Hogs announce new fee for fan concessions

FAYETTEVILLE, AR. Arkansas fans can expect price increases on concessions and other items at Razorback games and events starting this weekend due to a new tax.

Among many other items in athletic director Hunter Yurachek’s letter to fans, he announced a 3% “student-athlete scholarship enhancement fee.” on concessions and other merchandise sold at Razorback events starting this weekend.

Yurachek explained that due to roster limitations and scholarship changes expected for the 2025-26 school year, he expects the athletic department will need to fund 75-100 additional scholarships for the 19 men’s and women’s athletic teams that currently exist in Arkansas. The additional scholarships are expected to cost the university $3 million a year.

“Each transaction will include a three percent commission that will be used to fund additional scholarships that will be implemented upon final approval of the agreement,” Yurachek wrote in the letter. “This is a small but meaningful way fans can show support for current and future Razorback student-athletes.”

It’s the latest example of how college programs are adapting to the changing landscape of income distribution, additional scholarships and a major net-zero shift.

In September, Tennessee announced it would impose a 10% talent fee on football tickets starting in 2025 in anticipation of upcoming changes.

Yurachek also estimated that the department would generate $22 million in annual revenue from the proposed revenue sharing.

Fans can expect the new tax to go into effect at Razorback Stadium when the Hogs take on No. 19 Ole Miss at 11 a.m. Saturday. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.

• Calipari hopes to attract more Razorback fans beyond the state