Arkansas Fans Frustrated by Another Late NCAA Tournament Tip-Off
The NCAA announced Sweet 16 tip times, and Arkansas drew another late slot. The No. 4 seed faces No. 1 Arizona at 8:45 p.m. CT Thursday in San Jose, California, on CBS.
Travel and scheduling woes
Fans criticized the West Coast placement after earlier rounds in Portland. Many supporters hoped for closer sites such as Oklahoma City or St. Louis.
The long trip makes in-person attendance difficult for many. It also forces fans to plan around travel costs and hotels.
Earlier game times and coach reaction
Arkansas opened the tournament with a 97-78 victory over No. 13 Hawaii. That game officially started at 3:27 p.m. CT and ended during the workday.
Coach John Calipari suggested the team would play later after their afternoon showing. The Razorbacks then faced No. 12 High Point at 8:45 p.m. CT as the day’s final game.
Arkansas beat High Point 94-88 to reach the Sweet 16. Calipari’s March experience should ease late-game preparation.
Fans’ response
Arkansas fans frustrated have voiced complaints on social media and message boards. The late NCAA tournament tip-off times force many to watch from work or stay up past midnight.
Fans lose the convenience of nearby sites and easy drives to games. Others must juggle work schedules, classes, and travel plans.
Television and timing details
CBS will televise the Arkansas-Arizona Sweet 16 game. The 8:45 p.m. CT tip places it among the day’s last matchups.
Calipari said he will prepare his team regardless of tip time. Still, fans and travel logistics remain a key concern for Arkansas followers.
