Can UA Fort Smith start and sustain a football program?

[Overtheroadtruckdriver]

My first thought was this can't be a serious thread and then I saw who the OP was and realized that he is serious albeit misguided bordering on delusional.

But he's my old buddy so I will support him.

[LL COOL HOG]

That part of Oklahoma is not very populated it I am not mistaken and over 2 hours from Tulsa (who has a team already). The Fort is a reach imho

There is no need for a 20,000 seat arena. Keep it small and simple with room for growth. The school has a 20 year master plan that includes lots of growth. A football team is not included, but why not get a serious look at the potential of a team.

[AFWarrior83]

I don't see any reason UAFS should start playing football when it barely gets attendance for the sports it does have. Like others have said, the majority of people in that area are Hog fans and would drive the extra 20-40 minutes to Fayetteville. The rest in the area are OK fans, so who cares about them.

I'm happy that Ft Smith has a 4 year university, but it will never field a football team.

[MuskogeeHogFan]

There is no need for a 20,000 seat arena. Keep it small and simple with room for growth. The school has a 20 year master plan that includes lots of growth. A football team is not included, but why not get a serious look at the potential of a team.

10,000 seat, Div II school would be where to start if it happened at all. They could apply for admission to the GAC (Great American Conference) that also includes Ouachita, Hendersen, Harding, So. Arkansas, Arkansas Tech and Arkansas Monticello, among others.

[sooeey pig pig pig]

Let's be honest.  There's not darn else to do in Fort Smith.  I bet a football team would put butts in the seats.

[ShadowTheHedgehog]

UAB never had the support from the University Board of Trustees in terms of Football. That's what a fan and Alumni told me.

True, and Uab does not have its own board of trustees but they are under the Bama board of trustees, but I was making the point that even Bama does not want another school that close with its own football program. And you would think that UAB could not threaten 'mighty' Bama in any way.

[PORKULATOR]

It'd be good for development with kids that can't make the grade yet. Tutors and good coaching, late transfers.

[DeltaBoy]

Yes we need more JR College FB in the State.

[devildoghawg]

I think a more relevant question is why would you want to even go to a game there? I lived in Russellville my entire life, and went to college at Tech, and have never attended a football game there. 

[MuskogeeHogFan]

I think a more relevant question is why would you want to even go to a game there? I lived in Russellville my entire life, and went to college at Tech, and have never attended a football game there. 

That's kind of a shame. Arkansas Tech has had some good Div II teams and has played some good football, at their level.

[MuskogeeHogFan]

If you were around in the AIC days, you missed an experience.

Agreed.

[twistitup]

Weren't?

That's kind of a shame. Arkansas Tech has had some good Div II teams and has played some good football, at their level.

How's the tailgating?

[LL COOL HOG]

Let's be honest.  There's not darn else to do in Fort Smith.  I bet a football team would put butts in the seats.

Not a thing for families at all. Unless it's Movie's, Chuckie Cheese or Parrot Island.

[sooeey pig pig pig]

I can see it now:  Battle of 540

[ricepig]

Not a thing for families at all. Unless it's Movie's, Chuckie Cheese or Parrot Island.

So those 6 afternoons/nights of UAFS football is going to solve this?

[jjdlc]

Built the field poorly at that. It was a shameful waste of money.

Yep, still, was probably only the second most shameful waste of money that year by UAFS.

Since several of you seemed to have missed this...



There's a reason why we have warnings on bumping up older threads. Holy hell, guys.

Apologies Doug, I didn't notice the date on the original post.  The thread title just hit close to home for me.

[MuskogeeHogFan]

Weren't?
How's the tailgating?

You know, that is something that really needs to be promoted to a greater degree at the Div II level. I'll tell you this, in the MIAA that includes 2 Oklahoma schools, 3 Kansas schools, 1 Nebraska school and 6 Missouri schools (generally considered to be the SEC of Div II) the tailgating overall and on average is far more like a Div I FBS school than its counterparts across the country. They pretty much embrace their football experience.

[Doug]

FYI, UALR would reinstate their football program before UAFS would get one.

