From the Bench - Moving the LSU Game tantamount to GSD II

Question

Moving LSU Game Will Be First Shot in Great Stadium Debate II

Robert Shields

The Middle East had its Arab Spring, the United States had its Occupy movement, and I guess the University of Arkansas athletic department did not want to be left out of the upheaval as rumors have been ripe about the possibility of the LSU game being ripped out of Little Rock and moved to Fayetteville.

You may have missed it, but when the UA released the 2012 football schedule a few weeks ago, it listed

Answer 1

I'm in favor of keeping the game in LR, but understand money rules everything and would not be surprised to see all games in RRS at the end of the current WMS contract. Hope I'm wrong, but doubt it.

As far as LSU game goes, I just wonder if everyone (including students), will travel to Fayetteville the day after Thanksgiving. But if BP and Long feel it needs to be moved, so be it.

BTW- wouldn't it freak Saban and bama out by moving THAT game to LR? I'd do it just to piss him off!!!

Originally posted on The Hill by hobhog.

Answer 2

Saban would probably not like it. I'm sure he is just fine playing in Fayetteville.

Originally posted on The Hill by FullMetalPiglet.

Answer 3

Before I left Arkansas in 1958, I thought Arkansas was virtually unbeatable in War Memorial. We seem to still be very tough to beat there.

I think I understand the economics and the reasons for playing all the games in Fayetteville, but I do think leaving Little Rock would be a huge mistake.

Personally, the only thing I would like to see is a new stadium in Little Rock as the old one is not up to par. And I admit I have not been there in years so maybe that is incorrect, but we could use more seats in LR for sure.

All in all, it could be a touchy subject and I hope the final decision is based on all factors.

But I personally will root for the hogs if they play in Oil Trough, AR.

Originally posted on The Hill by bobhawg.

Answer 4

There is a greater history with the TAM game in War Memorial. I say have it in LR and move LSU to RRS. As for the GSD as I recall you were one of the biggest mercenaires on that subject. I guess you get your kicks out of stirring the pot.

Originally posted on The Hill by PorkNBean98.

Answer 5

WMS is closer for me but it is a septic dump.Think of the money the UA saves not having to travel and putting 20 thousand more people in the stadium.There was a time for WMS but IMO its over.Play the non conference games there and be done with it.

Originally posted on The Hill by redlick hog.

Answer 6

Move all the games to campus. GA/Fla are the only SEC teams left that play a game away from campus during the regular schedule and they have pondered moving it to home and home before. Bama/Aub stopped their annual B'ham meeting for home/home. Most reasonings are they didn't want recruits to be away from campus. Playing LR games hampers recruiting.

Other teams don't want to play there not because of noise like YOU think. A lot of those SEC teams play in much bigger noisier venues than LR. They don't want to go there because its a dump. Can't blame them for that.
Move all home games to the new stadium.

Originally posted on The Hill by Hawgish.

Answer 7

Lou Holtz, Terry Bowden and Hal Mumme(Sp), among others, have said it was the loudest and most difficult stadium to play in they know of. It may be a dump, but don't kid yourself. The crowd there for big games is as tough as anywhere in the country. They'll quit playing there because of $$$, not because it's a dump- lots of SEC stadiums are dumps. But if WMS adds seats, I say play some games in LR......

Originally posted on The Hill by hobhog.

Answer 8

I think the Arkansas/LSU has outgrown Little Rock. We go to Baton Rouge and play in front of 95,000 screaming LSU fans. LSU travels hear and they play in front of 55,000 screaming Razorback fans. Think that makes a difference? I do. And stop acting like people won't show up for that game in Fayetteville. If they play that game in Fayetteville next season it will have attendence as strong or stronger than the Bama game from 2010. No chance in hell that people simply would not show up for a top 10 showdown because it's the day after Thanksgiving. The students would be there for a game like that too.

I used to think that they should play all of the games in Fayetteville, but I'm starting to come around to the idea of playing at least 1 SEC game in LR every year. I think if they move the LSU game then they should occasionaly schedule a game with a Florida, Georgia, or a Tennesse type opponent in WMS. Jeff Long should be able to work something out that works for both stadiums.

Originally posted on The Hill by lonokehogfan.

Answer 9

Why not just have Bama and Lsu play there this year! If Arkansas wins keep playing two tuff games there every year. I know money will not allow this because there will be 80,000 plus in RRS this year for the Bama game. That would be like turning 30,000 fans, plus there money, away. Which at an average of $50 they would lose $1.5 million. Well that sounds worth it me!

