Tailgating SEC Style Podcast: Arkansas Razorbacks

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Tailgating SEC Style. The University of Arkansas in Fayetteville is located in the southern portion of the Ozark Mountains of northwest Arkansas. We’ll explore the Razorback tailgating scene, including where to stay, places to eat and drink, and everything to make your visit to the campus and area worthwhile.

Tailgating is a valued southern tradition and nowhere in the world will you experience the hospitality, camaraderie,  and great food than at an SEC tailgate. While home team fans will benefit from our discussion, this podcast is designed especially for visiting and new fans. 

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We’ll cover topics such as how to get there, where to stay, places to eat and drink, and sights to see. And although we’ll focus on tailgating during the fall football season, this information is relevant for any occasion whether you’re taking your child to school for their freshman year, attending other sporting events, graduations, or just visiting the area. 

In most episodes, I’ll interview fans who have been tailgating at their respective school for years or have knowledge of the campus, team, towns, and cities. So please share this episode with others interested in visiting these SEC schools and follow Tailgating SEC Style on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and on my website, OneSouthernman.com.

The intro for this episode is the fight song for the University of Arkansas Razorbacks in Fayetteville, Arkansas. But before we dive into Arkansas’s tailgating scene, some background on how this podcast developed is important.

How Tailgating SEC Style Began

I got the idea to write about my Tailgating SEC Style experiences in August of 2017 and did so through the 2018 and 2019 seasons. I’ve met some wonderful people and formed outstanding friends, many of whom I still keep in touch with, like Jason Carter at Simply Home Lending in Fayetteville, and his father in law Dr. Jeff Johnson, who I met on my first trip to Fayetteville in 2018. Jason is an Arkansas alum and keeps me informed on all aspects of Razorback tailgating.

But a more personal Arkansas story developed during my son’s senior year of high school in 2018 when he came he told me Arkansas was his top college choice. To be perfectly honest, my reaction was sarcastic. I had never visited Fayetteville. But after attending student orientation and moving him into his freshman dorm room, I realized that Arkansas and Fayetteville are lovely places. 

Months later when I attended a Dad’s weekend at his fraternity house, he told this story in front of other dads and Razorback alumni. I accepted full responsibility for my initial comments and was honored to eat my words.

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Unfortunately, the KA Dad’s Day didn’t happen last year and I understand it’s happening November 2, on the Mississippi State weekend so I’m looking forward to a great time from these southern gentlemen, and thankfully they never disappoint. 

I’m going to talk with Ben Larson, who not only is an expert on Arkansas athletics, he’s also a pledge and fraternity brother of my son, Roan. More importantly, Ben is the creator and host, Razorbackology Talks, a sports-oriented podcast all about Arkansas athletics and as a lifetime Razorback fan, so follow Razorbackology on Instagram and find his podcast on major podcast platforms. 

Arkansas Razorback Tailgating

Now let’s dive into the SEC football tailgating scene in Fayetteville. Arkansas is a wonderful state university and Fayetteville is a beautiful town, especially in the fall when the leaves change colors in October and November. 

My first recommendation to visiting fans is to forget about bringing your own tailgating stuff and immerse yourself into the hometown tailgating scene. First, it’s too much trouble because finding a good spot is hard. And besides, interacting with hometown fans is part of the SEC tailgating experience. Also, arrive on campus at least 3-4 hours before kickoff.

There are a couple of rules I recommend you abide by. First, be nice. It’s perfectly okay for you to wear your school colors when visiting an opposing SEC campus. It can guarantee you that if you are cool and nice, you’ll be treated with equal or more kindness. SEC fans and tailgaters LOVE to talk with and entertain visiting fans. I can almost guarantee that if you walk up to someone at a tailgate and ask about their tailgating traditions, they’ll offer you and your group food and beverages. Trust me, I’ve done this for several years!

However, if you act obnoxious and are a jerk, you’ll be treated the same. Also, it’s not cool to go into a hometown tailgate and start chanting your cheer because it’s rude and disrespectful. Remember, it’s their house for a few hours on Saturday so treat your hosts and their tailgate accordingly. But, some friendly banter about who’s going to win the game is always welcome!

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Fayetteville is located in the Northwest corner of Arkansas in the Ozark mountains. If you’re flying to an Arkansas game, your best options are Little Rock or Northwest Arkansas National Airport in Bentonville, about 35-miles north of the university, also known as Wal-Mart airport. 

Keep in mind that rental cars are hard to come by so plan ahead or use a car service if feasible. Most fans drive and if you’re coming from the South, chances are you’ll take I-49 off of I-40. It’s a magnificent drive, especially in the fall. 

