Arkansas AD responds to Texas A&M AD’s comments about site of 2021 game
The coronavirus pandemic has forced the annual Arkansas-Texas A&M game from its usual spot of AT&T Stadium in Arlington to Kyle Field. The former Southwest Conference foes have met 76 times prior, with the Aggies holding a 41-32-3 edge.
On Tuesday afternoon, Texas A&M athletic director Ross Bjork remarked on a Facebook Live session that while the game is scheduled to return to Arlington in 2021, it could potentially return to each program’s respective campus when the current contract with the stadium ends after the 2024 season.
“We think this game deserves to be on campus, it’s an SEC game, we need to play as many of those games on our campus as possible,” Bjork said.
However, on his Twitter account, Arkansas athletic director Hunter Yurachek would not directly mention the possibility of a return to campus, but did echo Bjork’s comments that the game would return to AT&T Stadium next year and that things would be evaluated when the time comes.
“As a result of the ongoing pandemic and SEC only schedule, all parties agreed to move the Southwest Classic game with A&M to campus in 2020,” Yurachek tweeted Tuesday. “The current plan is for 2021 SWC game to remain in Arlington per contract. We will actively access future circumstances that may alter these plans.”
It appears to be a reversal of a statement Yurachek made earlier in the year when he said that he would like to see the game in Fayetteville next year and then back to Arlington from 2022-2024.
Texas A&M has won the last 8 games in the series, including a 31-27 victory last season. Kickoff of the latest chapter of the series is set for 7:30 pm ET on the SEC Network.
I believe you have the series record backwards. The Razorbacks lead the series 41-32-3.
Sounds to me like Bjork and Yurachek are both actively trying to end the Jerryworld agreement.
First off, the record is wrong in the article. Arkansas leads the all time series. Secondly, Hunter did not in any way change on his previous comment from the summer. He’s contractually obligated to play the game in Arlington until 2024. Beyond that it is to be determined. He’s never stated otherwise. Stop trying to start something false. That said, I do thin both ADs would advocate to have the game back on campus. Its a big deal to have a home and home for the fans and to allow recruits on campuses which you cannot currently have on the road regardless if your the “home” team in Arlington.
How in the world does the moving the game make it safer?
I wish they just say, we’re trying to save money this year
Please correct your article. The series record is Arkansas 41, aTm 32, 3 ties.
Arky got snookered. A home game for the Aggies this year…and next(Jerry world). How did your AD agree to that. I want to play poker with the guy. Christmas is getting close and I can use the cash.