnkrok’s age, injury history and $2.1M cap hit through 2025–26 aren’t helping his value. Since joining Toronto, Jarnkrok has appeared in only 71 games over two seasons, scoring a modest 28 points. While his defensive versatility and penalty-killing ability are assets, his declining offensive production and durability concerns have made teams wary. With training camp approaching, the Maple Leafs may be forced to keep Jarnkrok on the roster — or retain salary in a deal — if they want to create space and flexibility. Dropping his cap hit down to just over $1M would open up the market a little. Until then, the Swedish forward remains a trade candidate in limbo. This isn’t great news as moving Jarnkrok from the roster is an important item on the team’s to-do list. Treliving would like more cap space, and with Jarnkrok and David Kampf both still on the roster, it hampers the GM’s ability to do other things.
Green Bay Packers WR Matthew Golden Already Has A New Nickname
The Green Bay Packers may have found their next offensive weapon in rookie wide receiver Matthew Golden. Just a few days into training camp, Golden has already made a name for himself, earning praise from teammates and coaches alike. Special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia even gave him the nickname “Bullet,” a nod to his blazing speed and dynamic playmaking ability. With expectations high, Golden is showing why he was a first-round pick and why he could be a key piece in the Packers’ offense this season. A Strong Start to Green Bay Packers Training Camp Golden has wasted no time making an impact in his first NFL training camp. His smooth route running and explosive speed have been on full display, drawing attention from both fans and teammates. According to reports, Golden has already been utilized in a variety of ways, including jet sweeps and motion plays, hinting at the versatile role he could play in the Packers’ offense. Rich Bisaccia’s nickname for Golden, “Bullet,” is a reference to former Olympic sprinter and Dallas Cowboys legend Bob “Bullet” Hayes. The comparison is fitting, as Golden’s speed has been a standout trait since his college days. “He’s got that extra gear,” said head coach Matt LaFleur. “You can see it in the way he separates from defenders. It’s exciting to think about what he can bring to our offense.” Matthew Golden: College Dominance at Texas Golden’s college career at Texas was nothing short of spectacular. In his final season, he recorded 1,215 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns, averaging an impressive 16.2 yards per catch. His ability to stretch the field and make big plays in critical moments made him one of the most dangerous receivers in the country. Over his three-year college career, Golden amassed 2,987 receiving yards and 25 touchdowns, solidifying his status as a first-round talent. His performance at the NFL Combine only added to the hype. Golden ran a 4.31-second 40-yard dash, showcasing the elite speed that has already earned him comparisons to some of the league’s top deep threats. His combination of size, speed, and route-running ability made him a no-brainer for the Packers, who were in desperate need of a reliable target for quarterback Jordan Love. Filling a Key Role in the Packers’ Offense The Green Bay Packers’ wide receiver room has undergone significant changes in recent years. With Christian Watson recovering from a torn ACL and other young receivers like Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks still developing, Golden has a clear path to playing time. His ability to create separation and make plays downfield could make him a go-to option for Love, especially in critical third-down situations. Golden’s versatility also makes him a valuable asset. Whether lining up in the slot, running jet sweeps, or stretching the field on deep routes, he has the skill set to contribute in multiple ways. “He’s a guy who can do it all,” said veteran running back Josh Jacobs. “You can see the potential. He’s going to be a problem for defenses.” Final Thoughts Matthew Golden’s first week of training camp has been nothing short of impressive. From earning the nickname “Bullet” to showcasing his elite speed and versatility, he’s already proving why the Green Bay Packers invested a first-round pick in him. With his college pedigree and early flashes of brilliance, Golden has the potential to be a game-changer for Green Bay’s offense. As the season approaches, the Packers may have found their next star wide receiver, and the rest of the league should take notice.
Ex-Teammate Excludes Luka Doncic From Mavs All-Time Starting 5
Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall was recently asked to create an all-time starting five featuring Mavs players. In the process of listing the players to his team, Marshall excluded his former teammate, Luka Doncic. He responded to the question with: "JKidd, Kyrie, Michael Finley, Dirk, Tyson Chandler." The mention of players like Jason Kidd, Kyrie Irving, Dirk Nowitzki, and Tyson Chandler are justified. Given that Kidd, Nowitzki, and Chandler helped bring the team its first title, the three cemented their place as franchise legends. In this regard, Irving joins the list simply because of how great of a player he is. Although his time in Dallas has been brief, the nine-time All-Star has been spectacular. Selecting Michael Finley over Luka Doncic raises eyebrows, especially considering Doncic's impact on the franchise. When factoring in what Doncic meant to the organization before being traded to the Lakers, it was clear that he was expected to be one of their all-time greats. The Doncic-Davis trade was viewed as one of the most shocking deals in league history. Many viewed the deal unfavorably, especially since Doncic had no role in orchestrating it, making Marshall’s omission all the more puzzling. With Doncic expected to sign his contract extension with the Lakers, it is evident that his NBA journey will take him in a different direction. Meanwhile, Marshall remains with the Mavs, as they aim to be a more competitive team next season. Naji Marshall Opened Up On Missing Luka Doncic Marshall's latest display may hint at some amount of pettiness, but the forward has been quite expressive in detailing his friendship with Doncic. On an episode of "The Young Man And The Three" podcast, the forward opened up on missing his teammate and said: "I mean, I understood that, like, business is business as far as the NBA, but I was hurt, man. Luka’s my dawg, for real. And I love AD. That’s my guy right there. Like, he’s been great with us. You know, he welcomed us with open arms… But as far as just personally, like, I just was hurt to lose Luka, man.” “Luka is just the chillest guy ever, bro. You just feel like his best friend from day one,” he added. “He’s just a great dude. Never mad, just always happy. And just a Hall of Fame flamethrower when it comes to basketball.” Marshall, who spent the 2024-25 season with the New Orleans Pelicans before being traded, played just 17 games with the Mavericks before the Doncic-Davis deal occurred. In that short span of time, the forward seemingly became close friends with the superstar, even admitting that the consequences of the trade did hurt him. Regardless, the 27-year-old will look forward to the upcoming season with Dallas. The outlook for the Mavericks even after the trade hasn't been the worst. With a superstar pairing of Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving, alongside a gifted rookie in Cooper Flagg, Dallas is poised to be intriguing. Although injuries could be a setback, players like Marshall will be crucial in keeping Dallas afloat as impactful two-way contributors.
PRIVACY POLICY EDITORIAL POLICY CONTACT US
ABOUT YARDBARKER TERMS OF SERVICE
Use of this website (including any and all parts and
components) constitutes your acceptance of these
Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
This site is for entertainment purposes only.
There is no gambling offered on this site.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.
