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Arkansas AD Jeff Long addresses Razorbacks’ future at War Memorial Stadium
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The 2018 season could be the last time Arkansas plays football inside War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock.
Jeff Long, Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics at Arkansas, was the featured guest at the Northwest Arkansas Touchdown Club meeting Wednesday afternoon.
One of the hot topics in Arkansas came up during his appearance — the status of games played at War Memorial. Fans had a poor showing in attendance when Arkansas took on Florida A&M in War Memorial Stadium during Week 1 of the 2017 season.
Long was asked if the lack of fans attending the season-opener could play into the school’s decision to play games there in the future, here’s what he had to say:
Does attendance at last week’s War Memorial game affect the pending stadium decision? “Yes, I think it would.” – Arkansas AD Jeff Long
— Kurt Voigt (@Kurt_Voigt_AP) September 6, 2017
There have been great memories inside that venue including ‘Miracle on Markham I and II’ against LSU. Long knows all about the history.
JL on LR: Attendance at games will come into play. We’ve seen what that place can do when it’s packed
— Pig Trail Nation (@PigTrailNation) September 6, 2017
When it comes down to the decision, he will justify the choice based on money.
Jeff Long at NWATDC on LR games: Some people think it’s a dirty word, but yes, generating revenue is important for our program.
— Thomas Murphy (@TomMurphyADG) September 6, 2017
Arkansas plays Vanderbilt next season in the Little Rock venue — the final game on the contract. It has yet to be determined if Arkansas will sign another deal with War Memorial Stadium to continue playing games in the capital city. Regardless, Long wants a decision to be made sooner rather than later.
Long hopes the decision on the future of War Memorial games is made sometime this season – to help with future scheduling.
— Kurt Voigt (@Kurt_Voigt_AP) September 6, 2017
Tye is a contributing writer for Saturday Down South. He works on-air for ESPN Arkansas in Fort Smith. You can follow him on twitter @TyeSportsRadio.
