Update 2:25 p.m.:
Officials from Arkansas State University issued statements on the school’s social media regarding the governor’s letter. Their full statements are below in italics:
Statement from Steven Eddington, chair of the ASU System Board of Trustees:
“We’ve crossed the uncrossable chasm – the first game has been played. I agree with Gov. Sanders that we can’t let this be the last time these teams play each other. The feedback I had over the weekend from fans of both teams was that this needs to continue. The atmosphere was invigorating. In today’s environment for collegiate athletics, this just makes an awful lot of sense. From Arkansas State’s perspective, there is great benefit to playing this game in Little Rock on a regular basis. And as someone who grew up in Warren, I see great benefit to UA. It was always a big deal to come to a game in Little Rock. My first game at War Memorial was in 1975 when Arkansas beat No. 2 Texas A&M and went on to the Cotton Bowl.”
Statement from A-State chancellor Todd Shields:
“Whether your favorite red is scarlet or cardinal, this past weekend has proven that the Red Wolves and Razorbacks can unite communities and energize Arkansans from every corner of the state. It’s a celebration of Arkansas, and we fully support making it a recurring event.”
Statement from Chris Pezman, vice chancellor for intercollegiate athletics at A-State:
“In-state matchups like this are the heartbeat of college athletics. The overwhelming response from this past weekend reinforces that making a game between the Red Wolves and Razorbacks a tradition is a win for the sport, for both universities and for Arkansas. This opportunity makes too much sense for us not to work toward a solution that serves everyone.”
University of Arkansas football head coach Sam Pittman said in a press conference that he was “all for” whatever the governor and the schools decided.
“Whatever the governor and the athletic directors from both schools and all that [decide], I’m all for it,” he said. “If it makes the University of Arkansas and our fans happy, whatever that may be, as the head coach of Arkansas, I’m all for it.
Previously:
Little Rock, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – Sept. 8, 2025 – Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders sent a letter to the boards of trustees of Arkansas State University and the University of Arkansas, calling on the two schools to hold a yearly game against each other at War Memorial Stadium.
The A-State and Arkansas football teams played against each other for the first time on Saturday at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock. The Razorbacks defeated the Red Wolves 56-14.
The full letter is below in italics:
University of Arkansas and Arkansas State University Board of Trustees
Dear Trustees,
This week marked a historic moment for our state, the city of Little Rock, and War Memorial Stadium as we hosted the first-ever meeting between the Razorbacks and the Red Wolves on the football field.
This special and long-overdue occasion united the University of Arkansas and Arkansas State University in a way that fans across Arkansas have dreamed of for decades. As trustees of your respective institutions, you share in the pride and passion of your fan bases—and you hold the ability to ensure this game is not a one-time event, but the beginning of a lasting tradition.
As Governor, a native of Little Rock, and a lifelong football fan, I am calling on you to make this historic matchup an annual event at War Memorial Stadium, in the heart of our state. Generations of Arkansans have come to this stadium to cheer for their teams and witness some of the greatest moments in Arkansas sports history—but never before for a game like this. Now is the time to change that.
I urge you to work together to secure this tradition for the people of Arkansas. If I may be of any assistance in this effort, please do not hesitate to call on me.
Sincerely,
Sarah Huckabee Sanders
Governor of Arkansas
