Broyles Photo Fuels Pig Palace Controversy

That was University of Arkansas Athletic Director Frank Broyles fanning himself with a hand-held Alltel fan at the Alltel Pig Palace before a Razorback football game earlier this season in Little Rock. It was not only captured by a photographer, but it can also be seen during a 30-second television commercial promoting the Pig Palace for the UA-LSU football game Nov. 24 at War Memorial Stadium. Narrated by Steve Sullivan, the commercial first was broadcast earlier this week on Little Rock station KATV-TV, Channel 7.

UA officials had denied Broyles’ visiting the Alltel tent, saying that Broyles had no recollection of attending the Pig Palace. But he is standing in the middle of the large tent, talking with UA chancellor John White and Alltel chairman Joe Ford.

The university signed an exclusive major sponsorship package for Razorback athletics with Southwestern Bell in February worth about $11 million over 11 years. Since then, there have been many concerns from both Southwestern Bell and Alltel over advertising rights at both War Memorial Stadium and Reynolds Razorback Stadium.