Barnhill Arena: Home of Razorback Volleyball

Is it the fans? Is it the facility itself? Is it the Hog Wild Band and Razorback Cheerleaders? It’s all of the above that make Barnhill Arena, the home of the Arkansas Volleyball, one of the toughest venues in the country. Renovated several times since its opening, Barnhill Arena officially closed its doors as one of the most feared basketball facilities in the country March 3, 1993. It was then re-configured into the largest volleyball-only arena in time for the inaugural season in 1994. The Barn underwent a second significant face lift prior to the 2002 season to also become the home of University of Arkansas gymnastics. Barnhill Arena was authorized in 1953 as the University’s new multipurpose arena. Named for athletic director John Barnhill, the Fieldhouse, as it was originally known, underwent a drastic renovation in 1976-78. The renovation created the seating arrangement that turned the facility into a basketball-only configuration.

The date of March 3, 1993, closed Barnhill’s career as a basketball facility with a gala party, complete with a coast-to-coast broadcast of the Arkansas-LSU men’s game on ESPN and closing ceremonies carried live statewide. As the home of Razorback volleyball, Barnhill underwent renovation of its playing surface to convert the then 19-year-old hardwood floor to a volleyball configuration. It was unveiled to the public during Arkansas’ summer camps, including the first-ever volleyball camp at the Fayetteville campus in 1994. In addition to the on-the-court renovation, the Razorback volleyball program was provided with a state-of-the-art locker room. The locker room features a lounge area, team room with a large-screen television, computer area for studying and circular shaped locker area. Barnhill again underwent face-lift to remain one of the best in the country in 2002. Changes included new paint on the court, expanding the borders to 10 feet, and refinishing and lightening the surrounding wood surfaces. New lights, including specialized “show lights” with shutters that allow for instant “on-off” capabilities, and new seating were other changes. The Pulliza era began in 2008 with Arkansas competing under the second head coach in program history. Pulliza and his staff instituted some changes of their own updating the volleyball locker room and adorning the facility with new graphics. The southwest hallway leading to the court now features a game day mural and images of Arkansas’ seven All-Americans. The program’s story is also told in the north lobby with the addition of NCAA Tournament and All-SEC wall graphics, installed prior to the 2013 season. During the offseason prior to the 2011 campaign, the Razorback volleyball staff updated the media room where the team meets to watch film and postmatch interviews are conducted.

Download: VB Locker room.pdf