HURLEYSHere’s a recap of a recent watch party locale Arkansas fans call home in New York City.

Meet Arkansas’ newest rival, the Missouri Tigers. Missouri left the Big 12 Conference, joined the Southeastern Conference in 2012 and after Arkansas’ hard fought 73-71 win, this should become one of the best rivalries in the SEC. Arkansas lost all of its rivals when they left the Southwest Conference for the Southeastern Conference in’92.

Bud Walton Arena attendance was listed at 19,004 and Saturday’s Arkansas Alumni Association – Greater New York Chapter watch party attendance at Hurley’s Saloon was the largest of the season. Even though there were a few more folks at the game, the NYC game-watching crew cheered just as loud as we dominated the back area of the bar for over two hours.

What helps make for an even more exciting afternoon were the remarkable University of Arkansas architectural students who were in town on a school project. They had heard through the grapevine about our watch party location and decided to stop by. The students marveled at the Hog Hats hanging from the East Side bar and after the win, were given a tour of the third floor Arkansas room.  They especially enjoyed the $2.00 cans of Pork Slap Pale Ale listed on our Hurley’s Saloon Razorback Menu.

Local Arkansas Alumnus, Nicole Cotton, was in attendance with her parents and friends, who made the trip north from Arkansas. Nicole’s dad cheered the loudest! Even Hurley owner, Paul Barbey, kept stopping by to check out the game.

However, during all of the excitement on Saturday, there was one big disappointment.  My Cannon Rebel XL for 9 years took its last photo…The software finally gave way.  Nicole and I had to use our camera phones for back-up.

– Gordon