Even though the University of Arkansas Razorbacks football team only plays one game in Little Rock this season, that single game can haveĀ a significant impact on the capital city’s economy.
The Hogs play the University of Toledo at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12 at War Memorial Stadium.
“Central Arkansas is a big supporter of the Razorbacks, and the game brings thousands of people to town for the weekend,” said Gretchen Hall, president and chief executive officer of the Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Many come early and stay after. With the tailgating, it’s a wonderful atmosphere.”
LRCVB officials estimate that the direct gross spending by Razorback fans in Little Rock for the game is about $3.8 million. That’s according to theĀ National Association of Sports Commissionās Economic Impact Calculator, said David Russell, director of sports sales at LRCVB.
“As you can imagine, having a Razorback game at War Memorial Stadium provides a tremendous boost to the local economy,” he said. “Thousands of Hog fans will spend money in local hotels, restaurants and other businesses throughout central Arkansas.”
This year’s game brings central Arkansas Hog fans something extra.
Country music star Brad Paisley will perform a free post-game concert as part of theĀ Country Nation College Tour, which is sponsored by Zaxby’s. Comedy band The Raging Idiots will also be featured at the show.
The tour previously made stops atĀ Virginia Tech and the University of Texas, and will be at Baylor University today, Sept. 11.
Paisley, a West VirginiaĀ native, has won multiple Grammys, American Music Awards,Ā Academy of Country Music Awards and Country Music Association Awards.
IMG College, the multimedia rights and trademark licensing agency, represents both Paisley and the University of Arkansas, and brokered the college tour deal.
“We are excited about this opportunity to offer our fans an unforgettable weekend in central Arkansas as we partner one of the most unique tailgating settings in the nation with Razorback Football and country music megastar Brad Paisley,” UA Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Jeff Long said in a statement on Aug. 19, when the show was announced.
āWe continue to look for ways to enhance our game-day experience and this weekend of outstanding college football and country music is a winning combination for our fans.ā
Little Rock Game Day
Danny-Joe Crofford, marketing manager at the 55,000-seat War Memorial Stadium, said on Wednesday, Sept. 9, that it’s difficultĀ to say how the concert will affect ticket sales.
Wednesday afternoon, theĀ Razorback Communications office reported that about 9,400 tickets remained for Saturday’s game.
Crofford said Southeastern Conference games held at War Memorial tend to have higher ticket sales. Last year’s game against the University of Georgia was about 100 tickets shy of a sellout, he said.
“We’re still selling tickets,” he said. “We’re not sure how the concert will affect sales, but the game has a great kick off time.”
Tickets can be purchased at the stadium ticket office or by callingĀ 1-800-982-HOGS (4647).
While ticket sales may be uncertain, CroffordĀ said the stadium’s 400 reserved tailgate spots, priced at $100 each, are sold out, as are theĀ commercialĀ tailgating spots at $700 per space and large grill areas. General tailgating and parking is $20 and sold first-come, first-served.
UA was previously under contract withĀ War Memorial to play two games each season at the stadium, including one conference game, through 2016. However, in 2013, the contract was amended to one game per season in Little Rock through 2018. The contract amendment also called for UA officials to pay War MemorialĀ $400,000 annually for the three years following to offset the cost of lost games andĀ a $75,000 rental fee per game.
Photos of War Memorial Stadium courtesy of Razorback Communications