Arkansas coach Dave Van Horn has a suggestion for fans concerned about the afternoon start for the Arkansas-Grambling game in Baum Stadium on Friday.
Do everything you can to take a late lunch.
Arkansas’ decision to open the NCAA Tournament by playing Grambling at 2 p.m. — while Washington State and Kansas State meet at 7 — has caused some frustration for fans who will be stuck at work Friday. On the surface, it’s an unusual move for the home team hoping to benefit from a packed park. But Van Horn said the benefits of getting his team on off the field earlier than the region’s No. 2 and 3 seeds just couldn’t be ignored.
“I feel bad for the fans,” Van Horn said. “I guess our whole thing is, we try to do what’s right for this team after the grind we’ve been through.
“We feel like it gives us the best chance. We have such quality field coming in there’s no margin for error.”
A late start time would have virtually guaranteed Arkansas of drawing an enormous crowd in Baum Stadium. But the early start ensures Arkansas of more rest than its Saturday opponent no matter what happens against Grambling on Friday. If there are no weather problems or extra innings, Arkansas-Grambling will end at approximately 5 p.m. It gives both teams either 21 or 26 hours of rest before playing at either 2 p.m. or 7 p.m. Saturday, respectively.
The Washington State-Kansas State loser will have 16 hours between games. The winner will have 21 hours.
“Playing at 2 is going to be good,” Arkansas center fielder Brett Eibner said. “It’s right in the middle of the day. When we get done, we have all that time to rest. … The big thing is how we play in the field. We’d like to have a good crowd, but it just comes down to how we play.”
While most No. 1 seeds in the NCAA Tournament will play the second game at their respective regionals, the Razorbacks aren’t alone in their rush to the field.
Arkansas is one of four No. 1 seeds (Florida State, Oklahoma and Virginia) playing the early game. Van Horn said he received a couple of phone calls from coaches this week seeking his input on what time is best to play. His advice: Play the early game.
“I think that, again, we can get into a little bit easier routine when we’re playing at 2:05,” Van Horn said.
Make sure you follow me on Twitter (@NWARobbie) for all kinds of news and notes from the Fayetteville Regional this week. Also, continue checking the Arkansas News Bureau website (ArkansasNews.com/category/sports/Razorbacks) for breaking news, features and other stories as Arkansas begins NCAA Tournament play.
