2013 season to include 75th anniversary of Razorback stadium

by The City Wire staff ([email protected]) 140 views 

The 2013 season marks the 75th anniversary of Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium, which was opened in 1938.

The first game in the stadium, which opened with an original capacity of 13,500, was a 27-7 Razorback win over Oklahoma A&M on Sept. 24, 1938. The stadium was officially dedicated during the Oct. 8 game against Baylor later that season. Arkansas has an all-time record of 166-81-2 (.667) inside Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium, which has undergone numerous expansions to its current 72,000 capacity.

“As we commemorate the 75th anniversary of Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium, we wanted to find a way to engage the passionate Razorback fans who have helped shape the history of our program and the legacy of our on-campus home,” Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Jeff Long said in a statement. “During the course of the 2013 football season, we invite fans to look back on many of the greatest moments in Razorback history while celebrating the 75 years of the Home of the Razorbacks.”

Long also said the department had an obligation to ensure success for the next 75 years.

In honor of the 75th anniversary of the stadium, the Arkansas Athletic Department has launched a special website for fans which features a timeline showcasing some of the most substantial updates along with top memorable games.

Beginning Tuesday (July 30) fans will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite plays in Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium history. Voting, which is live until Friday, Aug. 23, will feature 15 moments and the top-five moments, based on fan votes, will be featured in a countdown on the second-largest on-campus video display in the country during all Fayetteville games in 2013 and on the website.

Fans will have the opportunity to enter to win a piece of stadium history. Each week leading up to the season opener, a pair of authentic seats used inside Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium from 1985-2011 will be given away. The 75th anniversary website will be updated with exclusive videos and content throughout the 2013 Razorback football season.

Special 75th anniversary merchandise will be available for sale at Hog Heaven and Shop.ArkansasRazorbacks.com, and fans also will notice special signage throughout Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium.

The Razorbacks kick off their 2013 season Aug. 31 at 3 p.m. on FSN against Louisiana inside Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium.