Bud Walton Arena: Your complete guide to events at the University of Arkansas

Bud Walton Arena is one of the premier indoor venues in Arkansas and the home of Arkansas Razorbacks men’s and women’s basketball. Located on the University of Arkansas campus in Fayetteville, the arena hosts basketball, concerts, family shows and special university events throughout the year. This guide covers everything you need to know before visiting Bud Walton Arena.

What is Bud Walton Arena?

Bud Walton Arena is a multi-purpose indoor arena on the University of Arkansas campus. Opened in 1993, it serves as the home court for the Arkansas Razorbacks men’s and women’s basketball teams and regularly hosts concerts, commencements and other live events. The arena was named after Bud Walton, co-founder of Walmart and a major supporter of the university, and is known for its modern design, large seating capacity and high-energy atmosphere.

Where is Bud Walton Arena located?

Bud Walton Arena is located at 1 Razorback Road in Fayetteville, Arkansas, on the University of Arkansas campus. The arena sits near major academic and athletic buildings, making it a central destination for students and visitors alike. Its location provides easy access from downtown Fayetteville and surrounding areas.

What events are held at Bud Walton Arena?

Bud Walton Arena hosts a variety of sports and entertainment events throughout the year, with basketball as the main attraction.

Arkansas Razorbacks basketball games

The Razorbacks men’s and women’s basketball teams play all home games at Bud Walton Arena. Conference matchups, rivalry games and NCAA tournament games draw passionate fans and create one of the loudest college basketball environments in the country.

Concerts and live entertainment

Bud Walton Arena regularly hosts concerts, comedy tours and family-friendly shows. The arena’s size and acoustics allow for strong views and a high-quality concert experience.

Other events at Bud Walton Arena

In addition to sports and concerts, the arena hosts university commencements, community events and special performances depending on the season and schedule.

Bud Walton Arena seating guide

Bud Walton Arena has a seating capacity of approximately 19,200 for basketball games, with flexible configurations for concerts and special events. The arena features a bowl-style layout designed to provide clear sightlines and keep fans close to the action.

Best seats at Bud Walton Arena

Lower level center sections offer the best views for basketball games, floor seats provide close proximity to the stage for concerts, and upper level seats offer a more affordable option with solid sightlines. Seating layouts can vary by event, so reviewing the seating chart for your specific event is recommended.

Getting to Bud Walton Arena

Planning transportation ahead of time can make attending an event easier, especially for sold-out games or popular shows.

Parking near Bud Walton Arena

Parking is available in several university-operated surface lots and garages surrounding the arena. Availability may vary depending on the event, so arriving early is recommended. Many fans also use nearby private lots or rideshare services to avoid post-event congestion.

Public transportation and walking

Bud Walton Arena is accessible via local buses and is within walking distance of nearby campus parking areas and downtown Fayetteville hotels. Many fans also use rideshare services for convenience.

What to know before you go

Bud Walton Arena is a smoke-free venue, and security screenings are required for entry. Bag policies may apply depending on the event, and concessions and merchandise stands are available throughout the arena. Checking event-specific policies ahead of time can help ensure a smooth visit.

FAQs about Bud Walton Arena

How many people does Bud Walton Arena hold?

Bud Walton Arena holds approximately 19,200 fans for basketball games, with capacity varying slightly for concerts or other event setups.

Is Bud Walton Arena only used for basketball?

No. While basketball is the primary use, the arena also hosts concerts, commencements and various live entertainment events.

Is Bud Walton Arena accessible by public transportation?

Yes. The arena is accessible via Fayetteville public transportation and is within walking distance of campus parking areas and nearby hotels.

Why Bud Walton Arena stands out

Bud Walton Arena combines a central campus location, modern design and flexible event spaces. From Razorbacks basketball to major concerts, it offers an engaging and high-energy live event experience for fans across Fayetteville and the surrounding region.