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U Of A Faces Fine And Repairs After Fans Rush Field In Win Against LSU

FAYETTEVILLE (KFSM)- The University of Arkansas was fined $25,000 by the SEC Monday (Nov. 17) after fans rushed the field at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadiu...

FAYETTEVILLE (KFSM)- The University of Arkansas was fined $25,000 by the SEC Monday (Nov. 17) after fans rushed the field at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium following the Hogs' win against Louisiana State University on Saturday (Nov. 15).

According to the SEC, the university violated league policy, which allows only players, coaches and those with credentials on the field.

The force of the crowd was so strong it broke a guardrail that separated fan seating from the field.

"It was a little bit scary," said freshman Paige Steiner. "People were getting pushed through them and people weren't really caring about other people."

Steiner said she had to go over the broken bars.

"The rails were on the ground, so I had to step through the bars," she said.

She said fans then jumped six feet from the stands onto the field.

"Once you got down there, it was exciting," she said.

However, many fans, like Megan Vaughn, decided to stay in their seats.

"It was pretty intense," Vaughn said. "I just really didn't want to get mixed up in the stampeded. There comes a point where it's like when do you stop?"

Steiner said she believes the fine from the SEC was worth it.

"I think people knew there was [going to be] a fine and they really didn't care," Steiner said. "It was an experience you only get one time. I wouldn't do anything differently."

The University of Arkansas was fined for a similar violation in 2006 when fans stormed the court after a men's basketball game. If fans storm a Razorback playing field a third time, the university could face a $50,000 fine.

Team officials declined to discuss the incident on-camera, but Athletic Director Jeff Long released the following statement addressing the fine from SEC:

“Saturday was a great night for our football program, student-athletes and entire fan base. While we do not want to minimize the impact of the victory and what it means for Razorback Nation, we cannot have another incident of rushing the field at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium or entering the competition area at any of our athletic venues. Such celebrations put the safety of student-athletes, coaches and our fans at risk. We should all expect many special victories in the future and our hope is that fans will stay in their seats and continue the tradition of joining the Razorback Marching Band in the singing of the alma mater and It’s Hard To Be Humble.”

The University of Arkansas Police Department also declined to go on camera but said over the phone they didn't get any reports of injuries in connection to the broken guardrail or fans rushing the field.

The athletic department would not answer questions about whether the other guardrails in the stadium are being inspected or whether additional staff would in place at future games, but spokesman Kevin Trainor said in an email reply that the university is undergoing "a continuing dialogue internally and with other university entities" on those matters.

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