2009 Red-White Spring Game Set for April 18

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Less than two weeks after Bobby Petrino’s first Red-White Game as head football coach at Arkansas, the university has set April 18 as the date for the 2009 spring game.

“We are grateful to the Razorback fans for making the 2008 Red-White Spring Game a resounding success,” Arkansas vice chancellor and director of athletics Jeff Long says. “The enthusiasm generated from that special weekend has produced a heightened sense of anticipation and excitement for the upcoming season. I am confident that the continued passion and support of the Razorback fans will help ensure that the Red-White Spring Game will remain a marquee event on the Razorback athletics calendar.”

This year’s spring game drew a school-record crowd of 40,200 to Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. That figure was seventh-best in the nation and third-best in the Southeastern Conference.

“We wanted to set the date for next year’s spring game so our fans can start making plans to be at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on April 18, 2009,” Petrino says. “Razorback fans came out in record numbers this year and we want to continue to build upon our new spring game tradition. We appreciate our tremendous fan support and look forward to setting new records in the years to come.”

The 2008 spring finale more closely resembled an actual game, including the format of the game and the pre-game festivities leading up to the game. Petrino divided his squad with the first-team offense and defense on the Red team, and the second and third-teamers on the White team. It was a full-contact scrimmage with the exception of tackling the quarterbacks and covering kicks and punts.

The Razorback Band participated in pre-game ceremonies and formed the “A” for the team to run through prior to the opening kickoff. The game was also televised live by Cox Sports Television (CST).