Fayetteville’s population is just under 100,000, so on game day it more than doubles. Many of the more popular hotel chains are in or around the campus. Personally, I would recommend you try to find an Airbnb. That’s what I do when visiting Fayetteville and each one I’ve stayed in has been super.

Where to Stay, Eat, & Drink In Fayetteville

There are three luxury hotels I would recommend and they fill up months ahead of big game weekends. The Graduate Hotel is a relatively new chain that purchases or builds property in college towns. The Graduate Fayetteville is located near campus near the downtown area. Not only do they cater to visiting fans, but they also encourage students to study and hang out in their renovated lobby with ample WIFI.

The Inn at Carnall Hall is located on campus, across from several of the fraternity and sorority houses. Once a girls dormitory, it’s now a boutique luxury hotel. I highly recommend having a drink in the hotel bar which is a short walk to the stadium and major tailgating areas. 

Dickson Street is where the most popular bars and restaurants are located, all of which are also a short walk to the tailgating festivities. It’s also where you’ll find The Dickson Street Inn, a smaller boutique hotel in the heart of the town’s entertainment district. 

Let me add a word of caution if you’re driving around campus. The City of Fayetteville loves the revenue it receives from parking tickets, and like great libations, they are liberally given. Take it from my personal experience, put the money in the meter. 

Arkansas Razorback Tailgating Food & Drink

Every SEC college town has great food and Fayetteville is no exception. Wright’s BBQ, at 2212 Main is a local favorite and a huge Razorback supporter. If you’re in and around the downtown square, you can’t go wrong with Cheers. They’re in the old post office building, smack dab in the middle of the town square. 

Also nearby is Hugo’s Basement, a popular dining spot of locals and alumni for burgers and beer. A hidden gem downtown is Petra Cafe, a Mediterranean cafe open for lunch Monday thru Saturday from 11 to 2:30. It’s also a great see-and-be-seen sport for alumni. Just around the corner is Theo’s. They also have a great bar with an outdoor area. Across the street from Bordino’s is Farrell’s sports bar. They have great sandwiches and a large draft beer selection and tons of TVs. 

A few doors down is Dickson Street Pub, a small spot, but the upstairs areas offer a nice street view, perfect for people watching. Two other Razorback favorites are Grub’s, a two-story spot just off Dickson.  It’s a popular hangout for Arkansas frats and sororities. And finally, there’s Hammontree’s Grilled Cheese. I call it the Baskin Robbins or 32 flavors or grilled cheese sandwiches.

If you need your “college bar” fix and want to recall the amora of stale beer and loud music, JJ’s on Dickson Street fits the bill. There are plenty of other restaurants and bars I don’t have time to name, but you’ll find something for every budget and taste on or near Dickson Street. Also, there are a ton of places along MLK parkway where many of the chain hotels are located too. 

Tailgating Around Donald Reynolds Stadium

The Arkansas tailgating scene centers around Donald W. Reynolds Stadium. If you’re around Dickson street, walk west to Arkansas Avenue and north to Maple Street. You’ll pass several of the greek houses. The Inn at Carnall Hall is located at the corner of Arkansas and Maple. Go west on Maple and it will take you directly into the heart of Razorback tailgating. 

In my opinion, the best tailgating spot is Victory Village North on the John Tyson Center lawn along Maple Street. That’s where my friend Jason Carter and his group tailgate. Next to them is the Tusk to Tail group. They always have a big tent and serve a special John Daly cocktail. 

Arkansas allows open flames for grilling so you’ll smell lots of red meat cooking, which only adds to the tailgate experience.

If you see a very large tailgate tent behind Tusk and Tail, that’s where Dallas Cowboys owner and former Razorback football player Jerry Jones hosts his tent. They’re rather particular about who enters their party, but it’s fun to see who goes in and out. 

Keep a Supply of Solo Cups Handy

As is the case on most campuses, the official policy is alcohol is prohibited, but as long as you’re not openly carrying a bottle or can, you’ll be fine. After all, that’s why red solo cups were invented. 

All of the large white tents you see along Maple street are erected by Intents Party Rentals. There are options if you’re determined to host your own tailgate. Contact Brad Vollmer and his team. You can find them online at party-intents.com.

Victory Village also has tents in other areas on the west and south side of the stadium. Moving South, and near the baseball and tennis stadiums, you’ll also find lots of Razorback fans that set up their own tents. 

Overall, Arkansas offers a fun tailgating experience. It’s not as large as some other SEC tailgates, but it’s improving each year and you’ll have tons of gameday options.

Upcoming Tailgating SEC Style Episodes

Next is my interview with Arkansas senior, Ben Larson, who is the host of Razorbackology Talks. 

Don’t forget to tell your friends about Tailgating SEC Style, share these episodes and if you like what we’re doing, then leave us a great review.