The views and opinions expressed in the Graduate and International Ambassador Blog are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Arkansas.
Imagine: You have everything in place to start your journey as a student at the University of Arkansas. You have registered for classes, you are finished moving into your new residence, and you are ready for your first Fall semester of fun on campus! However, there is still one thing you feel like you have not prepared for…football season is right around the corner and you don’t know anything about it!
Arkansas Razorback football is one of the most beloved traditions at the University of Arkansas. From the dramatic moments to the lighthearted fun of traditional cheers, a Razorback game is the perfect place to make great memories and meet new friends, even if you are unfamiliar with American football. If you are looking to experience this exciting event but are unsure where to begin, use this post as a how-to guide for attending your first Razorback football game.
Getting Ready: Tickets and More
The first and most important step in attending a Razorback football game is securing a ticket. You won’t be able to buy a ticket at the stadium, so you must figure out your plan for access in advance. Luckily, the University offers a great option for students. The Student Access Pass not only guarantees you entrance to several football games*, but also to Razorback basketball games, baseball games, and any other sporting event that takes place on campus! This pass is valid for one year and costs $115. The Student Access Pass is the most popular option among U of A students who plan to frequently attend Razorback sports.
(*NOTE: The Student Access Pass does not give you access to every game in a season, just a few pre-determined games; this is due to high demand and overcrowding. Call the number on the page linked above for more information.)
Tickets
You can also purchase a Razorback Season Pass (which offers guaranteed entrance to every game in a season) or Single Game Tickets (which offer guaranteed entrance to one specific game). These options are less popular among students due to their higher cost, but are a good option if you want more control over which games you attend. Click here for more details on the Season Pass and Single Game Tickets. These tickets sell out quickly, so act fast once they are available for purchase.
What to Wear
The other thing you need in advance is Razorback gear to wear to the game! Well, you don’t need it (and no one will judge you for not having it), but it is always fun to support the Hogs by wearing spirited clothing. One thing you will find is true about Razorback fans is that they love to dress up in their red and white fan gear when attending sporting events!
The best place to shop for Razorback merchandise is the Arkansas Razorbacks Store. You can order your clothes online, or you can visit their in-person shop located right next to campus. Fayetteville is filled with a lot of great places to buy Razorback gear; some other options include The Stadium Shoppe on Razorback and the Campus Bookstore on Dickson Street. You might even receive a student discount at some locations – don’t be afraid to ask and be sure to bring your Student ID, just in case.
One final note is to be sure to wear comfortable shoes for walking and standing. Many dress only for style, only to regret it later! Be sure to check the weather report for rain or cold. This is unlikely at the beginning of the season, but if your first game is later in the fall you will want to be prepared. You can purchase a rain poncho for only a couple of dollars from the shops above, or any grocery store, and are allowed to carry in a warm jacket to wear underneath.
Game Day
So, now you have your tickets, you are dressed head to toe in Razorback red, and the game starts in just a few hours. Now what? Well, home games are played at the Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium, which can be found on campus behind the Arkansas Student Union. You most likely want to arrive at the stadium at least 30 minutes to an hour before “kickoff” (the start of the game). This will give you plenty of time to get in line, have your ticket/pass scanned, find your seat, and purchase some of the refreshments offered at the game.
Transportation
The first thing to consider is how you will get to the stadium. If you live on campus, this part is easy; most students simply walk or ride a bicycle. However, if you live too far away to walk, it’s important to understand the parking situation. Parking regulations at the university change on the day of a home football game, and only some lots are open to general attendees. Be sure to study the parking information detailed on the university’s Parking Services website if you plan to park in a lot near the stadium – many a student has left their car in a lot near the stadium only to find it had been towed because they waited too long to move it.
Another popular option is to utilize the Razorback Transit system. The university offers a bus service that includes two football game day routes (the Gold and Silver routes). If you park within walking distance of a bus stop on one of these routes, the transit system will take you to the stadium and back at no additional cost. You can view Razorback Transit routes online, or you can download the Razorback Transit app for routes, schedules, and a real-time map.
Entrance and Seating
Once you arrive, you will need to enter at one of the many gates that can be found on the outside of the stadium. It is best to enter in a gate that is close to the seating area listed on your ticket (student tickets will have a specific gate that you must use). Use this map to find which gate is most convenient for you. As you enter through your gate, be sure to have your ticket or a QR code on your phone ready so that a stadium employee can scan it.
There are specific policies and regulations regarding what items you can bring into the stadium. The most important one to remember is the Clear Bag Policy. If you plan to bring in any bag bigger than a clutch purse, it must be made of transparent material. Allowing only see-through bags helps stadium security keep the area safe and free of dangerous items. There are several other prohibited items, such as outside food or drink, tobacco products, and noise makers.
Traditions
Now that you are inside the stadium, all that’s left to do is enjoy the game. However, there are a few Arkansas Razorback traditions that you might want to partake in while you are there. These customs are a lot of fun and can really help you get into the Razorback spirit!
The first, and most famous, Razorback tradition is “Calling the Hogs”. This is a cheer that is done several times throughout a game and at almost every Razorback sporting event. It is based on the sounds that real farmers make to attract their pigs (or “hogs”). As silly as it is, Razorback fans love to Call the Hogs loud and proud; the entire stadium joins in during the Hog Call! You can learn how to Call the Hogs with this diagram, or you can ask almost anyone on campus how it’s done. Once you pick it up, the Hog Call will stick with you for life.
The second tradition to know about is “The Trough” or the Student Section. The Trough is the section of the stadium where current students sit, meaning it is full of some of the loudest and most dedicated fans at the game. In The Trough, the closer you sit to the field the more intense the cheering, celebrating, and decorating is. Spending the game in The Trough can make the day extra fun and exciting, but make sure that you are prepared to really show your Razorback pride!
Viewing Options
If going to the game in-person isn’t your thing, don’t worry. What makes Razorback football so special is not just watching the game, but spending the day having fun with friends. Because this is such a beloved tradition in Fayetteville, there are several different ways you can partake in the festivities. Perhaps your apartment complex or your on-campus residence hall is hosting a watch party. You can catch the game in the Arkansas Union as well. Perhaps an on-campus organization such as International Students and Scholars or a specific RSO is planning some fun game day activities. Always be on the lookout for these special events, as they can be a great way to meet new friends in a more personal environment and a good alternative to going to the stadium.
However you choose to enjoy football season, I hope your first Arkansas Razorback game is memorable and spectacular!
