The Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau (LRCVB) invites the community to be a part of the ‘Paint the Town Red’ Parade and Pep Rally on Friday, September 1, 2023, in Little Rock’s River Market District. The LRCVB, City of Little Rock and the Little Rock Regional Chamber have teamed up with the University of Arkansas to bring the University’s Razorback Marching Band, Spirit Squads and the official live mascot of the Arkansas Razorbacks, TUSK VI, to lead the festivities in an effort to unite visitors and locals alike in a grand showcase of excitement and unity leading up to the Razorback Football game at War Memorial Stadium on Saturday, September 2 at 3:00 p.m. against Western Carolina, presented by First Trust Home Loans.
“We are thrilled the University’s 2023 football season will kick off right here in our capital city,” said LRCVB President and CEO Gina Gemberling. “Arkansas Razorbacks games played in Little Rock have long been a time-honored tradition for local and statewide residents,” she added. “Friday’s Paint the Town Red Parade and Pep Rally will certainly set the tone for Saturday’s big opener,” she concluded.
Spectators are encouraged to gather along the parade route and follow the fun to the pep rally at First Security Amphitheater. The parade will begin at 7:00 p.m. at the Little Rock Regional Chamber and make its way down President Clinton Avenue to Riverfront Park where a pep rally finale will take place at the First Security Amphitheater. Both events will serve as a precursor to the Hogs’ game against Western Carolina on Saturday, September 2 at War Memorial Stadium.
“We are appreciative to the Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau, the City and the Little Rock Regional Chamber for helping roll out the Razorback red carpet for our upcoming trip to Central Arkansas,” University of Arkansas Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Hunter Yurachek said. “Throughout Arkansas, fans come together as One Razorback to support our athletic teams. We look forward to kicking off another exciting season in the capital city and encourage all Razorback fans to pack War Memorial Stadium to cheer on Coach Sam Pittman and the Razorback Football team.”
The Paint the Town Red Parade and Pep Rally serves as the ideal prelude to a weekend filled with joyous festivities, where visitors and locals can plan ahead to enjoy the vibrant spirit of the city.
“The Little Rock Regional Chamber is proud to partner with both the City and the Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau as we welcome the University of Arkansas back to Little Rock,” said Little Rock Regional Chamber President and CEO Jay Chesshir. “Razorback games have always been an exciting time for families and fans to gather to celebrate our Hogs, and nothing says ‘community’ quite like a game played at War Memorial Stadium,” he added. “Not only does this event bring Razorback fans together, but it also showcases our beautiful city along with the restaurants, entertainment venues and friendly atmosphere that residents and visitors alike have come to love.”
Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr. expressed his excitement about the events, stating, “Game days at War Memorial are a true highlight for the state’s capital city and they’re an experience unlike any other,” Scott said. “The City of Little Rock is proud to host the Razorbacks as we also celebrate the 75th year of War Memorial Stadium. The stadium and War Memorial Park have been the site of so many great memories for Hog fans over the years, and we’re excited about the season opener,” the mayor added.
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at www.arkansasrazorbacks.com or by calling (800) 982-HOGS.
