So, you’re headed to Fayetteville. You’ve got the hog hat, you’ve practiced the "Woo Pig Sooie" till your throat is scratchy, and you’re ready to descend upon Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. But then you look at the Reynolds Razorback Stadium map and realize it looks like a high-tech circuit board designed by someone who really loves red.
Honestly, navigating "The Hill" can be a workout. It’s not just a stadium; it’s a massive, multi-level fortress built into the Ozark landscape. If you don't know your way around, you'll end up hiking three miles of ramps just to find a hot dog.
Let’s break down the layout so you don’t spend the first quarter lost in the North End Zone.
The Layout: More Than Just a Horseshoe
Most people think of stadiums as simple bowls. Reynolds Razorback Stadium is... different. It’s basically a massive "U" that got a very expensive facelift in the North End Zone a few years back.
The stadium is split into four distinct "sides," but because of the way it's built into a hill, "Level 1" on the west side might feel totally different than "Level 1" on the north.
The West Side (Sections 101–107)
This is the traditional side. It’s where the Arkansas sideline is located (specifically sections 103 and 104). If you want to see the players' faces and hear the coaches yelling, this is your spot. Above these are the upper deck 500-level sections (W500–W508), which are nicknamed "Pig Heaven."
Fair warning: "Heaven" is a long way up. You’re going to be climbing.
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The East Side (Sections 120–126)
The visitor’s sideline is over here, mainly in front of sections 122–124. This side is also home to the student section, which dominates the southeast corner (sections 125, 126, and the upper parts of 525–528). If you’re looking for a quiet, relaxing afternoon of football, don't sit here. It’s loud, they stand the whole time, and the energy is basically a controlled riot.
The North End Zone (The "New" Part)
This is where the big 2018 renovation happened. It’s the "fancy" end. You’ve got the Touchdown Club at field level (NF1–NF9) and the SEC Club right above it. This area changed the whole map of the stadium, adding a massive screen and hundreds of loge boxes. It’s basically the VIP wing of the stadium.
The South End Zone
This is the "closed" end of the horseshoe. It houses the Cardinal Club and the Diamond Club. It’s also where the massive "Big Red's Rooftop" is located—a bar area that has become a fan favorite for people who want to watch the game with a drink in hand and a bit more room to breathe.
Finding the Best Seats (And Avoiding the Sun)
Here is a pro tip that most first-timers miss: The Ozark sun is no joke.
In an early September game, the west side of the stadium gets shade first. If you’re sitting on the east side in the lower bowl, you are going to bake for the first half of the game. If you aren't a fan of sweating through your favorite jersey, aim for the west side or the high-numbered rows under the overhangs.
If you’re looking for chairback seats (because let’s be real, bleachers are hard on the back), you need to look for the "Arkansas Red" seats. Most of the stadium is bench-style, but you’ll find the comfy chairbacks in:
- Sections 102–106 (specifically rows A and B)
- The entire North End Zone club areas (SEC Club, Touchdown Club)
- The Diamond Club (South End Zone, Level 4)
- The Capital Club (East side, Level 3)
The Gate System: Don’t Just Walk to the Closest One
Checking your Reynolds Razorback Stadium map for gate numbers is the single most important thing you can do before you leave your tailgate. The stadium has 16 main gates, and they aren't all created equal.
If you have tickets in the North End Zone, you want Gate 12 or 14. If you’re sitting in the South End Zone, you’re looking for Gate 1.
ADA Access: If you or someone you’re with has mobility issues, Gates 1, 15, and 16 are your best friends. These gates are specifically set up for easier entry and have the closest proximity to the elevators. Speaking of elevators, there are 18 of them scattered around, but the ones at Gate 1 (Southwest) and Gate 16 (Southeast) are usually the busiest. Try the ones near Gate 10 or 12 if you’re in the North end.
The Concessions and "Pig Out" Strategy
You can’t go to a Hog game and not eat. The concessions map is pretty dense, but there are some standouts.
Level 1 is where you'll find the standard fare—hot dogs, popcorn, and nachos. But if you’re looking for the good stuff, like the Petit Jean smoked sausages or the "Hog Tails" (curly fries), you usually have to hunt a bit.
- Beer and Wine: Yes, they sell it. It’s available throughout the public concourses. Just remember you can’t bring it back to your seat in certain student-adjacent sections.
- Water Stations: There are free water refill stations. Look for them near the main Guest Service centers. Fayetteville in the fall can be 85 degrees or 45 degrees; either way, you need to stay hydrated.
Parking and the Shuttle Dance
You are not going to park at the stadium. Unless you are a "Broyles-Matthews Silver" level donor or higher, just give up on that dream right now.
Most fans use the shuttle system. It’s actually pretty efficient.
- The Silver Route: Runs from Baum-Walker Stadium (the baseball field) and the "Road Hog Park" to Gate 1. This is the big one. Shuttles start four hours before kickoff.
- The Gold Route: Runs from Lot 56 to Gate 16. This is perfect if you want to hit the "Fan Zone" at The Gardens before the game.
- Public Parking: If you didn't buy a permit, your best bet is the Harmon Avenue Parking Garage. It’s about $25, and it’s a hike, but it’s reliable. Or, park downtown near the Walton Arts Center for $10 and take the shuttle from there.
Common Misconceptions About the Stadium Map
One thing people always get wrong is the "Level" system. Because the stadium is built on a slope, the "Ground Level" on the north side is actually much higher in elevation than the "Field Level" on the south.
Also, don't assume you can walk a full 360-degree circle around every level. The suite levels and certain club areas are "walled off." If you’re on the 200 level on the east side and want to get to the west side, you usually have to go back down to the main concourse or up to the very top. It’s a bit of a maze.
Navigating Like a Local: Actionable Steps
To make your game day at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium actually enjoyable, do these three things:
- Download the digital map early. Cell service is notoriously spotty when 76,000 people are all trying to post to Instagram at the same time. Screenshot the seating chart and your tickets before you get near the stadium gates.
- Enter through the "Wrong" gate if necessary. If Gate 1 is backed up (it usually is), you can often walk around to Gate 16 or Gate 3 and get in much faster, even if it means a slightly longer walk to your section once you're inside.
- Time your bathroom breaks. Avoid the end of the 2nd quarter. The lines for the restrooms near the student section (Sections 125-128) are legendary. Head out with 4 minutes left in the half if you want to beat the rush.
Following the map isn't just about finding your seat; it's about managing the hills, the sun, and the crowds. Once you’re in your seat and the "Call of the Hogs" starts, the climb will feel worth it. Just make sure you’re in the right section before the kickoff.