Originally posted on The Hill by HawgTopper.

Answer 10

Agree that people will travel to RRS for top 10 matchup. Don't agree on WMS not making a difference to LSU. What's their record there? ...they hate it, therefore, I love it.

This post was edited on 1/11 2:32 PM by hobhog

This post was edited on 1/11 2:33 PM by hobhog

Originally posted on The Hill by hobhog.

Answer 11

and he pointed out that if the LSU game is in LR this year, the Hogs will have to play three away games in a row. He said that fact will enter into the decision.

Personally, I think all major opponents need to be played at home. Long is playing this issue smartly. By not announcing where the LSU game will be played, fans are talking about it. Most people I've heard talking about it the last couple of weeks seem resigned to the game being played in Fayetteville. Two or three years ago, there was a lot of passion about the GSD. I dont think there is now. With our program on the rise, it's more important than ever for more fans to have the ability to attend the games.

Originally posted on The Hill by Hog4W.

Answer 12

Do some of you realize that the game in LR is also an away game for our players? They don't sleep in their own beds and have to eat out and its handled like a away game.

Bama decided to enlarge their stadium and only play in Tuscaloosa. Their fans that live in the middle and south of there have to drive on 2 lane roads to get there. That used to be a problem for Ark but now its interstate all the way so there should be no excuse to attend those games not unless you're lazy and this is coming from someone who used to live in LR and now travels from Dallas to attend games.

The citizens of LR had a chance to enlarge WMS or build a new facility but refused like they do on any new taxes but they still want to enjoy their short drive to the game. I say for the good of the program in the long run, move all games to Fayetteville.

Originally posted on The Hill by Smashmouth2004.

Answer 13

Live in North LA. 3.5 hours away from Baton Rouge, not a single LSU fan up here has any problem whatsoever with making that trip, and there are a lot of them. I love going to games in LR because of the distance, but I have no problem moving most if not all up to the campus.

Originally posted on The Hill by swhog.

Answer 14

I don't think the players spend the night before a game in Fayetteville in their own beds so coming to LR for a game is no different.

WMS is owned by the State of Arkansas, so the city of LR spending any tax dollars on it would be dumb and a waste of $$ that are badly needed elsewhere. The same applies right now to the State. If we had a big surplus then it would probably be ok to throw some big money at WMS, but right now we don't have it to waste.

Originally posted on The Hill by LRHAWGFAN.

Answer 15

I'ved lived in south la for 37 years and all of my friends which are big tiger fans want the game to be played in fayeteville

Originally posted on The Hill by geaux hawgs.

Answer 16

I say move all games to Fayetteville. ASU is on the rise and can fill in the void. ASU is closer to the poor part of the state. They can take all those fans that don't have the money that Long is looking for. ASU will gladly take the fans that the UofA no longer wants in their fan base. Say all fans that make under $50,000 a year and donate less than a $1,000 a year. That way the rich guys get their own team without having to deal with the rift-raft. If ASU starts a campaign that the HOGS only want rich fans, they will own half the state in 5 years. The GSD is just the ticket for those guys to move toward. So, I say Long needs to go ahead and kick those folks to the curb. He is smart enough to know that he doesn't need them. All he needs is the money fans. Yes there are not enough to fill RRS but the money will be there. More rich people will buy season tickets if he can keeping the working class out. GO HOGS, throw those poor bastards out. They don't belong around Fayetteville, let them have the rest of the state.

Originally posted on The Hill by TOP HOG.

Answer 17

Top we could move UALR to Fayetteville and move the U of A to Little Rock, where it sould have been in the first place, build 110,000 seat place in LR and be done with it.

Originally posted on The Hill by uconnhog.

Answer 18

Top, you do realize that the only reason that there are still games in LR is because of the big money donors from the area right? That is fact, we don't still play games in LR to provide entertainment for the working class of AR. Plus, if it is so important for the fans down there then why couldn't they sell out for the New Mexico St game?

Originally posted on The Hill by HookdOnASquealin.

Answer 19

I don't think they spend their nights in their own beds at games in fayetteville. I think they take them to a motel.... where they can monistor them more easily!

Originally posted on The Hill by original hambone.

Answer 20

I honestly don't believe it would matter either way. If anything, RRS would seem to be a more intimidating venue due to size and capacity. Plus, it's a longer trip. With Arkansas' program reaching the level it has, the Hogs will be tough no matter where the game is located.

This post was edited on 1/13 10:04 AM by Flyman

Originally posted on The Hill by Flyman.

