UA, ASU to square off in baseball in 2021

The University of Arkansas and Arkansas State University will compete on a collegiate field, but it won’t be in football. Both schools’ baseball teams are slated to play each other for the first time ever May 11 at Baum-Walker Stadium in Fayetteville.

The Razorbacks, ranked No. 22 in the country during the pre-season, will play several other Arkansas-based schools, too, according to their schedule which was released Tuesday (Jan. 19).

UA will play UA Little Rock on April 6-7. The University of Central Arkansas will visit Baum-Walker Stadium on March 30. The school will have a two-game match-up against UAPB on April 13-14.

It had been previously announced that UA and ASU would play a baseball game, but the date was not set. For years, there has been pressure for the two largest schools in the state to schedule an annual football game, a tradition among the largest universities in other states.

Rep. Jack Ladyman, R-Jonesboro, previously sponsored a resolution supporting a football game between the Razorbacks and Red Wolves. Ladyman said he holds degrees from both schools and the game could be a boon to the state’s economy.

The game could also save $1 million because the UA often pays other Sun Belt schools that amount once a year to play. The game could be played in Little Rock and would generate tax revenue for the state, supporters have argued.

Ladyman said he pulled the resolution when the schools appeared to be negotiating, but said if no agreement is reached he will reinstitute the resolution. He predicts the schools will play by 2024.