Why Not a Bowl in Little Rock?

[jackflash]

The Ozark Bowl in Fayetteville sponsored by none other than China-Mart!
The most beautiful stadium in the Country, Why not?

[iluvmyslute89]

The Hersheys Why The Fudge Did I Come Here Bowl

[pigmailyen]

It would happen in LR before it would happen in NWA.

[nebhog70]

Should LR area get a bowl, it would end up in NLR somehow

[ADAM_713]

It would happen in LR before it would happen in NWA.

Oh?  You mean they would renovate the dump and a get a bowl, before a bowl would come to NWA that already has the infrastructure and Stadium that is Bowl ready?

[Roadrunner]

i would love for LR to have a bowl game.
Great pub for the state and all.
I just believe there are too many bowl games as it is now. 

[BoynamedWooPigSooie]

Boynamedwoopigsooie will provide uniforms!

Consider it done.  hahahah

[Craig O Squeal]

The Chuck Dovish Traveling Arkansas with a cheesy porno 'stache Bowl...sponsored by Just for Men.

[John Futrall]

Maybe we could get American Standard to be the sponsor and call it the Toilet Bowl?

There IS that Waste Management logo in the center of the field....I think you're on to something

[John Futrall]

The Bradley Bowl


The Buzz Bowl

[hogsanity]

The millenium lanes bowling bowl

[ADAM_713]

Just call it the Bazzel Bowl.

Only male cheerleaders then right?

[Craig O Squeal]

Only male cheerleaders then right?

So TAMU is an automatic qualifier?

[ADAM_713]

So TAMU is an automatic qualifier?

I bet Bassel loves TAMU.

[BartIV]

I did a thread like this years back and got negative responses. I think it is not a bad idea. Anything to stimulate the economy and by god, Little Rock needs it.
Problem is Little Rock doesn't offer much as in entertainment. It is a very boring town at nights unless you want to go to the over-rated River Market.

I like the Diamond Bowl (Arkansas vs Arkansas State) but we all know the crazies will come out about how this a horrible idea.

[Craig O Squeal]

I bet Bassel loves TAMU.

He puts on his Golden Boots just for them...

[NaturalStateReb]

He puts on his Golden Boots just for them...

Just like Dusty Rhodes, the American Dream.

"That Bazzelhof is plum debbilish!"

[pigmailyen]

Oh?  You mean they would renovate the dump and a get a bowl, before a bowl would come to NWA that already has the infrastructure and Stadium that is Bowl ready?

Nah, just hatin on NWA.  You should try it.

[Craig O Squeal]

Just like Dusty Rhodes, the American Dream.

"That Bazzelhof is plum debbilish!"

YES! And he can give the losing team the Atomic Elbow!

[Chappeee]

We could call it the Diamond Bowl, because there are no other Diamond mines in the USA.

It seems strange that everyone wants a bowl in LR, but no regular season games here.

[Blue35]

Just like Dusty Rhodes, the American Dream.

Dusty and Speck on a flat bed singing and picking back in the 50s was cool.

[Catfish John]

The David Bazzel "nah, you're not too old to old to hit on those college girls" Bowl sponsored by creepy over-tanned guys everywhere
The Tommy Smith Off The Wagon Bowl sponsored by Old Grandad
The Roger Scott Why the Hell Do You Even Exist Bowl
The "why doesn't the metroplex grow eastward?" Bowl sponsored by Off repellant
The Women with More Kids than Teeth Bowl sponsored by Sudafed

[NaturalStateReb]

Dusty and Speck on a flat bed singing and picking back in the 50s was cool.

That's setting the wayback machine on some local color.

[razorbackcpa]

In short, Little Rock offers many great features of a small town and many of the amenities of a city.  It's great for people who want a small town feel with access to decent dining, shopping, jobs, schools, etc.

I'm confused. Are you talking about Little Rock or Northwest Arkansas? Because this is definitely more a description of NWA than LR, for sure.

[BartlettTNHOG]

Obviously most respondents here have not had to raise their family in the Memphis area. I would give my left-scratch that- BOTH of my nuts to have been able to raise my family back in central arkansas, (got stuck here because of work). You guys back in AR just dont realize how good you really have it, oh, and living out of state the last decade, I have heard it "ALL" about how bad arkansas is. The rest of the country hates AR. Let them keep hating, because all the while the people, and the great state of AR just keep progressing.
This morning I was listening to 98.1 the "Drake and Zeke" program. They were giving a run down of this weekends sports events. They mentioned everything, and I mean EVERYTHING EXCEPT THE COTTON BOWL TONIGHT. I dont know if it was on purpose (they are Ole Miss lovers) or just because it is on FOX, but whatever the reason, the fact that we are on FOX has really screwed our marketing during the bowl season. I would almost rather play in a lower bowl just so we could get some better marketing!