Answer 21

Frack them, they can move to Washington county like I did. And get a job instead of government handouts. I say raise ticket prices and charge a toll on 540. We will take crack money. If fans want to see the HOGS, they should have to do it in Fayetteville.

Originally posted on The Hill by TOP HOG.

Answer 22

Have refused to do this on several occasions. Amazing for a population for whom these games are 'so important' (and lucrative).

Sooner or later, this problem will take care of itself.

Originally posted on The Hill by Hognoxious.

Answer 23

The main reason to keep a big game in LR is for recruiting the LR area. Those kids know they can be on the big stage at home with their family there. That is one of the main reasons we are so good there. The LR players play at a higher level. If we are going to be a top 10 team, we will need the LR players on the team. They bring toughness and speed to the team. Rotate the SEC games. Have a fans choice vote in the spring or early summer. I would like to get Alabama there this year and see if that can break Saban's hold on us.

Originally posted on The Hill by TOP HOG.

Answer 24

LSU doesn't play at ULM or Independence stadium to get the recruits for the Monroe/West Monroe area or Shrevport, and they sure that have any problem getting the ones they want. The Razorback program is out growing the need to play in WMS. Top recruits in AR will travel to Fayetteville along with their parents. I still feel that WMS should have a game or two, but not the LSU/Alabama/Auburn/South Carolina games. Miss ST, Ole Piss, TX A&M, Missouri, Kentucky, Vandy as well as non-sec teams... those need to be the games considered for WMS.

Originally posted on The Hill by swhog.

Answer 25

No matter your argument against WMS, there is magic there. Games are won there that shouldn't be. Now when the F'ville crowd will fill the stadium for EVERY game, and when the old senile hand-sitters die off, and when the fans yell and scream like it is the only Hog game they will see (WMS), I'll support it.
Otherwise it is about wins in Little Rock, not money.
OTOH believe this, ASU will fill the void Arkansas leaves. Pull out of the Rock and think you will get every recruit anyway, lol. ASU is now becoming capable of doing so. Go ahead and laugh those that will, many have at notions that seemed unrealistic to them. But thank God that this is today's Razorbacks and not HDN's.
And no I'm not trumpeting A-state.

Originally posted on The Hill by razrbakr1.

Answer 26

Now we compete within the State. Gus is going to be a problem. If he takes hold in LR, UofA will suffer for it. Things changed when he took the ASU job. If we leave a void in LR, they will move in. He probably has Springdale already. He is in Warren. ASU's talent is getting ready to get upgraded. If he stays 3 years, there will be two options for instate players.

Originally posted on The Hill by TOP HOG.

Answer 27

If Petrino goes to kids living room and tells him he can play on national television in the SEC vs playing in front of 30,000 in Jonesboro, where do you think he'll choose to play? No contest!!

Originally posted on The Hill by Smashmouth2004.

Answer 28

Keep dreaming that. Arkansas State = Louisiana Monroe. The only Arkansas kids that Gus will get are kids that BP passes on.

Originally posted on The Hill by lonokehogfan.

Answer 29

I dont understand this sudden fear and trembling over Jonesboro State. The future has never been more promising for the Razorbacks. Sure, things MAYBE improving in Jonesboro, but they are not going to be our competition on the recruiting front. If they are, we are in trouble. Texas, Alabama, LSU, Ole Miss, and major programs like those should be our concern.

I think there are a lot of Hog fans like me who will now have a modicum of interest in ASU. Sure, we'll be glad to see Gus do well, but we're certainly not going to lose sleep if he doesnt. And no one's going to stop being a Hog fan and all the sudden start buying Red Wolf gear (if you can even find it outside of Jonesboro).

Originally posted on The Hill by Hog4W.

Answer 30

I like the games at WMS they have the best tailgating and the best atmosphere for the fans. I think they are going to take them away but it's going to be a big mistake. I may be wrong but I think a man named Stephens may have a little influence on the money situation if he decides to cut his donations.

Originally posted on The Hill by Arky61.

Answer 31

I hope this is scarcasm. We are a top 5 team and competing with Bama, LSU, Texas, OU for recruits. The last thing BP is worried about is Gussy at Howl U and Ark HS recruits.

And we definitely don't need to play in LR to land in state recruits. I don't care what anybody says. We are up on a level now where we will probably only offer a small handful of Arkansas guys each year anyway. Chances are, if they grew up in the state, they will want to be on board - LR games or no LR games....

Originally posted on The Hill by JungleBoaterBoar.

