Bud Walton Arena, named after the late University of Arkansas athletic director and basketball coach, opened its doors on December 18, 1993. It serves as the home court for the Arkansas Razorbacks men's and women's basketball teams.
With a seating capacity of over 19,000, Bud Walton Arena is one of the largest on-campus basketball arenas in the nation. It has hosted numerous NCAA Tournament games, including regionals and the 1994 Final Four. The arena is also a popular venue for concerts and other events.
Bud Walton Arena has been a major factor in the success of the Arkansas Razorbacks basketball programs. The men's team has won four SEC championships and advanced to the NCAA Tournament 19 times since the arena opened. The women's team has won three SEC championships and advanced to the NCAA Tournament 12 times.
When Did Bud Walton Arena Open?
Bud Walton Arena, the home of the Arkansas Razorbacks men's and women's basketball teams, opened its doors on December 18, 1993. Here are eight key aspects related to its opening:
- Date: December 18, 1993
- Capacity: 19,368
- Cost: $28 million
- Architect: HOK Sport
- Contractor: Flintco Construction
- First Event: Arkansas Razorbacks vs. Memphis Tigers men's basketball game
- Attendance: 19,200
- Significance: Bud Walton Arena is one of the largest on-campus basketball arenas in the nation and has hosted numerous NCAA Tournament games, including regionals and the 1994 Final Four.
Bud Walton Arena has been a major factor in the success of the Arkansas Razorbacks basketball programs. The men's team has won four SEC championships and advanced to the NCAA Tournament 19 times since the arena opened. The women's team has won three SEC championships and advanced to the NCAA Tournament 12 times.
1. Date
The date December 18, 1993, is significant because it marks the day when Bud Walton Arena officially opened its doors. The arena was named after the late University of Arkansas athletic director and basketball coach, Nolan "Bud" Walton. It is the home court for the Arkansas Razorbacks men's and women's basketball teams.
The opening of Bud Walton Arena was a major event for the University of Arkansas and the state of Arkansas. The arena is one of the largest on-campus basketball arenas in the nation and has hosted numerous NCAA Tournament games, including regionals and the 1994 Final Four. It has also been the site of concerts and other events.
The opening of Bud Walton Arena has had a major impact on the success of the Arkansas Razorbacks basketball programs. The men's team has won four SEC championships and advanced to the NCAA Tournament 19 times since the arena opened. The women's team has won three SEC championships and advanced to the NCAA Tournament 12 times.
2. Capacity
The capacity of Bud Walton Arena is 19,368, making it one of the largest on-campus basketball arenas in the nation. This large capacity has been a major factor in the success of the Arkansas Razorbacks basketball programs.
A large capacity arena provides several advantages for a basketball program. First, it allows the team to generate more revenue from ticket sales. Second, it creates a more intimidating atmosphere for opposing teams. Third, it can help to attract and retain top recruits.
The opening of Bud Walton Arena in 1993 was a major turning point for the Arkansas Razorbacks basketball programs. The arena's large capacity has helped the teams to achieve greater success, both on and off the court.
3. Cost
The cost of Bud Walton Arena, $28 million, was a significant factor in when it opened. The arena was originally scheduled to open in 1992, but construction delays pushed the opening back to 1993. The delays were caused by a number of factors, including the need to redesign the roof and the discovery of asbestos in the building materials.
The cost of the arena was also a factor in its design. The architects were tasked with creating a state-of-the-art facility that would be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The arena features a unique design with a curved roof and a glass facade. It also has a number of amenities, including luxury suites and club seats.
The cost of Bud Walton Arena was a worthwhile investment. The arena has been a major factor in the success of the Arkansas Razorbacks basketball programs. It has also been a popular venue for concerts and other events. The arena has generated millions of dollars in revenue for the university and the state of Arkansas.
4. Architect
The connection between "Architect: HOK Sport" and "when did Bud Walton Arena open" is significant because HOK Sport was the architectural firm responsible for designing the arena. The firm was founded in 1955 and has designed many notable sports facilities around the world, including the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, and the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
HOK Sport's design for Bud Walton Arena was completed in 1992, and the arena opened its doors on December 18, 1993. The arena is a state-of-the-art facility that features a unique design with a curved roof and a glass facade. It also has a number of amenities, including luxury suites and club seats.
The design of Bud Walton Arena has been praised for its functionality and aesthetics. The arena has been a major factor in the success of the Arkansas Razorbacks basketball programs, and it has also been a popular venue for concerts and other events. The arena has generated millions of dollars in revenue for the university and the state of Arkansas.
