Arkansas Business

This story is from the archives of ArkansasSports360.com.

Attendance at Arkansas State games traditionally seems to dip when hunting season begins. It's been that way for years.

So the ASU Athletic Department has teamed up with a local outdoor supplier in an attempt to draw hunters to Saturday's 2 p.m. game against Louisiana-Lafayette. There's a chance to win a deer stand, which will be set up as a suite near the south end zone at ASU Stadium.

Here's more from ASU Media Relations:

The Arkansas State Athletic Department has teamed up with Big Kreek Outdoors in Bono to present a special “hunters” promotion during the Red Wolves’ home football game against Louisiana-Lafayette this Saturday at 2 p.m.

In conjunction with the start of deer season and courtesy of Big Kreek Outdoors, Arkansas State will give away a deer blind valued at $1,500. The deer stand will be set up near the south end zone and will be turned into a private suite, where the winner and a guest will have the opportunity to watch the key Sun Belt Conference matchup while enjoying furnished foods and beverages. 

“This is a promotion we’ve wanted to put in place for some time now to help draw part of the large population of hunters in Northeast Arkansas to ASU Stadium,” said ASU Director of Athletics Dr. Dean Lee. “There are a lot of football fans out there that also enjoy hunting, so we feel like this is a unique way to give them an opportunity to experience certain aspects of both in one setting.”

To qualify as a contestant, those who register must be 18 years of age and also have a hunting license. Approximately 10-12 finalists will be selected and the winner must be present at the game to claim the prize.

All finalists will be called to the end zone during the first quarter, at which time the winner will be announced. Those who wish to participate in the drawing can register at the Red Wolf Club, ASU Ticket Office, Big Kreek Outdoors or inside ASU Stadium on game day. The Red Wolf Club and ASU Ticket Office are both located in the ASU Convocation Center and Big Kreek Outdoors can be found at 10302 Highway 63 North in Bono.

Saturday’s game will have major implications on the Sun Belt Conference race with two teams atop the league standings set to clash. Arkansas State stands 5-0 in Sun Belt play and Louisiana-Lafayette 6-1, and both teams have at least seven wins overall this year.

Laugh if you want, but this has the potential to be huge in Northeast Arkansas. Hundred of thousands will be in the deer woods on Saturday and this might be enough to entice the locals to head to ASU Stadium.