The University of Arkansas athletic department announced that the Razorbacks baseball and softball programs will return to Fayetteville this fall for the Diamond Classic, an eight‑game exhibition series organized by Diamond Sports Alliance. The schedule provides local fans with a chance to watch both teams compete in a mix of exhibition games, Red‑White scrimmages and home‑run derbies.
Schedule and venues
The series opens on Friday, September 18, with a softball Red‑White game at 4 p.m. in Bogle Park, followed by a baseball Red‑White game and a home‑run derby presented by Wright’s Barbecue at 7 p.m. in Baum‑Walker Stadium. After each softball contest, fans can meet players and coaches for autographs before the evening baseball game.
Saturday, October 3, the Razorbacks will face regional opponents. Arkansas softball will host Tulsa at Bogle Park, while the baseball squad will take on Little Rock at Baum‑Walker Stadium. The matchup also marks the return of former Arkansas assistant coach DJ Gasso, now head coach at Tulsa.
Two weeks later, on Saturday, October 17, Arkansas softball welcomes Oklahoma State, and the baseball team hosts Dallas Baptist. Game times for the October 3 and October 17 contests will be announced later.
The series concludes on Friday, October 23. Softball will hold its second Red‑White game and a home‑run derby at 4 p.m. in Bogle Park, and baseball will close the fall competition against Central Arkansas at 7 p.m. in Baum‑Walker Stadium.
Ticket information
General admission tickets for a single baseball game cost $17 and provide seating in the stadium bowl from the dugouts to the outfield, plus access to the Hog Pen. Premium baseball tickets are $27 and include seats behind home plate and in Hog Heaven. Four‑game baseball passes are available for $51 (general admission), $81 (premium) and $91 for suite or loge box seats.
Softball single‑game general admission tickets are $11 and include chair‑back seating and access to the Bogle Berm. Four‑game softball passes cost $33, while suite passes are $63 per ticket. All prices include fees. Proceeds from the Diamond Classic will support Name, Image and Likeness opportunities for Arkansas baseball and softball student‑athletes.
Coaches and recent achievements
Baseball head coach Dave Van Horn will lead the Razorbacks in three exhibition games and a Red‑White scrimmage, while also overseeing the home‑run derby. Softball head coach Courtney Deifel guides a program that recently earned its first trip to the Women’s College World Series, adding excitement to the fall schedule.
The Diamond Classic offers a family‑friendly environment for the Fayetteville community, giving parents and students a chance to enjoy high‑level collegiate athletics before the regular season begins. The event also highlights the university’s commitment to supporting student‑athletes through NIL initiatives, aligning with broader efforts to provide opportunities for young men and women to benefit from their athletic talents.
Community impact
Local businesses, including Wright’s Barbecue, are partners in the event, sponsoring the home‑run derbies and contributing to the festive atmosphere. The series is expected to draw fans from across northwest Arkansas, boosting hospitality venues and reinforcing Fayetteville’s reputation as a hub for college sports.
Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.