In conclusion, the connection between "Architect: HOK Sport" and "when did Bud Walton Arena open" is significant because HOK Sport was responsible for designing the arena. The firm's design for the arena was completed in 1992, and the arena opened its doors on December 18, 1993. The arena is a state-of-the-art facility that has been a major factor in the success of the Arkansas Razorbacks basketball programs.
5. Contractor
The connection between "Contractor: Flintco Construction" and "when did Bud Walton Arena open" is significant because Flintco Construction was the general contractor responsible for the construction of the arena. The firm was founded in 1965 and has constructed many notable buildings around the world, including the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City, Missouri, and the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
- Project Management: Flintco Construction was responsible for managing all aspects of the construction project, including scheduling, budgeting, and quality control. The firm's experience in constructing large-scale sports facilities was essential to the successful completion of Bud Walton Arena.
- Construction Methods: Flintco Construction used innovative construction methods to complete Bud Walton Arena on time and within budget. The firm's use of precast concrete and steel framing allowed for the rapid construction of the arena's structure. The use of these materials also contributed to the arena's durability and strength.
- Safety: Flintco Construction is committed to safety and has a strong track record of completing projects without any lost-time accidents. The firm's safety program was essential to the successful construction of Bud Walton Arena, which was completed without any major injuries.
- Quality Control: Flintco Construction is committed to quality and has a reputation for constructing buildings that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The firm's attention to detail was evident in the construction of Bud Walton Arena, which is one of the most iconic sports facilities in the United States.
In conclusion, the connection between "Contractor: Flintco Construction" and "when did Bud Walton Arena open" is significant because Flintco Construction was responsible for the construction of the arena. The firm's experience, use of innovative construction methods, commitment to safety, and attention to detail were essential to the successful completion of Bud Walton Arena.
6. First Event
The first event held at Bud Walton Arena was a men's basketball game between the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Memphis Tigers on December 18, 1993. The Razorbacks won the game 91-81 in front of a sellout crowd of 19,200.
- Significance of the Event: The first event at Bud Walton Arena was a significant milestone in the history of the University of Arkansas and the state of Arkansas. The arena was the largest on-campus basketball arena in the nation at the time, and its opening was a major event for the university and the community.
- Symbol of Success: The first event at Bud Walton Arena was a symbol of the success of the Arkansas Razorbacks basketball program. The Razorbacks were one of the top teams in the country at the time, and the opening of Bud Walton Arena was a testament to the program's success.
- Community Involvement: The first event at Bud Walton Arena was a community event. The game was attended by fans from all over the state of Arkansas, and it was a great opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the opening of the new arena.
- Economic Impact: The first event at Bud Walton Arena had a significant economic impact on the University of Arkansas and the state of Arkansas. The game generated millions of dollars in revenue, and it helped to put Fayetteville on the map as a major sports destination.
The first event at Bud Walton Arena was a major event for the University of Arkansas and the state of Arkansas. The game was a symbol of the success of the Razorbacks basketball program, and it had a significant economic impact on the community. The opening of Bud Walton Arena was a major milestone in the history of the university and the state, and it continues to be a popular venue for Razorbacks basketball games and other events.
7. Attendance
The attendance at the first event held at Bud Walton Arena, a men's basketball game between the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Memphis Tigers on December 18, 1993, was 19,200. This high attendance is significant for several reasons:
- Symbol of Success: The large attendance at the first event at Bud Walton Arena was a symbol of the success of the Arkansas Razorbacks basketball program. The Razorbacks were one of the top teams in the country at the time, and the opening of Bud Walton Arena was a testament to the program's success.
- Community Involvement: The large attendance at the first event at Bud Walton Arena was a sign of the community's involvement in the university and the basketball program. The game was attended by fans from all over the state of Arkansas, and it was a great opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the opening of the new arena.
- Economic Impact: The large attendance at the first event at Bud Walton Arena had a significant economic impact on the University of Arkansas and the state of Arkansas. The game generated millions of dollars in revenue, and it helped to put Fayetteville on the map as a major sports destination.
The high attendance at the first event at Bud Walton Arena was a major milestone in the history of the University of Arkansas and the state of Arkansas. The game was a symbol of the success of the Razorbacks basketball program, and it had a significant economic impact on the community. The opening of Bud Walton Arena was a major event for the university and the state, and it continues to be a popular venue for Razorbacks basketball games and other events.
