By: Autumn Foltz
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (UATV) — Baseball season is underway! Baum-Walker Stadium in Fayetteville, Arkansas is filled with excitement with the University of Arkansas Razorbacks perfect record at home. After sweeping the University of Portland Pirates in a weekend matchup and beating the University of Central Arkansas Sugar Bears yesterday, the Razorbacks are currently 14-0 at home. This perfect home record means one thing: thousands of fans. This income of fans does not only impact the baseball stadium, but it brings in crowds all of for the businesses around it.
Just steps away from Baum-Walker Stadium is Foghorns sports bar, which offers fans a place to eat and drink before, during or after the game. During baseball season, Foghorns sees an increase in customers. Claire Hoskins, Foghorns general manager, said the sports bar and Arkansas baseball are indivisible.
“Baseball here is the biggest thing that we possibly prepare for. But, Arkansas baseball and Foghorns have become almost synonymous. You cannot have one without the other,” said Hoskins.
With this immense increase in customers before, during and after Razorback games, Foghorns’ revenue skyrockets. This time of year is important for their business.
“Our revenue definitely goes up during baseball season. People come here before the game, we still get a crowd while the games on, after the game,” said Hoskins.
The more Razorback fans that come to the restaurant, the more staff is needed. Hoskins said, “It is all hands on deck. Everyone is in it together. We all show up together, leave together, work the long hours together,” explaining how important it is to work as a team.
Foghorns preparation for large crowds ensures fans they will not miss out on wings, burgers, beer, and more, all while the game is going on. Foghorns has more than ten televisions in their restaurant that show Razorback games live.
For some Razorback fans, game days are not solely about baseball; they are about the experience in Fayetteville. Audrey Dykes, University of Arkansas junior, frequently goes to Baum-Walker Stadium.
“There is nothing like a packed Baum stadium. It’s so fun. It is vibrating and when we score a home run, it is crazy. I love it in here,” said Dykes, explaining her love for the stadium’s environment.
Before, during or after the baseball games, Dykes enjoys “getting the Fayetteville vibe” by eating at local businesses with familiar faces.
“Everyone likes to come hang out with friends and family, and going out to places where everyone’s at is really fun,” said Dykes.
The small businesses around Baum-Walker Stadium are prepared for huge incoming crowds, serving fans nonstop from open to close.
Arkansas Razorbacks baseball will play the No. 13 Ole Miss Rebels in Oxford, Mississippi this weekend. The Razorbacks are 16-1 at away games, which is a near perfect record. Even though this is an away series, local businesses are open and ready to serve fans.
The Razorbacks next home series is Tuesday, March 8, and Wednesday, March 9 against the Oral Roberts Golden Eagles. Click here to see the schedule for the rest of the Arkansas Razorbacks’ baseball season, including the times, location, live stats, and more.
