40 Minutes of Heaven

Official Review by Bradlee Ross, Stadium Journey Regional Correspondent

Bud Walton Arena, also known as the Basketball Palace of Mid-America, is home to the University of Arkansas’s Razorbacks and Lady Razorbacks basketball teams. The arena is the fifth-largest on-campus arena in the United States with a seating capacity of 19,368. Named for James "Bud" Walton, the co-founder of Walmart who paid for half of the construction cost, Bud Walton Arena opened on November 29, 1993.

Food & Beverage    4

The food at this arena is extremely solid all around. For all you traditionalists out there, they’ve got your popcorn, hotdogs, smoked sausage, pizza and Coca-Cola products. The quality on all of those is good too. Each of those holds its weight flavor-wise.

While those traditional choices are all very good, I’d recommend some more interesting choices to satisfy your game time appetite. The prime rib sandwich is particularly fantastic and a very good choice if you’re tired of the normal concession stuff. I’d also pay a visit to the Ozark Mountain Nut Roasters. Unfortunately, a nut allergy prevented me from doing the same, but I heard many good things from other satisfied fans.

Dessert is easy to come by as well. The concession stands sell candy, and there are stands located around the arena selling Dippin’ Dots, frozen lemonade and cotton candy.

Pricing isn’t too bad either. In fact, it’s pretty reasonable considering the pricing at some other college venues. Ten bucks should do a single person just fine.

Atmosphere    5

One of the best things about Bud Walton Arena is that the size is nearly perfect. It’s big enough to make it a premier college basketball venue, but it’s small enough that a big crowd isn’t needed for a good environment.

When I was there, the arena was probably around 60 percent capacity. However, when an Arkansas player hit a big three while I was out at the concession stand, I would have sworn that the place was maxed out.

The walkway around the arena is filled with memorabilia commemorating Arkansas’s rich history of basketball tradition. Most of the displays celebrate the Nolan Richardson teams of the 1990s, while others honor current Razorback athletes. That provides a good mix of past and present that really adds to the experience.

Neighborhood    4

Fayetteville is a fun city to visit. There are tons of cool places to eat like Brenda’s Bigger Burger, El Camino Real, and Mexico Viejo. When you combine those with a considerable array of fast food places like Sonic, Chick-fil-A and Zaxby’s, a fan has plenty of eating options for before and after a game.

The University Village houses Foghorn’s, a sports bar that is right next to the Staybridge Suites, just one of many fine places to stay in the city that aren’t far from Bud Walton Arena. Other possible hotel options for travelers are Candlewood Suites and the Hampton Inn.

The biggest plus about Fayetteville is that it manages to keep a small-town feeling while also having many different things for visitors to see and experience.

Fans    5

These fans clearly love their Razorbacks and make it known to everyone around them. The most well-known Arkansas tradition is the "Hog Call" and for good reason. Hearing 10,000 people all yell, "Woooooo. Pig. Sooie!" is truly a unique experience in all of college sports.

While these fans are loud and proud with Razorback enthusiasm, what’s really impressive is the classiness with which they display that enthusiasm. There is an energy all about the arena no matter who the opponent, and that energy remains upbeat and positive no matter what is happening on the court.

A Razorback home basketball game is a family-friendly event all around. Being able to channel that wild enthusiasm into a child-friendly environment is a big plus.

Access    4

One good thing about this venue is the parking. There is plenty of it, and it shouldn’t cost you anything. It’s also pretty close to the arena, so the walk from your vehicle shouldn’t be too daunting.

The restrooms are pretty typical of a college basketball arena, and there are plenty of them. The only real negative is that some of the higher seats are a bit too crowded together. Some even infringe upon the aisles and walkways.

Most of the seating is good though, as far as spacing and comfortableness. There really isn’t a bad seat in the house, but the closer you get, the better the experience.

Return on Investment    5

This is one of the best college venues I have ever been to. My ticket only cost me $25, and that was for what was really a decent seat in the arena. It was easily worth three or four times that price, as this arena is one of the most well-rounded in all areas of critique.

Extras    2

I have to give this arena an extra point just for being so well-rounded. I loved my experience at this venue and will definitely go back. There just isn’t really a weak spot to be found in the place. That is a clear indication that Bud Walton Arena was built with the fan experience in mind.

Another extra point goes out to this venue for its environmental conscientiousness. Beside each Razorback trashcan in the walkway circling the arena is another container for recycling. It pays with this reviewer to go green!