University officials discuss RazorRock plans

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Making the Razorback football games in Little Rock into a weekend-long celebration is the goal of the RazorRock festivities.

University of Arkansas officials traveled to the Little Rock Chamber of Commerce on Monday morning to announce the weekend of activities surrounding the first Razorback football game this year at War Memorial Stadium.

RazorVision was there, and will have full video coverage of the event later this afternoon.

Official press release from the Little Rock Regional Chamber of CommerceLITTLE ROCK – On Monday, community leaders from the Little Rock region and University of Arkansas officials announced plans for RazorRock, billed as Central Arkansas’ week-long Razorback football rally. The series of events will lead into Arkansas’ Sept. 5 home opener against Missouri State in Little Rock’s War Memorial Stadium. The announcement was made at a 10 a.m. news conference in the Little Rock Regional Chamber’s AT&T Auditorium featuring University of Arkansas Vice Chancellor & Director of Athletics Jeff Long. “We are excited about RazorRock and the week-long celebration associated with our football game at War Memorial Stadium,” said Long. “Central Arkansas has always been a strong supporter of the University of Arkansas and the Razorback program. RazorRock is another demonstration of their great passion. RazorRock events will help build even more excitement prior to our opening game on Sept. 5. We are appreciative of the many organizations and businesses that have come together to make certain that the Razorbacks’ trip to the Capital City will be a memorable one for everyone involved.” “The Arkansas Razorbacks have a rich history as a great unifier in our state,” said Greg Nabholz, board member of the Argenta Downtown Council and chairman of RazorRock. “That is particularly evident when the Hogs come to Central Arkansas. “RazorRock was born of our community’s desire to expand the Razorback fan experience to more than just one day.” According to Nabholz, the rally and events are simply bonuses to the region’s existing world-class attractions, culture, dining, entertainment, recreation, shopping and sports. “Our message to fans across the state and beyond our borders is ‘When you come to the Little Rock region for the game, come early and stay late,’” said Nabholz. The week will culminate in a first-ever, Friday night pep rally on the historic Junction Bridge, connecting the downtowns of Little Rock and North Little Rock. The entire University of Arkansas Razorback Marching Band, under the direction of new Director of Athletic Bands Dr. Christopher Knighten, as well as the University’s cheerleaders, pom squad and Tusk will come to Central Arkansas a day early to be a part of the rally. The Arkansas River will be filled by the inaugural Razorback Navy – boaters from up and down the river. In the north shore RV park, overflow Road Hogs will bring and share their own traditions. Following the event on the bridge, the band will parade to Dickey-Stephens Park to play the National Anthem before the Arkansas Travelers play the last of a four-game series with the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. RazorRock officially begins Monday, Aug. 31, with a Little Rock Touchdown Club luncheon featuring Bobby Petrino. “It’s a rare and special opportunity to have the head coach on game week,” said Ron Rainey, president of the Arkansas Alumni Association (Capital Chapter), who introduced the week’s schedule of events. “We appreciate Coach Petrino and David Bazzel, Kelly Lasseigne and their Little Rock Touchdown Club team for launching RazorRock with such a high profile event.” Bookended by the Petrino luncheon and Junction Bridge pep rally will be three Arkansas Alumni Association (Capital Chapter) events and the four Arkansas Travelers games at Dickey-Stephens Park. According to Rainey, other events may be added as the event draws closer. The Capital Chapter will also offer RazorRock 2009 wrist bands which will give the purchaser discounts in participating area businesses. All proceeds from the band sales will go to funding the chapter’s five University of Arkansas scholarships for Central Arkansas students. “We’re hoping sales will allow us to fund a sixth scholarship,” said Rainey. RazorRock is sponsored by the Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau, North Little Rock Visitors Bureau, AT&T, Arkansas Travelers, Argenta Downtown Council and Downtown Little Rock Partnership. RazorRock partners include Argenta Downtown Council, Arkansas Alumni Association (Capital Chapter), Arkansas River Cities Sports Commission, Arkansas Travelers, Downtown Little Rock Partnership, Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce, Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau, Little Rock Touchdown Club, North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce, North Little Rock Visitors Bureau, Razorback Foundation, Razorback Navy, University of Arkansas and War Memorial Stadium. For more information, including a complete schedule of events, visit www.RazorRockRally.com. All events and times are subject to change.
RazorRock Schedule of Events
Monday, 8.31.09Little Rock Touchdown ClubFeaturing Razorback Head Football Coach Bobby Petrino Embassy Suites Little Rock Lunch 11:00 am; Program 12:00 pm Little Rock Touchdown Club Members $20; Guests $30
For more information, Kelly LasseigneArkansas Travelers vs. Springfield Cardinals Dickey-Stephens Park, 7:10 pm
Tuesday, 9.1.09Arkansas Alumni Association (Capital Chapter)Networking ReceptionFeaturing Skip Rutherford(Dean, University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service)
The Value of Education and Community Service Sturgis Hall, 5:30 – 7:00 pm $5 Arkansas Alumni Association Members; $10 GuestsArkansas Travelers vs. Northwest Arkansas Naturals Dickey-Stephens Park, 7:10 pm
Wednesday, 9.2.09Arkansas Travelers vs. Northwest Arkansas Naturals Dickey-Stephens Park, 7:10 pm
Thursday, 9.3.09Arkansas Alumni Association (Capital Chapter) LuncheonFeaturing Dr. Fitz Hill(President, Arkansas Baptist College)
The Importance of Education North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm $15 Arkansas Alumni Association Members; $20 GuestsArkansas Travelers vs. Northwest Arkansas Naturals Dickey-Stephens Park, 7:10 pm
Friday, 9.4.09Arkansas Alumni Association (Capital Chapter)Pre-Rally Networking Social Gusano’s, 4:15 – 5:45 pmRazorRock RallyFeaturing University of Arkansas Marching Razorback Band, Cheerleaders, Pom Squad & Tusk Junction Bridge, North & South Banks of Arkansas River, Downtown Little Rock & North Little Rock 6:00 – 6:30 pmParade to Dickey-Stephens Park6:30 pmArkansas Travelers vs. Northwest Arkansas Naturals Dickey-Stephens Park, 7:10 pmNational Anthem by University of Arkansas Marching Razorback Band Fireworks Immediately Following Game