Date and Location: September 6 2025, War Memorial Stadium, Little Rock, AR.

Reflections: “If you are not on the bus back from the game,” the email asserted firmly, “you will not be permitted to attend.” “If you’re not on the bus back,” the enthusiastic student assistants asserted, “you will have to make your own way home.” I may have started swearing under my breath. As a non-driver who refuses to pay a $140 round-trip fare for a drive which takes under three hours, I’m still yet to visit Little Rock. $70 on the other hand-

No matter. I’ve technically seen the State Capitol of Arkansas, even if it was only for 8 hours and spent entirely within the grounds of War Memorial Stadium.

I can comfort myself further knowing it was a monumental game. Despite having existed for over 100 years, the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Arkansas Red Wolves had never played each other. Although one look at the score board should tell you why, it technically involves a policy that the Razorbacks do not play other in-state schools which both schools have adhered to since 1940. I’m actually pretty honoured that I was able to attend, especially as the trip was funded in its entirety by the Office of Student Engagement, and it was potentially the last time the Razorbacks would ever play in War Memorial Stadium.

In spite of this somewhat solemn note, the atmosphere was amazing. Given the relatively short drive for both parties, the stadium was swallowed by a sea of tailgating tents as far as the eye could see. There were giveaways! There was barbeque! There was the legendary Volkswagen Beetle to pose with and besides, either way, Arkansas would win, right?

We won. Decisively. By the time Rohan Jones ran a 33 yard touchdown to put the Razorbacks 41-14 at the beginning of the third quarter, the atmosphere had flattened and the Red Wolves fans began to leave en-mass. Thankfully, the small group of friends I had made on the bus and I happened to sit by a delightful veteran who kept us entertained until the game’s final, painfully obvious conclusion.

Final Score: We beat our Little Rock counterparts 14 – 56. Unsportsmanlike, really.

Best Food or Drink: The incredible barbeque chicken served at the Arkansas Razorbacks Family and Friends tailgate beforehand. And the generous donation of a free beer from a nice man who needed me to carry 12 to his seat.