MOVE THE LIBERTY BOWL TO LR!

[NaturalStateReb]

The David Bazzel "nah, you're not too old to old to hit on those college girls" Bowl sponsored by creepy over-tanned guys everywhere
The Tommy Smith Off The Wagon Bowl sponsored by Old Grandad
The Roger Scott Why the Hell Do You Even Exist Bowl
The "why doesn't the metroplex grow eastward?" Bowl sponsored by Off repellant
The Women with More Kids than Teeth Bowl sponsored by Sudafed

I can hear the concession stand now:  "Do you want your Papa John's pizza with extra commodity cheese?  You really need to eat."

[Craig O Squeal]

MOVE THE LIBERTY BOWL TO LR!

Only if Eddie Money comes with it!

[NaturalStateReb]

Obviously most respondents here have not had to raise their family in the Memphis area. I would give my left-scratch that- BOTH of my nuts to have been able to raise my family back in central arkansas, (got stuck here because of work). You guys back in AR just dont realize how good you really have it, oh, and living out of state the last decade, I have heard it "ALL" about how bad arkansas is. The rest of the country hates AR. Let them keep hating, because all the while the people, and the great state of AR just keep progressing.
This morning I was listening to 98.1 the "Drake and Zeke" program. They were giving a run down of this weekends sports events. They mentioned everything, and I mean EVERYTHING EXCEPT THE COTTON BOWL TONIGHT. I dont know if it was on purpose (they are Ole Miss lovers) or just because it is on FOX, but whatever the reason, the fact that we are on FOX has really screwed our marketing during the bowl season. I would almost rather play in a lower bowl just so we could get some better marketing!

MOVE THE LIBERTY BOWL TO LR!

I completely agree about Memphis--I grew up in East Arkansas and went to undergrad at Ole Miss, so Memphis was the big area city.  Memphis is a gigantic slum with about a dozen cool things to see in it.  It's always been a seedy, old river city.  For the most part, it has all of the charm of a porta-potty.

[razorbackcpa]

So I've read the suggested names for a bowl in Little Rock, and I'm still shocked that the most obvious answer has not yet been proposed:

The Petit Jean Meats Bowl

[razorbackcpa]

I completely agree about Memphis--I grew up in East Arkansas and went to undergrad at Ole Miss, so Memphis was the big area city.  Memphis is a gigantic slum with about a dozen cool things to see in it.  It's always been a seedy, old river city.  For the most part, it has all of the charm of a porta-potty.

The best thing about Memphis is the Wolfchase area, but I'm remembering that from when it was new. I haven't lived in Eastern Arkansas for almost six years, so I don't even know if that area of Memphis is still tolerable. Southaven was nice too; again, when it was new. It was going downhill right around the time I moved away.

Still, both options were better than anything going on in Helena.

[Blue35]

That's setting the wayback machine on some local color.

Brings back memories, grew up listening to

this.

[PonderinHog]

No reason not to have one.  I propose a bowl in every town and a chickenrabbit in every pot and a good five cent cigar...

I'll try this again.

The Say McIntosh Reagan Rabbit In Every Pot Bowl

[MuskogeeHogFan]

There are bowls in Albuquerque, Boise, Birmingham, Mobile, El Paso, and Shreveport.  Little Rock's hosted a couple of very minor "bowl" games back in the 40s and 50s, but if these cities can do it, why not Little Rock?


Pros:
*It's in the South, where football is king
*It's centrally located in the country
*People in Arkansas support athletics
*The weather's not usually too bad here the week after Christmas
*We have some big corporations who are not already bowl sponsors
*War Memorial has had some siginificant upgrades

I think Little Rock could support one.

If that, why not a bowl game at RRS? I can't see either happening. Most bowls, notice I said "most" are located in places that have more of a "vacation destination" profile than either of those two places. Think about it. Lots to do in L.A., Phoenix, Las Vegas, Nashiville, Atlanta, Orlando, Miami, New Orleans, Dallas, Houston, New York City and even Shreveport to a much lesser extent, these are the bowls that are likely more attractive. I wouldn't attend a bowl in Detroit or El Paso for love or money and for the life of me I can't understand how they can sustain such bowls. A bowl in LR or Fayetteville? Probably not a good option.

