Music, Sports & Wrestling: Central Arkansas venues packed on busy Saturday

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Although much of the attention was focused on the historic football matchup at War Memorial Stadium on Saturday, several other forms of entertainment were also bustling in the Natural State.

From professional baseball and pro wrestling to sold-out concerts and in-state football games, business was booming across central Arkansas this weekend.

The Arkansas Travelers drew a crowd of more than 5,800 to CHI St. Vincent Field at Dickey-Stephens Park for their final regular-season homestand on Saturday. While they lost 6-5, fans got free baseball as the game went 13 innings before Amarillo Sod Poodles prospect Ryan Waldschmidt bunted home the winning run.

Across the river on Seventh Street, Vino’s Brewpub is no stranger to packed Saturday nights with a back room full of screaming people. This weekend, however, the screams came from TAC Wrestling, which hosted an event showcasing some of the best talent in central Arkansas and surrounding area. Wrestlers showcased included K. Toomer, Avrion Gray, Buck Skynyr and Grayson Beckett.

Several iconic music venues in and around the capital city hosted concerts during the busy weekend. Birdies Cabaret Theater and Lounge in North Little Rock featured Direwolf’s “Winter Rituals” album release, which included performances by Dead Register and Tempus Terra. Rising folk star and Natural State native Willi Carlisle took up residence at the Whitewater Tavern Friday and Saturday with a pair of shows titled “Lost Patterns” nights one and two.

Between a pair of in-state college football games in Little Rock and Conway, more than 64,000 fans packed stadiums on Saturday. War Memorial Stadium saw an attendance of more than 54,000 for the historic matchup between the Arkansas Razorbacks and Arkansas State Red Wolves. First Security Field at Estes Stadium had a capacity crowd of 10,000 for the UCA Bears and UAPB Golden Lions game.

There’s always something going on in the Natural State, from gridirons and diamonds to stages and screens. To stay on top of everything happening, visit our Local Events page.