Arkansas Men’s Basketball “Tip-Off Tour” Coming to Hot Springs and Pine Bluff

Oct 7

FAYETTEVILLE, AR (October 7th, 2024) – Arkansas Edge and the Arkansas Men’s Basketball program are excited to announce the “The Tip-Off Tour,” featuring events in Hot Springs at Bank OZK Arena on October 12 (Saturday at 4 PM) and in Pine Bluff at the Convention Center on October 13 (Sunday at 5 PM). These first-look exclusive events reflect head coach John Calipari’s commitment to engaging with fans and the community ahead of the 2024-2025 basketball season, and his debut as head coach of the Razorback’s men’s basketball team.

“I’ve said since I arrived that it is a priority to go around this state and meet people,” said John Calipari, Arkansas Head Coach. “The Razorback Roadshow was a great experience, we had a summer camp in Russellville and now we are having the Tip-off Tour in Hot Springs and Pine Bluff. We want to continue doing these kinds of things to touch as many people as we can in this state. It is great for our players to experience different parts of Arkansas to learn the history and makeup of this great state. These trips additionally give fans who cannot travel to Fayetteville easily a better connection to our program. We know what the Razorbacks mean to the people of the state of Arkansas. It is our goal to do whatever we can to keep and earn their support.”

Fans will have the opportunity to meet players and coaches, participate in Q&A sessions, and enjoy player introductions along with various interactive activities. This will be the first public showcase of the 2024-25 Razorbacks, highlighting Coach Calipari's preparations for the season, including skill drills and team concepts.

“We can’t wait to welcome Coach Cal and the Razorbacks to Hot Springs and Bank OZK Arena,” said Steve Arrison, Visit Hot Springs CEO. “Everyone in Hot Springs hopes this will be the first of many visits to the Spa City. You can bet we’ll fill Bank OZK Arena to the rafters with dedicated Hog fans.”

A portion of the proceeds from the Tip-Off Tour will benefit Arkansas Edge, the official Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) collective supporting all Razorback student-athletes. This initiative aims to enhance NIL opportunities for these student-athletes while also supporting the venues and creating connections with Arkansas fans and communities in Pine Bluff and Hot Springs.

“The Pine Bluff Convention Center is beyond thrilled to host an unforgettable night of Razorback basketball for the first time in over 30 years,” said Barbara Dunn, Pine Bluff Convention Center Executive Director. “I want to personally invite our local schools and businesses, our entire community, and surrounding areas to be a part of this exciting event. We are eager to provide a safe and family-friendly venue with top-of-the-line customer service for the event and hope you can be a part of it. I am beyond grateful for this partnership.”

The Tip-off Tour will consist of meet-and-greet opportunities, questions and answers from select coaches and players, player introductions, and additional fan-oriented activities. These will be the first public looks of the 2024-25 Razorbacks and the events will show how Coach Calipari is preparing the Hogs for the season through individual drills and skill work as well as team concepts with five-on-five competition.

There will be three pricing levels, and the purchase points will be the same at each venue. Proceeds will be shared with each venue and Arkansas Edge NIL to benefit Razorback student-athletes:

• General Admission – $30 per seat. General admission to the event and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Meet & Greet – $75 per seat (for up to 200 fans). Each ticket will allow access to and interactions with the players and coaches before the event and a Coach Calipari autograph. Fans at this level will be allowed in the facilities early and will have selected rows reserved for them close to the team benches.

• Premium – $1,000 per seat (8 seats available). Premium buyers will sit on the Razorback bench with players and coaches during the event, have a picture taken with team members, get player autographs, and meet with Coach Calipari to get a photo and autograph before the event. (NOTE: in accordance with NCAA regulations, students in grades 7-12 will not be able to participate in this option.)

To Purchase Tickets:
Hot Springs Event (sold Online only): Purchase Online or call (501) 321-2277 for assistance.
Pine Bluff Event (sold Online only): Purchase Online or call (870) 536-7600 for assistance.

Doors at the event in Hot Springs (Oct. 12) will open at:

2:30 pm for Premium patrons.
2:30 for Meet and Greet patrons.
2:45 pm for all with tickets.

Doors at the Pine Bluff (Oct. 13) event will open at:

2:30 pm for Premium patrons.
2:45 for Meet and Greet patrons.
3 pm for all with tickets.

Parking will be free at both locations.

In both cities, the Arkansas men’s basketball team will participate in a Samaritan’s Feet community service project and give out 3,000 pairs of shoes.

For more information on these events and Arkansas Edge, visit https://arkansasedgenil.com/pages/events or follow @arkansasedgenil on Facebook, Instagram and X.

For more information on Arkansas Men’s Basketball, follow @RazorbackMBB on X.

About Arkansas Edge

Arkansas Edge is the official Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) collective supporting 465-plus student-athletes at the University of Arkansas. Supporters, fans, and alumni who support Arkansas Edge are pledging to maximize opportunities for student-athletes to build their brands and engage with the community. There are various ways to get involved, including corporate partnerships, memberships, and charitable contributions. For more information about NIL partnerships with Razorback student-athletes, visit arkansasedgenil.com or follow @ArkansasEdgeNIL on Facebook, Instagram and X.