[MuskogeeHogFan]

FYI, UALR would reinstate their football program before UAFS would get one.

I figured that would be the case.

[root_hawg]

no

[mhuff]

No, because I never had any interest in playing for them. TV has changed it all, this isn't the possibility it was in the 70's-80's. If they want to start a program, fine, just don't take away from the other students education.

It would be a financial drain on the school.

[mcrabtr81]

I don't think Fort Smith could support it.  Fort Smith needs all the help it can get these days.  UAFS is full of commuter type/non-traditional students that probably could care less.  The only way I could see it working would be as a Juco/feeder type school.  I know the talent level and attendance in basketball has fallen off tremendously since moving into the UA system. 

[porkmeister]

I'm sure it is more of a money thing than a fear of fans being drawn from Razorback games. If it could be done though there is no reason that Fort Smith wouldn't be able to support a team.  Conway is considerably smaller and usually has 8k plus at the Bears games.  There is even nice tailgating.  I personally enjoy going to the games, they play some good football.  UAFS could be a good addition to the Southland Conference.

[NaturalStateReb]

can someone explain why they think that they couldn't have a football team?

IIRC, two-year colleges can't use state money for athletics by statute.  That's going to make it very difficult.

The best shot any of these have is probably Pulaski Tech, but you'd have to impose a pretty steep student fee and get some pretty large community money to make this sort of thing happen.  Football is a very expensive undertaking at any level.

[NaturalStateReb]

I'm sure it is more of a money thing than a fear of fans being drawn from Razorback games. If it could be done though there is no reason that Fort Smith wouldn't be able to support a team.  Conway is considerably smaller and usually has 8k plus at the Bears games.  There is even nice tailgating.  I personally enjoy going to the games, they play some good football.  UAFS could be a good addition to the Southland Conference.

UCA's game atmosphere has really gotten much, much better.  I enjoy the tailgating there myself.  Plus much less hassle getting in and out.

[LL COOL HOG]

I'm sure it is more of a money thing than a fear of fans being drawn from Razorback games. If it could be done though there is no reason that Fort Smith wouldn't be able to support a team.  Conway is considerably smaller and usually has 8k plus at the Bears games.  There is even nice tailgating.  I personally enjoy going to the games, they play some good football.  UAFS could be a good addition to the Southland Conference.

I see money being the only issue. A small simple stadium, equipment and larger athletic facilities will cost money. Attendance will not be an issue IMO.

[LL COOL HOG]

So those 6 afternoons/nights of UAFS football is going to solve this?

Six is better than zero! Do you not know how bad it is in Fort Smith for families and activities. The bars were getting better, now the Rib Room just shut down. But where can you take the kids?

[GoHogs1091]

Conway is considerably smaller and usually has 8k plus at the Bears games.  There is even nice tailgating.  I personally enjoy going to the games, they play some good football.

The football should only get better as long as Steve Campbell remains as UCA's Head Coach.  Campbell is focusing on getting the lines of scrimmage up to the level of high level Div. 1 football programs' OL and DL, and Campbell and his coaching staff are recruiting in new areas for UCA (those new recruiting areas primarily being Alabama, Georgia, and Florida).

Also, keep an eye out on UCA'S Wide Receiver play over the next seasons.  Campbell's WR Coach at UCA is the WR Coach who coached Duke Williams when Williams was in JUCO.  That WR Coach's coaching enabled Williams to become the #1 ranked JUCO player in the the nation.

[LL COOL HOG]

I hear this all the time. Heck, I used to say it when I was teenager. But I never have a problem finding plenty for the family and kids to do here.

As for the Rib Room, you can't blame Bill for getting burned out trying to run two bars and booking acts for the Bluesfest. That, combined with the killer summers he faced after renovation, but the Rib Room in a tough spot.

Anyway, UAFS will not be getting football in the foreseeable future. Maybe in 20 or 30 years. But I'd lay money against it happening even then.

Ok, I need help. What do you guys do then for fun?

A football team would not happen soon. The alumni base needs to grow alot!

