Miss Arkansas Scholarship Pageant moving from Hot Springs to Little Rock

The Miss Arkansas Scholarship Pageant will launch in June from its new home at the Robinson Center, according to a press release from the Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau (LRCVB) and the city of Little Rock.

Jessie Ward Bennett, Miss Arkansas Pageant Executive Director, said the non-profit was “thrilled to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Miss Arkansas Pageant in our new home, Little Rock and the newly renovated Robinson Center where the 80th Miss Arkansas will be crowned on June 17, 2017. We look forward to developing a long-term relationship with Little Rock and Central Arkansas. We want the Little Rock metropolitan area to become a part of our annual festivities and celebrate Miss Arkansas year-round.”

Built in 1939, Little Rock’s historic Robinson Center is undergoing a 28-month, $70-million renovation and expansion. The integrity of the exterior has been preserved, while the interior will boast a new state-of-the-art performance hall and a new conference center addition with an outdoor terrace overlooking the Arkansas River.

“As Little Rock becomes the host of this popular annual event, LRCVB looks to forge a long-lasting partnership with pageant representatives as we plan to showcase the city to its contestants, and their family and friends,” said LRCVB President & CEO Gretchen Hall. “In the coming days, Robinson Center will soon be a world-class facility, and that has helped attract this world-class event.”

Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola called the Pageant “a nationwide leader in educational scholarships,” adding, “it is a testament to the commitment and investment in our future leaders. I’m confident these women will embrace our city and all we have to offer.”

Prior to Little Rock, the Miss Arkansas Pageant was held in Hot Springs. While there, 58 women were crowned Miss Arkansas, two of whom became Miss America.

The adjoining Doubletree Hotel, also in the process of a multimillion-dollar renovation, will serve as host hotel for contestants and pageant officials.