Good morning, Springdale.

Downtown Springdale Alliance has installed an outdoor screen at Luther George Park to host World Cup watch parties this summer, featuring nonprofits, food vendors, and community groups.

Next Level Soccer Center will host indoor viewings and festive events during the tournament (attendees may bring blankets and chairs).

Country star Dierks Bentley will launch his Off The Map tour on June 12 at 7 p.m. at Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion in Rogers with guest Ricky Skaggs.

Tickets are $35 standard and $302.10 for VIP.

Fayetteville-based Blk Elk was selected as a finalist at the Mountainfilm Festival, held over Memorial Day weekend in Telluride, Colo (its four-minute film 'Jaunt' follows a young professional finding relief on a mountain bike ride shot in northwest Arkansas).

University of Arkansas economist Mervin Jebaraj said data centers + AI are driving business investment while higher energy prices slow consumer spending.

He noted that Northwest Arkansas continues to show job growth in leisure and hospitality, even as construction funding runs out.

Northwest Technical Institute celebrated its 50th anniversary Thursday in Springdale by burying a new time capsule with memorabilia such as a red balloon and a nursing tool that will be opened in 25 years, and the school also opened a 19,800 sqft ammonia refrigeration training facility that is boosting enrollment.

Arkansas athletics is nearing its $30 million goal for the new football-specific All In Fund—over $21.9 million has been pledged through Razorback Foundation naming rights, helping cover coach and support staff pay while officials expect further revenue gains from new multimedia deals.

Arkansas soccer released its 2026 schedule on Thursday — Razorbacks will play five of six nonconference matches at Razorback Field except for one at Loyola Maryland on Aug.

16. The schedule includes preseason exhibitions on Aug. 5 and 8 along with SEC league games later this fall.

Arkansas softball assistant coach DJ Gasso accepted a head coaching job at Tulsa last Thursday after leading the Razorbacks to record offensive success + he will replace Crissy Strimple.

Arkansas football hosted about 20 prospects for official visits last weekend and will welcome 15 recruits to Fayetteville this weekend.

Notable recruits include quarterback Colton Nussmeier (a 4-star athlete) among others exploring scholarship offers.

Arkansas men’s basketball will face North Carolina in the SEC-ACC Challenge on Dec.

1 at the Dean Smith Center in Chapel Hill — marking their first on-campus game.

Arkansas right-handed pitcher Saylor Timmerman will return for her sophomore season after ranking third on the team as a freshman, posting a 3.42 ERA over (73 2/3 innings pitched) and earning wins against Alabama, Florida and Texas.

2026 Springdale Rotary Pig Trail Mud Run

8 AM – 1 PM — Ecclesia College — Ticket prices start at $89 — Get muddy and tackle 20+ obstacles for a great cause.

Nike Volleyball Camp at University of Arkansas

9 a.m. — University Recreation + Wellness, Fayetteville, AR — $455 — Elevate your game with expert coaching and classroom sessions at this enriching girls' volleyball camp.

Lucinda Williams Concert

6:00-8:30 p.m. — The Walmart AMP — Ticket prices vary — Experience the soulful sounds of three-time Grammy Winner Lucinda Williams on her current tour.