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As a Mississippi gal born and raised, football was part of the rhythm of life. I wore the black and gold of Southern Miss, played soccer there, and grew up surrounded by the fierce loyalty of Ole Miss and Mississippi State fans. Saturdays in the South were sacred; you wore your colors, knew your rivals, and cheered like it was your job. Then I married a Louisiana boy, a die-hard LSU Tiger fan, and quickly learned that SEC loyalty runs deep. But after 28 years in Arkansas, he’s come to love the Razorbacks too, cheering them on every Saturday (except when they play LSU, of course).
When our children chose the University of Arkansas, it opened my eyes to a whole new corner of Southern football. I didn’t fully appreciate the Razorback spirit until I stood in the middle of a Woo Pig Sooie chant and felt it in my bones. Tucked high in the Ozarks, Fayetteville may feel off the beaten SEC path, but don’t let geography fool you. On The Hill, they’ve built something real – rooted in heart, hustle and a deep sense of pride. The Razorbacks have more than earned their place in the nation’s toughest football conference.
Stepping into the SEC Spotlight
Since joining the SEC in 1992, Arkansas has earned a reputation as one of the grittiest and most passionate programs in college football. Under Coach Sam Pittman, the Razorbacks embody the spirit of Arkansas itself—resilient, grounded and fiercely proud. Fueled by a loyal fan base and a deep love for their state, they play with unmatched heart and humility.
Game days in Fayetteville feel electric; full of tradition, pride, and unmistakable energy. Barbecue smoke drifts through the Ozark hills, red floods the streets and the roar of “Woo Pig Sooie” echoes like a battle cry. It’s more than a chant—it’s a way of life that unites students, alumni and families across Arkansas and beyond. Being a Razorback isn’t just about the scoreboard; it’s about showing up, standing proud, and believing in something bigger.
Top 25 Things to Do on Game Day Weekend in Fayetteville, AR
- Tailgate at Victory Village or The Gardens – Classic SEC tailgating with food, games, music & fans everywhere. Reservations required.
- Call the Hogs with 70,000+ fans – Experience the iconic “Woo Pig Sooie” chant inside Razorback Stadium.
- Snap a photo with Tusk – Arkansas’ live mascot, a Russian boar, is a game day celebrity.
- Watch the Razorbacks run through the A – Don’t miss this time-honored pregame tradition with the marching band.
- Cheer on the Razorback Spirit Squads – Watch the cheerleaders & mascots warm up and rally the fans.
- Tour Old Main & Senior Walk – Take in the iconic campus landmarks and find names of past grads etched in stone.
- Eat breakfast at Arsaga’s at the Mill – Local favorite for coffee and a hearty pregame meal.
- Stroll Dickson Street – The heart of game day nightlife with bars, shops and street performers.
- Catch a band at George’s Majestic Lounge – Legendary live music venue with weekend sets.
- Explore the Fayetteville Farmers Market (seasonal) – Open on Saturdays, full of Arkansas-made goods.
- Stop in the Dickson Street Bookshop or Pearl’s Books – Charming book stores packed with treasures.
- Toast at Maxine’s Tap Room – Cozy, quirky cocktails in a historic local watering hole.
- Bike or walk the Razorback Greenway – Beautiful trails just minutes from the stadium.
- Watch the Razorback Marching Band spell out “GO HOGS” – A highlight of the pregame show.
- Try a burger at Hugo’s – A Fayetteville staple, tucked beneath the downtown square.
- Explore the Downtown Square – Boutiques, art vendors, and food trucks fill the plaza on game weekends.
- Visit the Arkansas Air & Military Museum – Great off-campus option if you arrive early or stay late.
- People-watch & cheer at Hog Walk – Welcome the team as they arrive at the stadium in full fanfare.
- Join the Fayetteville Ale Trail – Sample local brews from nearby breweries like Fossil Cove and Crisis Brewing.
- Ride Razorback Transit – Free game day buses mean no parking worries.
- Visit Lake Fayetteville – walk the trails and explore the scenery.
- Sample local food trucks – From tacos to barbecue, they line up near the stadium and downtown.
- Pack a picnic at Wilson Park – Just off campus, it’s a relaxing spot to unwind post-game.
- Grab some Razorback apparel at The Stadium Shoppe on Razorback- Local, Family & U of A Alumni Owned & Operated
- Got some pre-game nerves? Smash them away at NWA Smash Lab – where you can break stuff, blow off steam and get game-day ready in the most satisfying way possible.
From the pine trees of Mississippi to the bayous of Louisiana and now to the hills of Northwest Arkansas, our family has seen SEC football from all angles. And let me tell you—there’s something incredibly special about the Razorbacks. Woo Pig!
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