Gardens to Be Dedicated, Ready for Football

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The University of Arkansas will dedicate The Gardens, a new facility fit for the most loyal Razorback fans. Chancellor John White and Athletic Director Frank Broyles will host a dedication of the grounds at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 2, in the Holding Pen Pavilion at The Gardens. At the ceremony, UA alumni Jerry Jones and Jim Lindsey will be honored for their long-standing leadership and philanthropy to the university.

Broyles said he looks forward to seeing the new facility in action this coming football season.

“Being able to provide beautiful landscaping and functional areas for pre-game entertaining will enhance our fans’ tailgating experiences,” he said. “It will be great to see our alumni and friends enjoying each game to the fullest.”

The Gardens feature one pavilion, five gazebos and individual grass areas that tailgaters can reserve for their pre-game activities. The pavilion holds approximately 120 people and includes private bathrooms and 15 parking passes in lot 56B. Each gazebo holds up to 50 people and includes five parking passes in lot 56B. Gazebos are named as follows: NCAA National Champions Gazebo, 1964 & 1965 Football Teams Gazebo, George Family Gazebo, Stanley Reed Family Gazebo and the Charles & Clydene Scharlau Family Gazebo.

Individual grass areas are available to individuals who contribute $500 per year to the Razorback Foundation Inc. annual football fund. For the season, individuals who reserve grass areas are provided with a 15-foot by 12-foot space adjacent to their parking spot.

While the pavilion, gazebos and the reserved tailgate spots are rented spaces, any Razorback fan can come and enjoy the atmosphere in The Gardens. A large grass area in the center of The Gardens is available for use by anyone at no cost on game days. Fans can gain access to The Gardens off Razorback Road just inside lot 56 south of The Gardens and to the north off Leroy Pond Road.

“Mr. Jones’ and Mr. Lindsey’s vision of a centralized grass area for Razorback fans to come together before games has been realized with The Gardens,” said Matt Shanklin, associate athletic director for marketing. “Whether you rent a space or gazebo or just bring your chair, pup tent and cooler, The Gardens are destined to become a great place for Razorbacks fans.”

Lindsey is the vice chairman of the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees and the founder of Lindsey & Associates Inc. Real Estate. He and Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys football team, were members of the 1964 championship Razorback football team. They have each supported the university and its athletics programs for years.