FAYETTEVILLE, Ark — Arkansas baseball will open a new fall tradition Friday night when the Razorbacks host a Red-White Game and Home Run Derby at Baum-Walker Stadium as part of the inaugural Diamond Classic.
The event is scheduled for 6:45 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, and will follow Arkansas softball’s Red-White Game at Bogle Park. The two events will open an eight-game fall series designed to bring Arkansas baseball and softball together through exhibition games, fan events and other activities.
The Red-White Game will give Arkansas its first opportunity this fall to compete in front of fans at Baum-Walker Stadium as the Razorbacks continue preparations for the 2027 season.
The Home Run Derby, presented by Wright’s Barbecue, will precede the Red-White portion of the evening.
Friday’s event is different from a traditional fall exhibition because of the larger event surrounding it. The Diamond Classic was created by Diamond Sports Alliance and includes four baseball dates and four softball dates between September and October. Proceeds from the event will support Name, Image and Likeness opportunities for student-athletes in both programs.
Arkansas will continue the Diamond Classic with an exhibition against Little Rock on Oct. 3, followed by a game against Dallas Baptist on Oct. 17. The fall schedule concludes Oct. 23 against Central Arkansas at Baum-Walker Stadium.
The Red-White Game also provides an early look at a program entering a new season after opening fall practice Sept. 9.
Arkansas is scheduled to return several players from last year’s team while incorporating a large group of newcomers. The Razorbacks’ fall roster includes returning infielders Reese Robinett, TJ Pompey and Nolan Souza, along with pitchers Cole Gibler, Steele Eaves and Jackson Kircher.
The pitching staff will also feature several new faces, while transfers such as Central Arkansas outfielder Zeb Allen, Kansas State outfielder AJ Evasco and Tennessee infielder Manny Marin add experience from other Division I programs.
For fans attending Friday’s event, baseball general admission tickets are $17 and include seating in the Baum-Walker Stadium seating bowl from the dugouts through the outfield and access to the Hog Pen. Premium general admission tickets are $27 and include sections behind home plate and Hog Heaven. Series passes are also available.
The softball Red-White Game begins at 4 p.m. at Bogle Park, giving fans an opportunity to attend both events Friday. Following the softball game, fans can meet Arkansas softball players and coaches and get autographs at Baum-Walker Stadium before the baseball portion of the Diamond Classic begins.
The inaugural Diamond Classic will give Arkansas baseball fans their first look at the 2027 Razorbacks in a game environment while combining the program with Arkansas softball for a full night of events in Fayetteville.