FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — University of Arkansas Athletic Director Hunter Yurachek announced the return of the retro Slobbering Hog logo at mid-court of Bud Walton Arena on Oct. 9.
On Oct. 2, Yurachek first told Razorback fans and alumni about the initiative to bring back the beloved Hog after "hearing some chatter."
He said Arkansas Edge, the name, image, and likeness (NIL) collective for the Arkansas Razorbacks, received a matching gift offer of $500,000. Yurachek promised fans that if they raised an additional $500,000 for Arkansas Edge by Oct. 7, then the university would bring the Slobbering Hog back to Bud Walton.
Yurachek said a six-figure donation, money raised at country artist Justin Moore's concert, and dedicated fans hit the goal he set in one week. Not only did fans and other contributors meet the goal of $1 million, but Yurachek announced the Razorback had already been added to the arena two days after his donation deadline.
The university's reveal showed that the Slobbering Hog is accompanied by Walmart and Tyson Food logos, which were also added to Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium before this year's home opener.
When Bud Walton Arena opened in 1993, it was home to the original Slobbering Hog until 2008. Since it was replaced with the official Razorback logo, fans have been vocal about returning the Slobbering Hog to its home.
"Since I got on campus in April I’ve had many bring up the Slobbering Hog in Bud Walton," Arkansas coach John Calipari wrote on X, formally known as Twitter.
The Hog's latest return comes with an exciting chapter for the Razorback Men's Basketball team, which is now led by a four-time national coach of the year. Calipari as well as the Slobbering Hog is bringing back a new sense of hope among Razorback fans.
Calipari will make his Arkansas debut in a charity exhibition game against Kansas University on Oct. 25. This will be the first game the men's team will play on the new court.
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