Fans from Arkansas, Tennessee fill Fayetteville for SEC showdown

Pregame festivities began well before sunset in Fayetteville on Friday. Dickson Street was filled mostly with Arkansas fans, but there were also a fair number of Tennessee fans. “Well, this is one of the places we haven’t been to,” Tennessee fan Nick Tate said. “So we wanted to come here and experience Arkansas.” Arkansas fans from other states also want to experience everything the Natural State has to offer. “Well, we're here for the game,” Arkansas fan Rod Shemberger said. “We are here to support our family. Our daughter is here. She studies here. And we're just here to have a good time.” At past games this season, you may have arrived about an hour before they start. This is a weekend where police say you need to allow extra time. “Be patient,” said Matt Mills, assistant police chief at the University of Arkansas. “Traffic will probably be very heavy. Both for vehicles and pedestrians.” Local authorities usually meet several days before the actual game to begin developing a plan for the game weekend. Let's look at things like when the gates open, when the teams arrive and when kick-off occurs. “We inform our officials four hours before kickoff and then direct traffic three hours before kickoff,” Mills said. “So our large contingent of officers is on site anywhere from 9 to more than 10 hours per game.” Law enforcement from neighboring counties will also provide resources on game day. Officials say they will be on the lookout for anything that seems unusual. Fans only focus on the gaming experience. “Go Vols,” Tate said. “Go Hogs,” Shemberger said. Cheers that you will definitely hear again and again on Saturday evening.