Thursday, August 27, 2009

New Features for Coach Petrino TV Show

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – “Inside Razorback Football with Bobby Petrino,” the official Arkansas Razorbacks football coaches show, is launching a new interactive show format for 2009 providing fans an insightful and entertaining look at Razorback football.

The one-hour show will be broadcast from the Razorbacks’ team meeting room in the Broyles Athletic Center, allowing Petrino to utilize the same technology used for team game preparation in providing fans an insider’s perspective.

“We will utilize Coach Petrino’s brand new smart television technology and a device that will allow him to stop, start, pause and rewind certain plays,” says Ryan Gribble, the general manager of Razorback Sports Properties. “A couple of the segments will be focused on Coach Petrino breaking down key plays, pin-pointing individual roles and sharing with fans how certain plays worked and why. This will give the fans an inside look at Razorback football from Bobby Petrino that cannot be obtained in any other way.”

Other changes include a segment devoted to a look ahead for the upcoming week and an in-depth scouting report against the next opponent. The show will also open the archives and look back at a memorable moment or game against the upcoming opponent with comments from former student-athletes. Other elements of the show include features on current student-athletes and current events, and storylines affiliated with Razorback football.

The show will air statewide on Sundays on the following stations: KATV (immediately following the 10 p.m. news), KNWA (11 p.m.), KFTA (9 p.m.) and Cox Cable Systems (check local listings). The show will also be aired regionally on the following stations: Cox Sports Television, Comcast Sports Southeast, Fox Sports South and Fox Sports Southwest (check local listings). The show will also be available on Monday evenings through RazorVision on ArkansasRazorbacks.com. The first show will air on Sunday, Sept. 6, following the Sept. 5 season-opener against Missouri State in Little Rock.

The program will be hosted by Arkansas Director of Broadcasting and radio play-by-play man Chuck Barrett.

Sponsors for the 2009 edition of “Inside Razorback Football with Bobby Petrino” are Adidas, Ag-Pro, Allen’s, AQ Chicken, AT&T, Coca-Cola, Coleman Dairy, Crews and Associates, Dasani, Diamond Foods, Dillard’s, Farm Bureau, Fayetteville Auto Park, Great Southern Wood, K-MAC Enterprises Taco Bell, The Lindsey Company, Northwest Health Systems, Petit Jean Meats, Sargento Foods, Simmons First, Sonic Drive-Ins, Tony Chachere’s, Wal-Mart and XM Satellite Radio.

Monday, August 17, 2009

RazorRock


Amid the excitement leading up to the start of Coach Petrino's much anticipated second season, the University of Arkansas and the Little Rock Chamber of Commerce are partnering up to make the 2009 opening weekend a celebration to remember. Hog fans will be ready to roll on Saturday after a week of getting pepped up for the first game. The Razorbacks open their season in Little Rock at War Memorial Stadium against Missouri State at 6:00pm, September 5.

Summary of events:

RazorRock Schedule of Events:

Monday, Aug. 31
Little Rock Touchdown Club
Featuring Bobby Petrino, head football coach, University of Arkansas
Embassy Suites Little Rock
Lunch 11:00 am; Program 12:00 pm
Little Rock Touchdown Club Members $20; Guests $30
For more information, e-mail Kelly Lasseigne

Arkansas Travelers vs. Springfield Cardinals
Dickey-Stephens Park, 7:10 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 1
Arkansas Alumni Association (Capital Chapter)
Networking Reception
Featuring Skip Rutherford
Dean, University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service)
The Value of Education and Community Service
Sturgis Hall, 5:30-7 p.m.
$5 Arkansas Alumni Association Members; $10 Guests

Arkansas Travelers vs. Northwest Arkansas Naturals
Dickey-Stephens Park, 7:10 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 2
Arkansas Travelers vs. Northwest Arkansas Naturals
Dickey-Stephens Park, 7:10 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 3
Arkansas Alumni Association (Capital Chapter) Luncheon
Featuring Dr. Fitz Hill
President, Arkansas Baptist College)
The Importance of Education
North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
$15 Arkansas Alumni Association Members; $20 Guests

Arkansas Travelers vs. Northwest Arkansas Naturals
Dickey-Stephens Park, 7:10 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 4
Arkansas Alumni Association (Capital Chapter)
Pre-Rally Networking Social
Gusano’s, 4:15-5:45 p.m.

RazorRock Rally
Featuring University of Arkansas Marching Razorback Band, cheerleaders, pom pom squad and Tusk
Junction Bridge, North & South Banks of Arkansas River,
Downtown Little Rock & North Little Rock
6-6:30 p.m.

Parade to Dickey-Stephens Park
6:30 p.m.

Arkansas Travelers vs. Northwest Arkansas Naturals
Dickey-Stephens Park, 7:10 p.m.
National anthem by University of Arkansas Marching Razorback Band
Fireworks immediately following game

Press Story on the Event:

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – On Monday, Aug. 17, community leaders from the Little Rock region and University of Arkansas officials announced plans for RazorRock, billed as Central Arkansas’ week-long Razorback football rally. The series of events will lead into Arkansas’ Sept. 5 home opener against Missouri State in Little Rock’s War Memorial Stadium.

