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Well, y’all, it’s finally here. After years of coffee shop/sports bar debates, tailgate talk and more than a few “what ifs,” the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Arkansas State Red Wolves are lining up, face-to-face, right in the middle of War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock. On Saturday, Sept. 6 2025, the Natural State’s football family tree is coming together for one big backyard brawl and let me tell you, it’s going to be one for the history books.
This isn’t just another Saturday game. The 4 p.m. kickoff will be brothers squaring off in the front yard, cousins talking smack at the dinner table, and whole families split down the middle between Woo Pig Sooie and that Red Wolves howl. It’s the kind of matchup that will have the whole state buzzing, with bragging rights riding higher than the score on the board.
War Memorial Stadium
If stadiums could talk, War Memorial would have stories that would fill a library. Opened back in 1948, it’s been the backdrop for high school championships, Hog victories, and some of the best tailgates this side of the Mississippi. It sits right in the heart of Little Rock, a place where Razorback lore runs deep and where generations have cheered until they were hoarse.
Tailgating Tips for Razorback vs. Red Wolves
Now, y’all know tailgating at War Memorial is half the fun. General Parking Tailgating at War Memorial Park is one of the longest-standing traditions at the stadium. Smoke will be rising from grills, folks will be playing cornhole, and the sound of hog calls and howls will roll across the parking lot like thunder. It’s community at its finest, Arkansas style.
Fans line up early in the morning to get the best spaces. General Parking Tailgating is available on a first-come basis starting at 6:00 a.m., and fans pay a $25 fee when they arrive. There are no trailers allowed in the general tailgating area. All grills must be able to fit in a truck bed. There is also Reserved, Large Grill, Corporate and RV Tailgating, click here for info and map.
Here’s how to do it right:
1. Arrive Early – Lots open at 6 a.m. and the best spots go fast. Get there early if you want shade and elbow room.
2. Pack the Grill – Smoked sausages, burgers and chicken wings are classics, but toss some Razorback/Red Wolves red-hot links on the grill for team spirit.
3. Cooler Must-Haves – Sweet tea, Arkansas craft beer and plenty of water (September heat can sneak up on you). Don’t forget the ice.
4. Bring Local Flavor – Show off Arkansas pride with fried catfish nuggets, cheese dip with tortilla chips (our unofficial state appetizer), or a pan of homemade brownies.
5. Set the Scene – Pop up your tent, hang your Hog flag or Wolf banner, and set out the folding chairs. Tailgates here are like little front porches—neighbors welcome.
6. Games for the Kids (and Grownups) – Cornhole boards, ladder toss, and a football to toss around keep the crew busy.
7. Soundtrack – Country, southern rock and the Razorback fight song—play it just loud enough to draw a Woo Pig from the next tent.
8. Game-Time Snack Hack – Pack a tray of sliders or BBQ sandwiches wrapped in foil. Easy to grab and eat walking toward the gates.
Where to Eat in Little Rock and Plates Worth the Hype
When you roll into Little Rock for the big game, you don’t just come for the football, you come for the food. Here are some local favorites plus the dishes y’all ought to order:
- Sim’s BBQ – Since 1937, Sims BBQ has been a fixture in Little Rock, and it never fails to keep people coming back. You can’t go wrong with their rib plate—smoky, tender and dripping with sauce. Pair it with baked beans and slaw for that true Arkansas BBQ experience. Their pulled pork sandwich is also legendary, especially if you like it messy (the best ones always are).
- Cantina Laredo – Start with their queso Laredo (melted cheese, taco meat, pico and guac—basically all the good stuff in one bowl). For main dish, Relleno de Camarones- Shrimp, Monterey Jack, vegetable and mushroom stuffed roasted green chili, with avocado, roasted red pepper, poblano sauce, charred street corn and cilantro lime rice. If you’re celebrating or just need to soothe the sting of a loss, the tableside guacamole and a Casa Rita are must-haves.
- The Fold – Known for creative tacos like the Cholula Pescado or the The Gringo. Don’t skip their street corn dip, charred and slathered with crema and spices. And if you like brunch vibes, their Birria Bowl with a perfect slice of Hatch Chile Cheddar Cornbread hiding under that egg, pairs mighty fine with a margarita.
- Capital Bar & Grill – Try the pimento cheese with house-made crackers for starters—it’s Arkansas hospitality on a plate. For mains, the chicken-fried steak or grilled pork chop with seasonal veggies is where Southern comfort meets downtown polish. And if you’re feeling fancy, their bourbon cocktails are some of the best in Little Rock.
- Lost Forty Brewing – This spot’s all about shareable, hearty fare. The rowdy waffle fry skillet is tailgate food upgraded. The wood-fired pizzas (like the Arkansas Burnpile Supreme) are a crowd favorite. And of course, wash it down with their Rockhound IPA or my favorite, Love Honey Bock—local beer that goes down easy whether you’re toasting a win or drowning a loss.
- Maddie’s Place – Order the Fried Alligator Bites with Chile-Garlic Dipping Sauce or the Pulled Pork Nachos w/ Black Eyed Peas, BBQ Sauce, Chipotle Aioli & Pico. Wash it down with a cold Abita and you’ll swear you’re sitting at the riverside in New Orleans.
- The Faded Rose – Their Shrimp & Grits and Crawfish Étouffée are the kind of dishes that stick to your ribs. Don’t sleep on the Shrimp Tchoupitoulas, listed as an appetizer but I believe it is quiet the feast.
- Brave New Restaurant – One of Little Rock’s most well-known and beloved establishments. Their Mixed Grill is the talk of the town, but the Crab Crusted Walleye Benedict is a must-try! HIGHLIGHT: A recent special of Rabbit Ridge Farm’s roasted leg quarter finished with a blackberry chili glaze over Ralston Family Farm’s Jasmine Rice, not only sounds delicious but combines some of my neighbor farm’s specialties into one bite.
- Ciao Baci – Share a spread of Tandoori Spiced Wings and end with the fun Table-Top S’mores —because you’re never too old for gooey marshmallows.
- Cafe Bossa Nova – Start game day with their Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pão de Queijo) and the Chicken & Hearts of Palm Soup. Pair with a strong cup of Brazilian coffee to fuel your game day.
- Trio’s – The brilliant Capi Peck serves up seasonal favorites, so stop by to see what she has cooked up this football season. I recommend Trio’s Chicken Salad, Peck Special Salad and the Spicy Spinach Dip.
- Doe’s Eat Place – Start with the Doe’s Soaked salad and then go big or go home with the 3-lb Porterhouse.
- Big Orange – The Truffle-Pecorino Burger and Garlic-Truffle Fries are legendary. Pair it with one of their hand-spun milkshakes (or a boozy shake if you’re celebrating).
No matter which team you pull for, this is bigger than one game. It’s about Arkansas pride, about coming together in the middle of our state to watch history unfold. Some folks will drive from the Delta, some from the Ozarks and some will just stroll in from down the street—but we’ll all be there, making memories.
So, pull on your Hog red or your Red Wolf scarlet, plan your restaurant stop or pack up your tailgate cooler and get ready. On September 6th, Little Rock will be the heart of Arkansas football. Families will gather, rivalries will spark and a new tradition will be born.
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