Arkansas Athletic Director Asks Fans Not to Storm the Court Against Kentucky

The Arkansas Razorbacks are feeling confident, to say the least. Eric Musselman’s squad has only lost once in its last 13 games, earning victories against Tennessee and top-ranked Auburn during that stretch. Wins over Top 25 teams at Bud Walton Arena have become commonplace and they don’t expect that to change Saturday against Kentucky.

Ahead of the matchup with the Wildcats, Arkansas athletic director Hunter Yurachek submitted a request to Razorback fans. “IF we’re fortunate enough to take down the No. 3 Wildcats, we’re taking the celebration to you this time,” Yurachek Tweeted. “In an effort to keep all student-athletes, the visiting team, officials and YOU safe, we ask that everyone remain off the court and allow our team to come celebrate with you.”

Even with the underlined “IF,” the statement is awfully presumptuous, don’t you think?

Another big opportunity for @RazorbackMBB tomorrow, as we host a very good Kentucky team at Bud Walton Arena. I know, because of the passion of Razorback fans, the atmosphere will be special. If we WIN, we will celebrate like Razorbacks do, just not on the court. #OneRazorback pic.twitter.com/xd9pAxy1z4

— Hunter Yurachek (@HunterYurachek) February 25, 2022

While the sentiment of safety is kind of Mr. Yurachek, that’s not the primary motivation for the Arkansas administration. The school was fined $250,000 in February when fans stormed the court following the 80-76 win over No. 1 Auburn. In September the school paid a $100,000 fine when fans rushed the field after Arkansas upset Texas. When the league handed down the second fine, Yurachek Tweeted, “Priceless.” That sounds nice, but Arkansas doesn’t want to be on the hook for more than a half-million in fines in one sports calendar year.

Set the Arkansas motivations aside, and it’s safe to say that this will motivate the “roadkill” Kentucky basketball team. This will not be their first t-shirt night, but this is the first time an opponent is openly preparing for fans to storm the court a day before tip-off. If all goes to plan, all of that preparation will be a waste of time.