Keep the money here

Arkansas reportedly paid New Mexico State $1.35 million and Coastal Carolina $1.5 million to play at Arkansas. Nearly $3 million flowing out of our state, and neither one of them brought a lot of fans—fewer seats sold, fewer concessions, fewer people eating in our restaurants and fewer people staying in our motels. It may be over $3 million when all these are factored in.

I was so underwhelmed at the prospect of the blowout that was supposed to occur in this “powder puff” game that I didn’t even bother to watch it. Imagine my surprise when I checked in late in the fourth quarter and we were close to losing. Thankfully we pulled it out. I wonder what the ratings were on it, or does that matter?

How much better if Arkansas played Arkansas State in Little Rock? The stadium would be filled every year and recruiting would be better for both schools, and the money would be spent in central Arkansas instead of sending it out of state. That’s a win-win-win situation. Oklahoma plays Oklahoma State, Kansas plays Kansas State, Arizona plays Arizona State, Florida plays Florida State, etc., etc. So, why shouldn’t Arkansas play Arkansas State? Politics?

Frank Broyles vehemently opposed the two state schools playing each other, but Coach Broyles is gone now, so why not put old prejudices aside and set up the schedules?

ED MERRICK

Benton