[Jackrabbit Hog]

The best thing about Memphis is the Wolfchase area, but I'm remembering that from when it was new. I haven't lived in Eastern Arkansas for almost six years, so I don't even know if that area of Memphis is still tolerable. Southaven was nice too; again, when it was new. It was going downhill right around the time I moved away.

Still, both options were better than anything going on in Helena.

I live in Lakeland, which is 2 exits (2 miles) from Wolfchase on I-40.  Wolfchase has a mall that used to be pretty nice but seems to be tracking the "Park Plaza" course about now......lots of teenagers, gangbangers, etc.  Other than around Christmas, I don't go near the place.  Lots of the typical chain restaurants surround the area.  Traffic is awful in that area.

The nicer shopping areas and non-chain restaurants are in Germantown and Collierville.

[razorback3072]

If that, why not a bowl game at RRS? I can't see either happening. Most bowls, notice I said "most" are located in places that have more of a "vacation destination" profile than either of those two places. Think about it. Lots to do in L.A., Phoenix, Las Vegas, Nashiville, Atlanta, Orlando, Miami, New Orleans, Dallas, Houston, New York City and even Shreveport to a much lesser extent, these are the bowls that are likely more attractive. I wouldn't attend a bowl in Detroit or El Paso for love or money and for the life of me I can't understand how they can sustain such bowls. A bowl in LR or Fayetteville? Probably not a good option.

It's about sponsorship and community support.  I mean who in their right mind wants to be in Boise, Idaho in December??  While that bowl was created specifically for Boise St., it has survived without them in it because the community stands behind it. 

That is the reason there is no bowl game in LR.  When it was explored several years ago, there was ZERO support.

Look how long it took LR to even get an NCAA Tournament region.  Alltel Arena was built in 1999.  They finally got a First Round region in 2008.

That is just a one time deal.  With a bowl game, you are talking about yearly support from sponsors and the community.

[MuskogeeHogFan]

It's about sponsorship and community support.  I mean who in their right mind wants to be in Boise, Idaho in December??  While that bowl was created specifically for Boise St., it has survived without them in it because the community stands behind it. 

That is the reason there is no bowl game in LR.  When it was explored several years ago, there was ZERO support.

Look how long it took LR to even get an NCAA Tournament region.  Alltel Arena was built in 1999.  They finally got a First Round region in 2008.

That is just a one time deal.  With a bowl game, you are talking about yearly support from sponsors and the community.

I agree with you and that is a good point but even with community support and sponsorship the ultimate goal is how many visitors (revenue) are you bringing to the area? The better venues, regardless of local support, tend to draw more people and more revenues (because there is a great deal more to do for those who attend...a plus to attending a bowl game) and that is what I was really trying to get at.

[Catfish John]

The Mike Huckabee "Your Band Doesn't Make Republicans Cooler, It makes Rock N' Roll Worse" Bowl

[razorback3072]

I agree with you and that is a good point but even with community support and sponsorship the ultimate goal is how many visitors (revenue) are you bringing to the area? The better venues, regardless of local support, tend to draw more people and more revenues (because there is a great deal more to do for those who attend...a plus to attending a bowl game) and that is what I was really trying to get at.

Oh, I agree with you.  Most of those locations either have something to do or there is a history with the bowl.  There is at least skiing in Boise.  And, sponsors are not going to sink $$$ into something they are not going to get an ROI on. 

I guess my biggest thing is that all of these people arguing for it refuse to acknowledge the past attempt and failure.  And of course there are those that want to make this into a LR vs. NWA issue as well, which it isn't. 

[Blue35]

That is the reason there is no bowl game in LR.  When it was explored several years ago, there was ZERO support.

There is little support by the city board of directors and so called city manager for anything that is not some sort of social program. They like alert centers, neighborhood programs, code inspectors, trails and foot bridges. Mayor Stodola and his city manager minion, Bruce Moore, are only interested in making sure they get their fat salary and their sisters and brothers are employed by the city. Little Rock is the most run down, mismanaged, pitiful city in Arkansas. Stodola, Bruce Moore and the entire board of directors should be rounded up and run completely out of town.

[NaturalStateReb]

Oh, I agree with you.  Most of those locations either have something to do or there is a history with the bowl.  There is at least skiing in Boise.  And, sponsors are not going to sink $$$ into something they are not going to get an ROI on. 

