FAYETTEVILLE – In an effort to live up to promises made by Arkansas head coach John Calipari’s during his introductory press conference, the Razorback men’s basketball program will hold events – dubbed “The Tip-Off Tour” – at Hot Springs’ Bank OZK Arena (Oct. 12 – Saturday – 4 pm start) and Pine Bluff’s Convention Center (Oct. 13 – Sunday – 5 pm start).
Article by arkansasrazorbacks.com
The Tip-off Tour will consist of meet and greet opportunities, questions and answers from selected coaches and players, and player introductions along with additional fan-oriented activities. These will be the first public looks of the 2024-25 Razorbacks and the events will show how Coach Calipari is preparing the Hogs for the season through individual drills and skill work as well as team concepts with five-on-five competition.
There will be three pricing levels, and the purchase points will be the same at each venue. Proceeds will be shared with each venue and Arkansas Edge NIL to benefit Razorback student-athletes.
• General Admission – $30 per seat. General admission to the event and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Meet & Greet – $75 per seat for up to 200 fans. Each ticket will allow access to and interactions with the players and coaches before the event and a Coach Calipari autograph. Fans at this level will be allowed in the facilities early and will have selected rows reserved for them close the team benches.
• Premium – $1,000 per seat (8 seats available). Person will be able to sit on the Razorback bench with players and coaches during the event, have a picture taken with team members and get player autographs and meet with Coach Calipari to get a photo and autograph before the event. (NOTE: in accordance with NCAA regulations, students in grades 7-12 will not be able to participate in this option.)
To Purchase Tickets at:
• Hot Springs Event (sold Online only): Purchase Online or call (501) 321-2277 for assistance.
• Pine Bluff Event (sold Online only): Purchase Online or call (870) 536-7600 for assistance.
Doors at the event in Hot Springs (Oct. 12) will open at:
• 2:30 pm for Premium patrons.
• 2:30 for Meet and Greet patrons.
• 2:45 pm for all with tickets.
Doors at the Pine Bluff (Oct. 13) event will open at:
• 2:30 pm for Premium patrons.
• 2:45 for Meet and Greet patrons.
• 3 pm for all with tickets.
Parking will be free at both locations.
In both cities, the Arkansas men’s basketball team will participate in a Samaritan’s Feet community service project and give out a total of 3,000 pairs of shoes.
John Calipari, Arkansas Head Coach
“I’ve said since I arrived that it is a priority to go around this state and meet people. The Razorback Roadshow was a great experience, we had a summer camp in Russellville and now we are having the Tip-off Tour in Hot Springs and Pine Bluff. We want to continue doing these kinds of things to touch as many people as we can in this state.
It is great for our players to experience different parts of Arkansas to learn the history and makeup of this great state. These trips additionally give fans that cannot travel to Fayetteville easily a better connection to our program. We know what the Razorbacks mean to the people of the state of Arkansas. It is our goal to do whatever we can to keep and earn their support.”
Steve Arrison, Visit Hot Springs CEO
“We can’t wait to welcome Coach Cal and the Razorbacks to Hot Springs and Bank OZK Arena. Everyone in Hot Springs hopes this will be the first of many visits to the Spa City. You can bet we’ll fill Bank OZK Arena to the rafters with dedicated Hog fans.”
Barbara Dunn, Pine Bluff Convention Center Executive Director
“The Pine Bluff Convention Center is beyond thrilled to host an unforgettable night of Razorback basketball for the first time in over 30 years. I want to personally invite our local schools and businesses, our entire community, and surrounding areas to be a part of this exciting event. We are eager to provide a safe and family friendly venue with top-of-the-line customer service for the event and hope you can be a part of it. I am beyond grateful for this partnership.”
For more information on Arkansas Men’s Basketball, follow @RazorbackMBB on X.
