Date Original
1959-2016
Description
This collection contains administrative records of War Memorial Stadium from 1959 to 2016, particularly pertaining to past stadium events, financial documents and expenditures, and various improvement and construction projects. It also includes files related to the 1959 bond refunding project, which was carried out under Arkansas Governor Orval Faubus, containing correspondence of Governor Faubus discussing the project.
Biographical/Historical Note
War Memorial Stadium is located in Little Rock, Arkansas. Construction of the stadium was completed in 1947, and it officially opened in 1948 with a seating capacity of around 31,000. The stadium has undergone many changes and improvements during its existence and has grown to a seating capacity of over 54,000. War Memorial Stadium was originally dedicated to honor Arkansans who had given their lives in service of their country during World War I and World War II. It continues to serve as a tribute to all those who have served. The stadium has been host to many events, but is most utilized for its football games. The first event in the stadium took place in 1948 and was a Razorback football game. Many other colleges have also played there. The stadium is still active today and has been host to sports games, concerts, speaking engagements, and other events. War Memorial Stadium was traditionally a stand-alone entity, but in 2017 a proposal to end state support was made in the General Assembly. Instead of ending state support, Governor Asa Hutchison proposed that the stadium be placed under the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism and on February 22, 2017, a bill was signed to complete this transfer.
Physical Description
Document, 8.5" x 11"
Geographical Area
Little Rock, Pulaski County (Ark.)
Language
English
Identifier
MS.000953
Resource Type
Text
Collection
War Memorial Stadium records, MS.000953
Publisher
Arkansas State Archives
Contributing Entity
Arkansas State Archives
Recommended Citation
War Memorial Stadium records, Arkansas State Archives, Little Rock, Arkansas.
Rights
Use and reproduction of images held by the Arkansas State Archives without prior written permission is prohibited. For information on reproducing images held by the Arkansas State Archives, please call 501-682-6900 or email at state.archives@arkansas.gov.
Disciplines
United States History
