UA vs UAPB: How to Celebrate All Week Long

On Saturday, October 23, Little Rock’s War Memorial Stadium will be the site of a historic showdown between the University of Arkansas Razorbacks and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Golden Lions. This is the first football game the Razorbacks have played against an Arkansas school since 1944 and their first-ever meeting with the Golden Lions.

Tickets are still available to the game, which kicks off at 11 a.m. features half-time performances from the Best in Sight and Sound, the Razorback Marching Band, and the Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South, the UAPB Golden Lion Marching Band. You can find stadium regulations here.

But the festivities won’t be confined to the field – prior to kick-off, outside the stadium, tens of thousands will enjoy a morning of tailgating that includes a free Fan Fest that includes a variety of food trucks, inflatables, sponsor activations and music entertainment.

The entire week leading up to the game, you can get in the spirit by attending any of the events associated with Arkansas Unity & Heritage Festival Week. Sponsored overall by 100 Black Men, the Urban League, Steve Landers, Tyson, and Ben E. Keith, the festival entails a week of events leading up to the game at War Memorial Stadium and celebrates this iconic matchup.

On Monday, October 18, the festival kicks off with a scholarship dinner at the Razorback Letterman’s Club, located next to Gate 7 at War Memorial. Tickets for the prime rib dinner are $50.

The Mosaic Templars Cultural Center will host a 10 a.m. reception for its Arkansas Razorback African American display on Thursday, October 21. This will serve as the launch of a capital campaign to raise money for a permanent digital display.

Friday and Saturday will entail tailgating on the old War Memorial golf course. From 1-9 p.m. on Friday, October 22, the old pro shop will host a Rib Jam with ribs and sides benefitting UAMS and Arkansas Children’s Hospital first responders. Tickets are $45. Live music will be featured all day, with voter registration and COVID testing with shots available from the Arkansas Department of Health.

Friday evening also offers the chance to meet Tusk V, the Arkansas Razorback mascot, from 5:30 - 7:30 at St. Vincent’s Plaza at the corner of River Market and President Clinton Avenues.

After the game, be sure to celebrate victory in Little Rock’s River Market Entertainment District, the epicenter of the city’s nightlife scene. At the game’s unofficial 5^th Quarter, you’ll find live music, great bars, and, best of all, once you get a wristband and a signature cup at a participating venue, you’re free to take alcohol out of the bar and into the street (just make sure you brush up on the rules first!).

Cap your night off by staying at a great Little Rock hotel!