PHOTOS: Arkansas fans attend parties, concert on Belk Bowl trip

Arkansas fans attend parties, concert on bowl trip

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Razorback fans attending the 2016 Belk Bowl found their way to The Queen City from points far and near, proving the team's support stretches well beyond the Arkansas border. Prior to the Hogs' Dec. 29 contest against the Virginia Tech Hokies, the Arkansas Alumni Association hosted a welcome reception/Razorback social at Rooftop 210 the previous night and then a game-day Hog Wild Tailgate at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Both venues are downtown.

The welcome reception was a come-and-go affair for all fans and alumni that was Dutch-treat, with the first two libations provided. A portion of the Razorback band, along with the University of Arkansas' spirit squads and mascots, helped rev up the crowd. UA Chancellor Joe Steinmetz and Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Jeff Long led the traditional hog call.

All eyes were on featured twirler Savannah Miller of Kansas City, Mo., as she performed the moves that earned her the title of 2016 National Collegiate Twirling Champion in Mobile, Ala., in July and a silver medal when she competed for Team USA at the World Baton Twirling Championships in August in Helsingborg, Sweden. "It's the closest thing we have to Olympics," she said.

The 20-year-old broadcast journalism major said she came to Arkansas because of the reputation of the university's twirlers. She practices two to three hours per day, seven days a week in addition to related workout routines.

The spirit squads and mascots also performed at the Dec. 29 tailgate party organized by the alumni association at the NASCAR landmark. A barbecued pork and chicken buffet including coleslaw, salad, macaroni and cheese, baked beans and corn muffins was served.

Afterward, Belk Bowl ticketholders were invited to attend a concert by country star Tim McGraw at BB&T Ballpark (McGraw fans not attending the game were required to buy tickets). Though officials reportedly capped attendance at 10,000, about a tenth that number turned out. Belk also hosted a FanFest event with food, merchandise and other entertainment outside Bank of America Stadium, where the Hokies beat the Hogs 35-24.

High Profile on 01/08/2017

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