[ricepig]

The football should only get better as long as Steve Campbell remains as UCA's Head Coach.  Campbell is focusing on getting the lines of scrimmage up to the level of high level Div. 1 football programs' OL and DL, and Campbell and his coaching staff are recruiting in new areas for UCA (those new recruiting areas primarily being Alabama, Georgia, and Florida).

Also, keep an eye out on UCA'S Wide Receiver play over the next seasons.  Campbell's WR Coach at UCA is the WR Coach who coached Duke Williams when Williams was in JUCO.  That WR Coach's coaching enabled Williams to become the #1 ranked JUCO player in the the nation.

And they still will struggle to support the team, they could be undefeated every year and they will continue to hemorrhage money.

[sooeey pig pig pig]

Ok, I need help. What do you guys do then for fun?

Dog Park, but that's a giant socialist waste of money accd to a few curmudgeons here.

Is there still a BMX track at Ben Geran?

Vasche Grass has lots of wildlife to look at, particularly snakes.

[Inhogswetrust]

Dog Park, but that's a giant socialist waste of money accd to a few curmudgeons here.

Is there still a BMX track at Ben Geran?

Vasche Grass has lots of wildlife to look at, particularly snakes.

I resemble that remark. IF by curmudgeon you mean complaining about wasting tax dollars then so be it.

[GoHogs1091]

And they still will struggle to support the team, they could be undefeated every year and they will continue to hemorrhage money.

By playing a FBS team, UCA receives a substantial amount of money for that FBS opponent game.  Next season they play Oklahoma State in Stillwater, and in 2016 they play ASU in Jonesboro.  Plus, they have shown that they can play very competitively against FBS teams.

Don't be surprised if they are a serious contender for a FCS National Championship as early as Campbell's 3rd season as their Head Coach.  With that high quality of a team/high quality of football, they will see an increase in their attendance.

Campbell has been named a National Coach of the Year in the past for a reason.

[ricepig]

By playing a FBS team, UCA receives a substantial amount of money for that FBS opponent game.  Next season they play Oklahoma State in Stillwater, and in 2016 they play ASU in Jonesboro.  Plus, they have shown that they can play very competitively against FBS teams.

Don't be surprised if they are a serious contender for a FCS National Championship as early as Campbell's 3rd season as their Head Coach.  With that high quality of a team/high quality of football, they will see an increase in their attendance.

Campbell has been named a National Coach of the Year in the past for a reason.

So, they play someone for a check every year, I guarantee they won't make as much from ASU as T Tech. It's the amount they are charging their students that is bothersome, but you're obviously incapable of grasping that.

[GoHogs1091]

So, they play someone for a check every year, I guarantee they won't make as much from ASU as T Tech. It's the amount they are charging their students that is bothersome, but you're obviously incapable of grasping that.

Low total amount of seats in a stadium plus relatively high demand for tickets  =  higher amount charged for tickets (even for students).

[ricepig]

Low total amount of seats in a stadium plus relatively high demand for tickets  =  higher amount charged for tickets (even for students).

Lol, I've seen plenty of footage on the news from the stadium, it's far from high demand.

[Augustus]

I would think UALR would have a shot long before UAFS ever would. UALR would have a better stadium (WMS), UALR has larger enrollment & recruiting base than UAFS?

A donation from Warren Stephens + add Kevin Kelley (from Pulaski Academy) as Head Coach, and I bet that team rivals UCA within 5 years.

Of course, after Kevin Kelley leaves for a higher tier College FB job, UALR Football probably tanks.... ?

[DeltaBoy]

UALR had at Team but UA made them disband it to join the UA system.

[WooPig90]

Real question is, why would anyone pay money to watch them when you could watch the hogs?

[ricepig]

LRJC shuttered football in 1955. It didn't join the UA system and become UALR until 1969.

Don't confuse him with facts.

[LL COOL HOG]

Real question is, why would anyone pay money to watch them when you could watch the hogs?

Really, why does UCA, Arkansas Baptist, UA Monticello, UAPB have teams? Have they taken fans from watching the hogs?Arkadelphia has two team across the street from each other!