Answer 32

The path of history is loitered with the carcasses of idiots who didn't see something coming. Unfortunately many of my fellow Hog fans probably top the list. The UA will be forced one day to play ASU, and it won't be by an act of congress either. Now the morons aboard can talk trash about something they don't like but all that does is point out the morons. Fortunately as one poster stated, the Razorbacks are flying high now so our sight is obscured. Also fortunately for the Hogs, they have never had to play ASU when ASU was probably actually better. And blind as many may be there have been those times. Do any of you younger runts remember when the UA escaped ASU in basketball? Yes, only basketball but what if Cannon Whitby's running stupid-looking 3-pointer at the end of regulation had missed (like most of his did)? Would there have ever been a '94 championship, or a Nolan? Pray that Malzahn indeed is only building up his resume, because he can recruit. And he can recruit players Arkansas wants. And forget tv b.s. as one poster mentioned. All Malzahn has to sell is be the chance to be the guy who made the UA play ASU. And one last thing, with the recent volume of conference switching don't write ASU of as confined to the Sun-Belt.
Now bring on the idiots, they'll make themselves known because they just can't help themselves. It's why they are idiots.

Originally posted on The Hill by razrbakr1.

Answer 33

Yep Top Hog you have it figured out. Why not raise the bar even higher than you suggested? Let's say anyone less than $250,000 annual income is kicked to the curb. Who needs the trash cramping up RRS anyway? Forget that would take in most of the players and their families. Also takes care of the folks who actually make noise at the games too. In fact in one generation there wouldn't be enough Hog fans to fill the restroom at the local Ihop. Take me for example. My folks were hard-working but poor. The Razorbacks were the family radio entertainment for the weekend. I didn't go to my first game until I was 23 years old. Now I have season tickets at both places and donate in excess of $10,000 a year. And you would have me kicked to the curb, lol.
I'm hoping you were doing an excellent job of being sarcastic. If you were you were able to carry it across 2-3 posts though. Yes you must have been being sarcastic, no one could possibly be that stupid.

Originally posted on The Hill by razrbakr1.

Answer 34

Boathogboar says that we are competing with Bama, LSU, Texas, OU for recruits. When did these guys start recruiting mostly three star players? Surely the two or three that we might be "competing" for doesn't make it a blanket statement. I would like for that to happen but let's not make stuff up that isn't there.

Originally posted on The Hill by razrbakr1.

Answer 35

If they move the LSU game from LR it's complete BS!!! Just more proof this isn't the same Arkansas program i grew up loving... This is just as horrible as telling Hog fans not to call them the HOGS anymore... Might as well start calling them the NWA Razorbacks...

This post was edited on 1/14 10:26 PM by havvgball09

Originally posted on The Hill by havvgball09.

Answer 36

Hawgish>>>> "Other teams don't want to play there not because of noise like YOU think. A lot of those SEC teams play in much bigger noisier venues than LR. They don't want to go there because its a dump."

B.S., that's not even a fair opinion. First WMS can be incredibly loud. Loud enough to hurt your eardrums. Loud enough to have the announcers mention it. Loud enough to to hear over the tv. If you have any recordings of any big LR games, listen. Second, since you want to jump all over the place with your argument let me reign you back in. It has nothing to do with other venues so you've been called on that one. Stick to the priciples. WMS is louder than RRS, PERIOD. I wish to to good Lord that the sorry folks that live around F'ville would support their team with the same enthusiam, but they don't. Take away the rest of the state and you couldn't put 40,000 in the stadium. Don't believe me, sit on the side of I-40 and count the car flags flying by. But you won't do that, you'll just bitch that you have to play a game in LR every year. I can guarantee you there isn't nearly that much traffic going that way.
Hell, you have Mike Anderson back as your basketball coach, are 14-4 and finally put 12,000 butts in the seats and it is announced as if something great has happened.
Fill up the stadium EVERY week, make WMS level noise and then get your games moved. That's why Alabama COULD move their games, get it?

Originally posted on The Hill by razrbakr1.

Answer 37

They offered, they were told not to bother. One game was pulled but the pressure stopped Broyles from getting the rest and then he retired.
Get your facts straight.

Originally posted on The Hill by razrbakr1.

