Fayetteville, Ark. | Pine Bluff, Ark.— In 2021, the Arkansas Razorbacks are set to play an in-state school on the football field for the first time in 77 years when the Razorbacks host UAPB.
The two University of Arkansas system schools will meet in Fayetteville on October 23, 2021, and again on August 31, 2024.
The initial game against the Golden Lions will represent the gridiron Hogs’ first game against an in-state school since 1944.
“As the flagship institution within our state, scheduling games with our sister institutions is an opportunity for us to enhance interest in college football throughout our state while supporting other schools within the University of Arkansas system,” University of Arkansas Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Hunter Yurachek said in a press release.
“We have already witnessed the anticipation these meetings have created in a number of our other sports. This new football series between Arkansas and UAPB will only add to the excitement for these matchups.”
The Razorbacks began playing University of Arkansas system schools in the fall when the baseball team traveled to Little Rock to take on the Trojans in a fall baseball game.
The two teams followed up with a regular season game in early April at Baum Stadium with the Hogs also taking on UAPB in mid-April. The Razorbacks have also met the Golden Lions on the softball field and tennis courts this academic year.
“It's a historic opportunity for UAPB, our alums, our fans, just everything about the program -- the state of Arkansas -- it's a big historic moment,” Melvin Hines II, UAPB Director of Athletics, said of Wednesday’s announcement.
Hines said he believes the matchup will highlight UAPB’s growth and allow for further exposure.
“I think it'll be huge in recruiting for us,” Hines said.
“I think it gives us an opportunity to show that UAPB is a great institution in the southern part of the state. We have some great academic programs here. We play great sports here.”
The Razorbacks will start their season with a game against Portland State on August 31 inside Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium.
Meanwhile, UAPB begins its 2019 season on August 31 at TCU.