8. Significance
The significance of Bud Walton Arena's size and hosting history is directly tied to its opening date. When the arena opened in 1993, it was one of the largest on-campus basketball arenas in the nation. This gave the University of Arkansas a major advantage in attracting top recruits and hosting major events. The arena's size and amenities have also helped to create a passionate and enthusiastic home court environment for the Razorbacks.
- Hosting Major Events: Bud Walton Arena has hosted numerous NCAA Tournament games, including regionals and the 1994 Final Four. This has given the University of Arkansas a national profile and has helped to generate excitement and revenue for the university and the state of Arkansas.
- Recruiting Advantage: The size and amenities of Bud Walton Arena have given the University of Arkansas a major advantage in recruiting top basketball players. The arena is a state-of-the-art facility that is comparable to the best arenas in the country. This has helped the Razorbacks to attract some of the best players in the nation.
- Home Court Advantage: The size and atmosphere of Bud Walton Arena have created a passionate and enthusiastic home court environment for the Razorbacks. The fans are known for their loud and supportive cheering, which can be a major advantage for the home team.
Overall, the significance of Bud Walton Arena's size and hosting history is directly tied to its opening date. The arena has been a major factor in the success of the Arkansas Razorbacks basketball program and has helped to put the University of Arkansas on the national map.
FAQs on Bud Walton Arena Opening
This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about the opening of Bud Walton Arena.
Question 1: When did Bud Walton Arena open?
Bud Walton Arena opened on December 18, 1993.
Question 2: What is the capacity of Bud Walton Arena?
The capacity of Bud Walton Arena is 19,368.
Question 3: Who was the architect of Bud Walton Arena?
HOK Sport was the architect of Bud Walton Arena.
Question 4: Who was the contractor of Bud Walton Arena?
Flintco Construction was the contractor of Bud Walton Arena.
Question 5: What was the first event held at Bud Walton Arena?
The first event held at Bud Walton Arena was a men's basketball game between the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Memphis Tigers on December 18, 1993.
Question 6: What was the attendance at the first event held at Bud Walton Arena?
The attendance at the first event held at Bud Walton Arena was 19,200.
These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about the opening of Bud Walton Arena. For more information, please visit the University of Arkansas website.
Summary: Bud Walton Arena opened on December 18, 1993, with a capacity of 19,368. The arena was designed by HOK Sport and constructed by Flintco Construction. The first event held at the arena was a men's basketball game between the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Memphis Tigers, which was attended by 19,200 fans.
Transition to the next article section: Bud Walton Arena has been a major factor in the success of the Arkansas Razorbacks basketball program. The arena has hosted numerous NCAA Tournament games, including regionals and the 1994 Final Four. It has also been the site of concerts and other events. The arena has generated millions of dollars in revenue for the university and the state of Arkansas.
Tips on When Did Bud Walton Arena Open
Below are some tips on when Bud Walton Arena opened:
Tip 1: Determine the Importance and Benefits
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Tip 2: Explore Historical Context
Examining the historical background surrounding the opening of Bud Walton Arena can provide valuable insights into the factors that influenced its development and the impact it had on the surrounding community.
Tip 3: Utilize Primary Sources
Consulting official documents, such as press releases, news articles, or university records, can offer firsthand accounts and factual information about the arena's opening date.
Tip 4: Investigate Architectural and Construction Details
Researching the architectural design and construction timeline of Bud Walton Arena can provide insights into the planning, development, and completion stages of the project.
Tip 5: Explore Local Archives and Collections
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Summary: By following these tips, you can effectively gather information and develop a comprehensive understanding of the opening date of Bud Walton Arena. This knowledge can contribute to your research, enhance your understanding of the arena's history, and assist you in effectively communicating this information to others.
Transition to the article's conclusion: Knowing when Bud Walton Arena opened provides a foundation for exploring its subsequent history, significance, and impact on the University of Arkansas and the broader community.
Conclusion
The opening of Bud Walton Arena in 1993 marked a significant milestone for the University of Arkansas and the state of Arkansas. The arena has been a major factor in the success of the Arkansas Razorbacks basketball program and has hosted numerous NCAA Tournament games, including regionals and the 1994 Final Four. It has also been the site of concerts and other events, generating millions of dollars in revenue for the university and the state.
Bud Walton Arena is more than just a basketball arena. It is a symbol of the university's commitment to excellence and a source of pride for the community. The arena has helped to put Fayetteville on the map as a major sports destination and has played a vital role in the economic development of the region.
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