Little Rock, Arkanasas – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders is urging the University of Arkansas Razorbacks and Arkansas State University Red Wolves to make their recent football matchup at War Memorial Stadium an annual event, citing the game as a unique opportunity to unite fans from across the state while showcasing the capital city as a hub for college football traditions.
In a guest column published by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Gov. Sanders highlighted the rich history of War Memorial Stadium, describing it as a venue that has hosted presidents, evangelists, entertainers, and some of the most iconic moments in Razorbacks history. “War Memorial Stadium has seen its fair share of history: President Harry Truman spoke there, as did Billy Graham and Bob Hope; the Rolling Stones, Billy Joel, and George Strait have all performed to tens of thousands of fans; and of course, the Razorbacks have had some of their most iconic moments on its field,” she wrote.
The recent matchup between Arkansas’ two flagship football programs marked the first time the Razorbacks faced off against the Red Wolves at War Memorial, giving the stadium yet another historic moment. “We can’t let the first time these two great teams meet be the last,” Sanders emphasized, calling on university leadership to consider the event as the start of an annual tradition.
For the governor, football traditions are as much about family and community as they are about the game itself. She shared personal memories of traveling the Pig Trail to Fayetteville for Razorbacks games and attending the season opener this year, celebrating Arkansas’ dominant 52-7 victory over Alabama A&M. But she also recognized that for many Arkansans, traveling to Northwest Arkansas presents significant logistical challenges.
“I love going to games in Fayetteville as much as every other Razorbacks fan and am old enough to have fond memories of taking the Pig Trail up to Northwest Arkansas. My family and I drove up for this year’s season opener and celebrated our crushing 52-7 win over Alabama A&M,” Sanders noted. “But I also grew up in Pine Bluff, Texarkana, and Little Rock – all of which are a multi-hour drive from the University of Arkansas campus. For fans in South Arkansas or the Delta, going to a game in Fayetteville means spending more money on gas and likely having to book a room for an overnight stay. The War Memorial Game is often the one easily accessible game all year.”
The governor also pointed out that the Red Wolves have historically played some of their games at War Memorial, but rarely in front of as many fans as they did during this weekend’s matchup. “There’s nothing like a little friendly competition to bring together supporters of our state’s two largest universities,” she wrote, noting that basketball and baseball games for both schools are already staged in Little Rock to expand their fan bases. Extending this practice to football, Sanders argues, could create a consistent and exciting weekend for sports fans statewide.
In addition to sports, the governor highlighted the economic benefits a regular Razorbacks-Red Wolves matchup could bring to Little Rock. Bars, restaurants, and local businesses thrive when the capital city hosts college games, and neighbors can even earn extra income by renting rooms or parking spaces during the event. “The capital city lights up for the weekend the Razorbacks are in town. Bars and restaurants are as busy as ever. Neighbors can earn some extra cash by renting out spare rooms or parking spaces. We want to revitalize our state’s largest downtown; weekends like this are a great way to start,” she wrote.
War Memorial Stadium, now over 75 years old, has been modernized extensively under the Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. Sanders noted that more than $6.3 million has been invested in improvements, including new turf, renovated locker rooms, and upgraded sound and lighting systems. “It’s a historic stadium, fitting two world-class teams,” she emphasized, underscoring that the facility is well-prepared to host a marquee annual matchup.
Looking to the future, Sanders envisions a weekend filled not just with football, but with tailgating, live music, and food, creating a celebration of everything that makes Arkansas special. “Imagine an annual event: Razorbacks vs Red Wolves at War Memorial Stadium celebrating the best of Arkansas – our people, great football, tailgating, live music, and food – and bringing us all together in our Capital City to reinforce that as Arkansans, there is far more that unites us than divides us,” she wrote.
College football, Sanders reminded readers, thrives on traditions that connect fans across generations. From shouting “Woo Pig” to cheering “Wolves Up,” the spirit of competition energizes communities and strengthens bonds. “College football is all about traditions: ‘Woo Pig’ or ‘Wolves Up,’ calling the Hogs or yelling ‘Howl Yes.’ Let’s add one more tradition to the list and make the Razorbacks-Red Wolves game an annual event at War Memorial Stadium,” she said.
The governor’s proposal aims to ensure that football fans from every corner of the state—from Fayetteville and Jonesboro to Texarkana, Lake Village, and right down Markham in Little Rock—can take part in a memorable and unifying experience. By creating a recurring event, she argues, Arkansas can build a new tradition that benefits both sports enthusiasts and the broader community alike.
Whether it’s the thrill of the game, the shared excitement among fans, or the economic and cultural boost to Little Rock, Sanders believes that a regular Razorbacks-Red Wolves matchup could become one of the state’s most cherished annual events. Her column positions the idea not only as a sporting spectacle but as a unifying force, celebrating the state’s pride, people, and enduring love for college football.
As the discussion unfolds among university leaders and fans, it is clear that the first game at War Memorial Stadium is already being remembered as a historic moment. With strong advocacy from the governor and the potential to create lasting traditions, many hope that what began as a single matchup will evolve into an annual celebration of Arkansas’ top football programs, bringing excitement, community, and pride to the state for years to come.