The announcement was made at a 10 a.m. Monday news conference in the Little Rock Regional Chamber’s AT&T Auditorium featuring Jeff Long, vice chancellor and director of athletics at the University of Arkansas.

“We are excited about RazorRock and the weeklong celebration associated with our football game at War Memorial Stadium,” said Long. “Central Arkansas has always been strong supporters of the University of Arkansas and the Razorback program, RazorRock is another demonstration of their great passion. RazorRock events will help build even more excitement prior to our opening game on September 5th. We are appreciative of the many organizations and businesses that have come together to make certain that the Razorbacks’ trip to the Capital City will be a memorable one for everyone involved.”

“The Arkansas Razorbacks have a rich history as a great unifier in our state,” said Greg Nabholz, board member of the Argenta Downtown Council and chairman of RazorRock. “That is particularly evident when the Hogs come to Central Arkansas.”

Nabholz continued, “RazorRock was born of our community’s desire to expand the Razorback fan experience to more than just one day.”

According to Nabholz, the rally and events are simply bonuses to the region’s existing world-class attractions, culture, dining, entertainment, recreation, shopping and sports. “Our message to fans across the state and beyond our borders is ‘When you come to the Little Rock region for the game, come early and stay late’.”

The week will culminate in a first-ever, Friday night pep rally on the historic Junction Bridge, connecting the downtowns of Little Rock and North Little Rock.

The entire University of Arkansas Razorback Marching Band, under the direction of Christopher Knighten, the new director of athletic bands, as well as the university’s cheerleaders, pom squad and Tusk will come to Central Arkansas a day early to be a part of the rally. The Arkansas River will be filled by the inaugural Razorback Navy – boaters from up and down the river. In the north shore RV park, overflow Road Hogs will bring and share their own traditions.

Following the event on the bridge, the band will parade to Dickey-Stephens Park to play the national anthem before the Arkansas Travelers play the last of a four-game series with the Northwest Arkansas Naturals.

RazorRock officially begins Monday, Aug. 31, with a Little Rock Touchdown Club luncheon featuring coach Bobby Petrino.

“It’s a rare and special opportunity to have the head coach on game week,” said Ron Rainey, president of the Arkansas Alumni Association (Capital Chapter), who introduced the week’s schedule of events. “We appreciate coach Petrino and David Bazzel, Kelly Lasseigne and their Little Rock Touchdown Club team for launching RazorRock was such a high profile event.”

Bookended by the Petrino luncheon and Junction Bridge pep rally will be three Arkansas Alumni Association (Capital Chapter) events and the four Arkansas Travelers games at Dickey-Stephens Park. According to Rainey, other events may be added as the event draws closer.

The Capital Chapter will also offer RazorRock 2009 wrist bands, which will give the purchaser discounts in participating area businesses. All proceeds from the band sales will go to funding the chapter’s five University of Arkansas scholarships for Central Arkansas students. “We’re hoping sales will allow us to fund a sixth scholarship,” said Rainey.

RazorRock is sponsored by the Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau, North Little Rock Visitors Bureau, AT&T, Arkansas Travelers, Argenta Downtown Council and Downtown Little Rock Partnership.

RazorRock partners include Argenta Downtown Council, Arkansas Alumni Association (Capital Chapter), Arkansas River Cities Sports Commission, Arkansas Travelers, Downtown Little Rock Partnership, Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce, Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau, Little Rock Touchdown Club, North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce, North Little Rock Visitors Bureau, Razorback Foundation, Razorback Navy, University of Arkansas and War Memorial Stadium.

For more information, including a complete schedule of events, visit www.RazorRockRally.com. All events and times are subject to change.

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Isaac Madison Out for Season


Starting cornerback Isaac Madison injured his knee today at practice and will likely miss the rest of the season with surgery and rehab. This is a big hit to the Razorback defensive backfield. Madison was the top corner returning for the Razorbacks. It now looks like the JUCO transfers and Freshmen will definitely see playing time this year.

Saturday Scrimmage


STATS AND QUOTES

VIDEO

Friday, August 7, 2009

LED Addition


According to the University website a new LED ribbon board will be installed at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium before the start of this year. This new addition goes along with the new turf as upgrades for the 2009 season. This new $1.2 million addition should match the Pigscreen pretty well. On the east side, two 90-foot systems are being replaced with one larger ribbon board approximately 330 feet in length. On the west, two 90-foot systems are being replaced with two 100-foot boards. The pixel pitch of the new boards is 20 millimeters compared to 25 on the SMARTVISION LED video board in the north end zone, which allows for even sharper, clearer images and messages. The new boards will be up and functioning by the September 19 game against Georgia. Last year, the University installed ribbon screens at Bud Walton Arena - home of the hoop hogs.

School's In Session

The Razorback football squad hit the practice fields for the first time this week. Thursday's practice was mostly a walk through for the newcomers and Friday was mostly a day of position drills. Many of the returners have bulked up and look the part, and many of the newcomers, especially the JUCO transfers, look ready and able to contribute. The coaches are excited to evaluate the talent and teach some football. Practices are ope to the public from August 5th-August 21.