I guess my biggest thing is that all of these people arguing for it refuse to acknowledge the past attempt and failure.  And of course there are those that want to make this into a LR vs. NWA issue as well, which it isn't. 

So, because something was once attempted, it ought never to be attempted again? 

I'd argue that Little Rock is a much different city than it was even 10-15 years ago.  It might not have been ready then, but it might be now.

[PonderinHog]

So, because something was once attempted, it ought never to be attempted again? 

I'd argue that Little Rock is a much different city than it was even 10-15 years ago.  It might not have been ready then, but it might be now.

Honestly, I think it's a stretch.  Perhaps, if the horses were running or if there were some gaming boats on the river...

[NaturalStateReb]

Honestly, I think it's a stretch.  Perhaps, if the horses were running or if there were some gaming boats on the river...

I agree.  It's probably a major stretch.  Sure wish we could divert some of those tourist dollars to the motherland though.

[PonderinHog]

I agree.  It's probably a major stretch.  Sure wish we could divert some of those tourist dollars to the motherland though.

I do too.  Heck, I haven't been to LR in a few years and haven't visited the Clinton Presidential Library.

[razorback3072]

So, because something was once attempted, it ought never to be attempted again? 

I'd argue that Little Rock is a much different city than it was even 10-15 years ago.  It might not have been ready then, but it might be now.

It didn't just fail, it failed miserably.  It wasn't like they had sponsors lined up and it just didn't get approved.  There was ZERO support for it on multiple levels. 

[Trottsky]

Hillbilly Millionaires Bowl
The Land That Drove Small Businesses Out Of Business Bowl
Vendors Bend To Our Will Bowl
AQ Overrated Chicken Bowl
Bentonville Princesses Brie and Chablis Bowl
Hey We Got A Big Art Museum Look At Us Bowl
The Way Out Of The Way Place For Football Bowl
I Better Learn To Speak Spanish Bowl

(All in jest. See how easy it is to stereotype a perfectly nice place, of which Little Rock is also one)

[Catfish John]

The No Hoods, No Hats, No Sunglasses Bowl
The Incompetently Ran Tax On the Poor, oops I mean Arkansas Scholarship Lottery Bowl
The Burns Park Goose Hunt Debacle Humanity Bowl
The Cajun's Wharf Overpriced and Overrated Everything Bowl
The SWLR Bowl, sponsored by American Assoc. of Window Bar Manufacturers and Welch's Grape Soda
The please please please attend Riverfest Bowl
The Ridiculous Expenditure / Stupid [CENSORED] Trolley Bowl
The "We all eat catfish every friday even thought we're not Catholic" Bowl

[cosmodrum]

Hillbilly Millionaires Bowl
The Land That Drove Small Businesses Out Of Business Bowl
Vendors Bend To Our Will Bowl
AQ Overrated Chicken Bowl
Bentonville Princesses Brie and Chablis Bowl
Hey We Got A Big Art Museum Look At Us Bowl
The Way Out Of The Way Place For Football Bowl
I Better Learn To Speak Spanish Bowl

(All in jest. See how easy it is to stereotype a perfectly nice place, of which Little Rock is also one)

The Every Other Restaurant Seems to be Ran by Lesbians Bowl

[PonderinHog]

Consider it done.  hahahah

Instead of those shiny chrome Oregon-style helmets, just wrap them in Reynolds Wrap!

[Jackrabbit Hog]

The No Hoods, No Hats, No Sunglasses Bowl
The Incompetently Ran Tax On the Poor, oops I mean Arkansas Scholarship Lottery Bowl
The Burns Park Goose Hunt Debacle Humanity Bowl
The Cajun's Wharf Overpriced and Overrated Everything Bowl
The SWLR Bowl, sponsored by American Assoc. of Window Bar Manufacturers and Welch's Grape Soda
The please please please attend Riverfest Bowl
The Ridiculous Expenditure / Stupid [CENSORED] Trolley Bowl
The "We all eat catfish every friday even thought we're not Catholic" Bowl

Pickin's are gettin slim Catfish.  I think you peaked with the gay weatherman scandal bowl yesterday.  My ribs are still sore from laughing about that one though.

Well played.

[Catfish John]

Pickin's are gettin slim Catfish.  I think you peaked with the gay weatherman scandal bowl yesterday.  My ribs are still sore from laughing about that one though.

Well played.

Yep.  The well is dry.  I just had to get in a shot about that stupid flocking trolley.  Fatwah on the Trolley!