Arkansas Razorback Kickoff Luncheon 2013 – Bret Bielema Sees Success

Bret Bielema leads the Razorback Marching Band in the Hog Call earlier this week.

FAYETTEVILLE – The University of Arkansas football team wrapped up its final day of preseason camp on Friday, first hosting the Arkansas Razorback Football Kickoff Luncheon 2013 and then following later in the day with practice.

A sellout crowd of nearly 1,100 greeted head football coach Bret Bielema, Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Jeff Long and the Razorback football team and staff at noon Friday in the NWA Convention Center in Springdale. ESPN analyst and Arkansas graduate Jimmy Dykes emceed the event, as fans in attendance had the opportunity to meet and interact with Arkansas football personnel and student-athletes.

Bielema spoke at the event and shared his impressions of the Razorbacks, as the team closes in on kickoff against Louisiana at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on Aug. 31.

“Why I know that we’ll have success is because of the guys sitting at your tables,” Bielema said of his players. “The guys that are sitting at your tables have carried themselves in a championship manner. They give me a great indication that once we get to playing football everything is going to be alright.”

Bielema also shared his excitement over the growth and work that the team has displayed thus far in preseason camp.

“I guarantee you this, there isn’t one person that is going to go out and practice this afternoon that has gotten worse since we’ve been here,” Coach Bielema said. “Everybody continues to take steps forward. Some guys have taken huge steps forward.”

The University of Arkansas and the entire Razorback football staff thanked all those that attended the event and their continued support of both the university and athletic program.

Bielema also spoke with the media Friday afternoon following practice and summarized his parting thoughts about the Razorbacks after enduring preseason camp.

“I never had to get on these kids about their intensity (or) their attitude,” Bielema said. “Now, taking it to game series, there have been times in the past as a head coach where I’m like, ‘Are they into it? Are they engaged?’ There is no question about this group.”

Arkansas Razorback football single-game tickets are now on sale online and can be purchased at ArkansasRazorbacks.com, at the Razorback Ticket Center or by calling 800-982-HOGS (4647). Additionally, tickets for the two Little Rock games can be purchased at War Memorial Stadium Ticket Office, which is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For more information on Arkansas football, follow @RazorbackFB on Twitter.

Courtesy University of Arkansas Department of Athletics