A New Game Day Experience: North End Zone Ready for the Razorbacks

Two–plus years in the making, the North End Zone construction at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on the University of Arkansas campus is nearing completion.

“It has been exciting,” said Matt Trantham. “It’s been like any construction. It had ups and downs, but everything is on a schedule.”

Matt, the longtime senior associate athletic director for internal operations, oversees athletic events and facilities at U of A. He remembers when the project was just a vision and a lot of blueprints and renderings. Come Sept., 1st it will be a reality.

“Back in Dec. 2016 all we saw was a large hole in the ground where the former Frank Broyles Athletic Center used to be,” he said. “To see what it is now is pretty awesome.”

A total investment of $160 million added 315,000 square feet of new space to the stadium, 4,800 additional
seats and improved the ability to move more freely around the facility. Now, ticket holders can circumnavigate the entire stadium on one level.

“We have connectivity through the stadium that didn’t exist previously,” he said. “People will be able to get around the stadium easier and get closer to where their seats are. Now that we have the North End Zone, fans can navigate a path around the stadium to their seats, to meet someone or to see family who may be located in a different section.”

Matt said the new design alleviated congestion and time waiting in line for restrooms or concessions.

“Fans are going to love it,” he explained. “It will add a whole new aesthetic component to our stadium. We think the volume of our fans cheering The Razorbacks will be greater because less sound will be kept from escaping that big hole that was on the north end. Fans are going to enjoy seeing their stadium improved and enhanced. Our fans are going to love it and appreciate the benefits that come from it.”