Arkansas is what the 48th or 49th poorest state depending on the year. Do you really expect ppl to travel from Reid, AR to Fayetteville just to see a live football game. Who would do that on a regular bases. There are alot of ppl that can't afford to pay $45 for a ticket and the gas to go up the hill from the river valley, that's reality.

[hogsanity]

I resemble that remark. IF by curmudgeon you mean complaining about wasting tax dollars then so be it.

I love taking my dog to that park. Nothing else was going to be able to be done with that land, due to it's airport proximity. Watching my kid run with his dog is great. We have made new friends meeting people there. I am not fan of the city leaders in Fort Smith, but this was a good idea.

[ricepig]

Really, why does UCA, Arkansas Baptist, UA Monticello, UAPB have teams? Have they taken fans from watching the hogs?Arkadelphia has two team across the street from each other!

Arkansas is what the 48th or 49th poorest state depending on the year. Do you really expect ppl to travel from Reid, AR to Fayetteville just to see a live football game. Who would do that on a regular bases. There are alot of ppl that can't afford to pay $45 for a ticket and the gas to go up the hill from the river valley, that's reality.

How many of those who can't, are beating down the doors of UAFS to start a football team, 10's of 1's?

[hogsanity]

Really, why does UCA, Arkansas Baptist, UA Monticello, UAPB have teams? Have they taken fans from watching the hogs?Arkadelphia has two team across the street from each other!

Arkansas is what the 48th or 49th poorest state depending on the year. Do you really expect ppl to travel from Reid, AR to Fayetteville just to see a live football game. Who would do that on a regular bases. There are alot of ppl that can't afford to pay $45 for a ticket and the gas to go up the hill from the river valley, that's reality.

Most of those teams you mention have been around for a long time. They have small, local fan bases. I doubt many people travel very far to go to OBU games. My dad is a OBU grad, and he has been to one game since 1968, and that was the season my brother was working at OBU.

[Pork Twain]

I cannot imagine this ever working out well.

[arkirish]

I was talking with my coworkers and we all think that yes they could. it would be cheaper tickets than going to the razorback games and pull people that cant afford going up to fayetteville. I don't think that it would hurt the hogs at all. I have had numerous disagreements with my wife who works at uafs.

The city of Fort Smith is broke and you want to know whether UAFS can start a football program? Not EVER going to happen.

[Inhogswetrust]

I love taking my dog to that park. Nothing else was going to be able to be done with that land, due to it's airport proximity. Watching my kid run with his dog is great. We have made new friends meeting people there. I am not fan of the city leaders in Fort Smith, but this was a good idea.

I've never said Dog parks weren't a good idea for dogs and their owners. We've had Dogs ourselves............My whole problem is when taxes are used to pay for them.

[Inhogswetrust]

Really, why does UCA, Arkansas Baptist, UA Monticello, UAPB have teams? Have they taken fans from watching the hogs?Arkadelphia has two team across the street from each other!

Arkansas is what the 48th or 49th poorest state depending on the year. Do you really expect ppl to travel from Reid, AR to Fayetteville just to see a live football game. Who would do that on a regular bases. There are alot of ppl that can't afford to pay $45 for a ticket and the gas to go up the hill from the river valley, that's reality.

That is a reality in ALL states. A LOT of people everywhere can't afford to go to games and that includes those that live in Fayetteville. I drive all the way from Memphis and back so I have no sympathy for those closer that CAN go and don't. If someone can't afford $45 for a ticket to drive to Fayetteville that lives in the river valley what makes you think they would go to a game at UAFS...............................IF you can't afford $45 to go to a game then there is obviously higher priorities than going to any game anywhere no matter how close it is.

[cbhawg03]

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Besides money, I don't think that the university / those that would make the decision want a football team. From my understanding the belief of many higher ups think that it would bring more problems than it would make money.

[SwinerBock]

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Besides money, I don't think that the university / those that would make the decision want a football team. From my understanding the belief of many higher ups think that it would bring more problems than and it would make lose money.

FIFY.  If UAFS has money burning a hole in its pocket, they need to spend it on more academic programs.  A football team would be a money-losing proposition.  Besides, I have not heard any drumbeats regarding starting a football team other than on this thread.