War Memorial Stadium, nestled inside Little Rock’s scenic War Memorial Park, opened on September 18, 1948, as a $1.2 million tribute to Arkansans who gave their lives in the two World Wars. Designed by architect Bruce R. Anderson in an Art Deco style and formally dedicated by Medal of Honor recipient Maurice Britt, the stadium seated an original 31,075 fans before expansions eventually brought capacity to 54,120.
For more than seven decades, War Memorial Stadium served as the secondary home of the University of Arkansas Razorbacks football program, drawing some of the largest crowds in Arkansas sports history. Listed on the Arkansas Register of Historic Places since 1998, the stadium stands as one of the state’s most storied athletic venues — a memorial in concrete and steel to both wartime sacrifice and enduring community pride.
Stats at a Glance
- Location: Little Rock, Arkansas
- Opened: September 18, 1948
- Capacity: 54,120 (as of 2010 renovation)
- Primary Teams: Arkansas Razorbacks (1948–2025); Catholic High School Rockets
- Construction Cost: $1.2 million (1947)
- Surface: FieldTurf, branded AT&T Field (2006–)
- Historic Designation: Arkansas Register of Historic Places, 1998
- Record Attendance: 55,914 — vs. Alabama, September 19, 1992
A Memorial Built to Honor the Fallen
The idea for a stadium-as-memorial took shape in the years following World War II, when Arkansas legislators sought a lasting tribute to the state’s military dead. Construction wrapped in 1947, and the stadium hosted its very first contest on September 18, 1948 — a 40–6 Arkansas Razorbacks victory over Abilene Christian. The following day, Maurice Britt, a former Razorback and one of the most decorated American soldiers of World War II, formally dedicated the venue to ‘the memory of her native sons and daughters who have given so much that we might have our freedom.’ Designed with Art Deco flourishes by architect Bruce R. Anderson, the structure reflected the civic pride — and solemn purpose — that underwrote it.
Decades of Football, Concerts, and Unforgettable Moments
The stadium expanded twice over its life — first to around 40,000 seats in 1960 and then to over 53,000 in 1967 — tracking the state’s growing appetite for Razorbacks football. The record crowd of 55,914 packed the stands on September 19, 1992, for a matchup against Alabama. Beyond football, the stadium welcomed President Harry S. Truman in 1949, hosted Billy Graham’s evangelistic crusades in 1959 and 1989, and staged concerts by the Rolling Stones, the Eagles, and Elton John and Billy Joel, who drew 41,274 fans in 1995. A $7.3 million renovation in 2010 added a three-story press box and improved club seating, extending the venue’s life well into the 21st century before the Razorbacks concluded their Little Rock residency following the 2025 season.
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War Memorial Stadium FAQs
Why is it called War Memorial Stadium?
The stadium was built by the Arkansas state government as a permanent memorial to Arkansans who died serving in World War I and World War II. It was formally dedicated on September 19, 1948, by Medal of Honor recipient Maurice Britt.
How many people does War Memorial Stadium hold?
War Memorial Stadium’s capacity reached 54,120 after a 2010 renovation. The original 1948 configuration held about 31,075 fans.
Did the Arkansas Razorbacks stop playing at War Memorial Stadium?
Yes. The Razorbacks used War Memorial Stadium as their Little Rock home for more than 75 years, but their last scheduled games there concluded in the 2025 season, closing a defining chapter in the stadium’s football history.
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Photo: Brandonrush / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.