Answer 38

First we are not recruiting with those schools you listed. We are mostly a 3 star school. Keep thinking that the brand will bring them in. Gus grew up in the Arkansas HS system, he is one of them. What good is top 5 when you are 3rd in your division and disqualified from winning any titles (Gus already using that in HS schools in the State and he is drawing big crowds). Many people east and south feel we HOG fans are becoming smobs. That includes HS coaches, remembering that Gus is one of them. ASU also reached levels they never had before. Look for them to enter the top 25 next year. They reached 26 this year. Ten wins next year and they will be top 20. They have an easy road to the BCS as compared to us. With Gus there, going undefeated will be as hard as it is for us to get 7 wins. Also the HS recruiting services in Arkansas work for Gus. The next town north of Fayetteville has as many Gus fans as HOG fans and they will bring the UofA to its knees if need be. You can always come back in 2 or 3 years when we see because, unlike the band wagon fans that are jumping on in droves, I'll be here. Until BP can beat Saban we are as far as we can go, which is 3rd in a division of the best conference in CFB. Which means we are 3 of 6(7). Actually the SECEC will always be ranked above us and any SECE school that match our wins. Which puts us 4/5 of 12(14). ASU won their conference title outright. It might not be SEC but it is a title.

Originally posted on The Hill by TOP HOG.

Answer 39

In the end, the UA gets far more money out of playing Little Rock than it will NOT playing in Little Rock. It is more like earning a fringe benefits package by playing there. It a package that is hard to quantify because it is not based on cold hard cash in your hand. It is based on the fanbase and the young student athletes that will eventually become Razorbacks because the Hogs play in their home town. That talent is literally money, and recruiting those kids will not be the same as it is now.

The UA got where it is now based on this process. We are damn near unbeatable in LR. We just finished top 5. We will have a huge game vs LSU next year. We can play them in Fayetteville where are truely are just outright pitiful in big games or we can play them in LR where we have a tremendous record in huge games.

Like the guy said, woe unto the Mr. Long if Arkansas loses that game in Fayetteville.

Originally posted on The Hill by pearl ham.

Answer 40

72,000 tickets sold, no buses, no hotels, no road meals > 55,000 tickets sold and all of the other expenses. Modern stadium on campus vs. a Dump in the middle of a golf course.

Only Arkansans look to keep their own football progam hostage "just because" they live in central Arkansas instead of Northwest Arkansas! Somehow, I don' think Long or anyone else would suffer past a few good funerals which will be forthcoming with the folks that scream the loudest!

Originally posted on The Hill by dnhall.

Answer 41

Have you factored in all the donations fans make for tickets to LR?

You might not be aware of this but your donations go to one stadium or the other if you buy season tickets to both veneus.

In other words, if you give $1000 to the Razorback Foundation, you do not get credit for $1000 to both stadiums in your seating priority.

You are credited with $500 to Fayetteville and $500 to LR. Or you can specify how you want it designated.

If you move all the games to Fayetteville, you will be giving up some of your LR donations.

Originally posted on The Hill by original hambone.

Answer 42

to suit fans. Those fans drive longer ways to see their teams play. I keep seeing hog fans say they the bestest around. Well lets see.

If hog fans in LR won't drive 2 or 3 hours to see the hogs play, they need to turn in their hog hats. Arkansas recruiting is going national, so if players in LR won't sign with the hogs because a game or two is not played in LR, go play elsewhere. We have kids signing that live a much longer ways from Fayettville than LR kids.

That LR stadium is a dump. You can sand blast and power wash all you want to with that place and it will still be a tiny Div 2 stadium dump.

Originally posted on The Hill by Hawgish.

Answer 43

We bus into Fayetteville from Rogers, unless that has changed. 72,000 will not be sold the day after Thanksgiving because the students will mostly be gone and the locals do not support the HOGS like you think. Most of Fayetteville want the HOGS to win but do not attend games like you think they do. Springdale has a new coach they like better in Jonesboro.

Originally posted on The Hill by TOP_HOG_R1033.

Answer 44

Until the NEZ is closed in, Fayetteville will never compare to Little Rock in level of difficulty to visit. Even then, the Fayetteville crowd is still not as spirited of a crew as LR is. At least not yet.

Frankly, I dont think there is a more inhospitable place to play a game than Little Rock. I have seen most of the SEC, and there is no more hostile of a place. It is a tiny bowl and the stands come down close enough to the field to have "conversations" with opposing players and coaches. Combine that with what might be the largest single location tailgate in the nation, and you have have a recipe for pure hell on an opposing team.

I personally hope that we find a way to add 20k or so Little Rock and Arkansas keeps playing there into posterity. It is a unique part of our tradition, and I personally believe it is something that will prove to be vitally important to our success should we ever have to learn the hard way. I have little doubt about what is going to happen while Petrino is at Arkansas, but what happens after that is much more difficult to gauge.

Originally posted on The Hill by pearl ham.