First Razorback Basketball Practice Set for Oct. 14 ? Fans Encouraged to Attend

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The Arkansas basketball team begins practice this year on Friday, Oct. 14, and head coach Stan Heath is encouraging fans to attend the 7-9 p.m. open workout in Bud Walton Arena.

In the past, schools began practice at 12:01 a.m. on the Friday evening/Saturday morning closest to Oct. 15. Beginning this year, the NCAA has moved the start time from 12:01 a.m. on Saturday to 7 p.m. on the previous Friday, which this year is Oct. 14.

To avoid conflicts with the Razorback football pep rally at 8 p.m. and high school football games in the area on Oct. 14, Arkansas is shifting its fan activities from the first practice session of the year to the Red-White Game on Oct. 29.

Even so, Heath hopes for a good turnout for his team’s first practice. Concession stands and the Hog Heaven store will be open during the workout.

“We are encouraging our fans to come out and watch us at 7 p.m. on the Friday before the Auburn football game,” he says. “It will give our fans a chance to get their first look at our squad. We are excited about the season and they will be able to see the enthusiasm and effort we will play with throughout the year.

“The activities we previously scheduled in conjunction with our first practice will take place before the Red-White Game. We look forward to signing autographs, shaking hands and meeting our fans.”

The Red-White Game is set for 4:05 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 29. In addition to the autograph session, other activities planned include contests for children, poster distribution and donations of canned food items to the Salvation Army.

More details will be announced once they are finalized.