This fall 5NEWS is partnering with the Northwest Arkansas Touchdown Club, the premier event for fans to come hear all the best college football minds from across the country. The luncheon is held every Wednesday during football season at Mermaids Restaurant in Fayetteville.
"The main goal behind the Northwest Arkansas Touchdown Club is to bring the best of the college football world to Northwest Arkansas," said Executive Director Sean DeWitt.
"It's an opportunity for people to come to a luncheon and hear all things football," said board member Bo Mattingly. "What's going on in the SEC? What's going on with the Razorbacks?"
Arkansas football coach Bret Bielema will kick start the luncheon Wednesday Aug 28. Other guests throughout the year include Razorback athletic director Jeff Long and former Hog and ESPN analyst Lou Holtz.
"Folks who wouldn't normally get to go to an event like that, this gives them the opportunity to do it in Fayetteville," said DeWitt.
"There's a credibility of what you want to establish," said Mattingly. "We're going to have people you're going to enjoy hearing."
The best part is anybody can go. The club gets a wide variety of people every Wednesday.
"You've got the working man who's just getting his lunch break in. You've got the business man who comes in with clients at lunch," said Mattingly.
"Our members are what make the event," said DeWitt. "We could have the best speaker in the world. If nobody comes out and buys tickets then it doesn’t really matter at the end of the day. The feedback has been really good. We think this year is going to be out best year yet, until next year. We hope to do it better next year."
Memberships to the club are $60 a person. Each luncheon is $25 for non-members and $15 dollars for members. If you are interested in buy tickets or becoming a member head to their website www.nwatdcluborder.com
2013 Schedule of Events:
August 28, 2013 -
Razorback Head Coach, Bret Bielema
September 4, 2013 -
Arkansas Athletic Director, Jeff Long
September 18, 2013 -
Former Oklahoma State Head Coach, Pat Jones
September 23, 2013 – (Monday- NWA Convention Center)
College Football Legend, Lou Holtz
October 2, 2013 -
President of Arkansas Baptist College, Fitz Hill
October 16, 2013 -
CBS College Football Columnist, Bruce Feldman
October 23, 2013 -
Lead host of ESPNU, Dari Nowkhah
October 30, 2013 -
ESPN SEC Blogger, Chris Low