Despite numerous financial challenges presented by a global pandemic, Razorback Athletics stood firm in its commitment to fully support the experience of each of its 465+ student-athletes. Based on the generous support of Razorback Foundation members and season ticket holders, the program was not only able to meet that commitment, but also complete three major facilities projects to enhance the future for some of its most successful sports programs.
During the spring 2021, the Razorback Foundation launched matching gift campaigns, including a $500K matching gift campaign for the Frank O’Mara Track High Performance Center and a $2 million matching gift campaign for the J.B. and Johnelle Hunt Family Baseball Development Center. Thanks to the generosity of the Razorback Nation, approximately $25 million has been raised thus far in support of those facilities.
The Razorback Foundation launched the ONE Razorback Fund at the onset of the pandemic to help supplement Athletic Department budget shortfalls. Razorback fans and donors stepped forward to help. Nearly 350 fans, who are not Razorback Foundation members contributed tax-deductible gifts in support of Razorback student-athletes. When sport seasons were cut short, Razorback Foundation members and season ticket holders opted to donate their ticket refunds and Annual Fund contributions to the ONE Razorback Fund.
Fans and members alike also donated to the ONE Razorback Fund to celebrate major victories and successful campaigns (Football win over Mississippi State, Women’s Basketball upset of Baylor, NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championship, Dollars for Dingers). In culmination of all of these efforts throughout the year, the ONE Razorback Fund generated more than $3 million in support of Razorback Athletics thanks to the generosity of the Razorback Foundation members and fans.
Simply put, the Year of the Razorback was made possible by the loyal support of Razorback Foundation members in a challenging time. That generosity not only resulted in a record-breaking year, but it has also positioned the Razorbacks for even greater success in the months and years to come.
Randal Tyson Track Renovation
The Randal Tyson Track Center saw extensive renovations, including the replacement of the oval track surface and the installation of an additional video board. The more than $5 million in renovations were completed in time for the venue to host both the 2021 SEC and 2021 NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships.
Frank O’Mara High Performance Center
The Frank O’Mara Track and Field High Performance Center was constructed just south of the track at John McDonnell Field. The 20,000 square foot facility combined many of the program’s day-to-day operations to create an efficient space to serve both the men’s and women’s track and field programs. The beautiful new facility includes new locker rooms, expanded training room, weight room, team room and an equipment storage space. The total project cost of the facility was $15 million.
J.B. and Johnelle Hunt Family Baseball Development Center
The $27 million J.B. and Johnelle Hunt Family Baseball Development Center, an approximately 53,000 square foot baseball performance facility provides student-athletes with an improved and expanded locker room, team meeting room, strength and conditioning center, training room, nutrition center, student-athlete pitching and development lab and an in-venue batting tunnel. The Norm DeBriyn Champions Lobby features numerous historical displays and interactive content showcasing the history of Razorback Baseball. The Baseball Development Center was constructed in the right field corner of Baum-Walker Stadium, connecting it with the current west concourse and providing new premium viewing areas for games. The new facility is connected to the Razorbacks’ new home dugout, on the first-base side, via a tunnel.
