By joint proclamation, the great stadium debate has ended. For nine years, at least.

The University of Arkansas and the War Memorial Stadium Commission announced Friday a twoyear extension to a contract originally signed in 2000 that will keep the Razorbacks playing in Little Rock through the 2016 season.

The new agreement calls for the Razorbacks to play two games per year, including at least one SEC game, at War Memorial Stadium for the next nine seasons. Had the original contract terms been fulfilled, the Razorbacks would have been required to play three games at War Memorial Stadium in two of the final seven years of the contract, and two in the other five seasons.

There are no plans to remove the LSU game from the Little Rock schedule every other season.

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The news conference Friday at the War Memorial Stadium press box was marked by both sides heaping praise on the other for the ease with which the parties reached agreement, a scene that was a far cry from the acrimony that surrounded the original negotiations. In 2000, a fierce rift developed between the northwest and central parts of the state over the university’s desire to move one of the traditional three games from Little Rock to Fayetteville.

This time, it was War Memorial Stadium Commission Director Gary Smith who proposed giving up the three-game obligation in exchange for a two-year extension.

“We approached [Arkansas Athletic Director ] Jeff [Long ] with this idea shortly after became athletic director,” Smith said. “With today’s announcement, as far as I’m concerned, the great stadium debate has ended. There were no counteroffers. It was an open, good-faith discussion that was in the interest of all involved.”

It took a 15-minute meeting between Long and the commission in July to reach an agreement, and the problems surrounding the 2000 contract never surfaced.

“To be honest, I haven’t dwelled much on the 2000 decision,” Long said. “I’m focused on the future and the environment I have now to work with. We really are pleased with this agreement, because I think it’s a commitment that makes sense and is worthwhile to both parties. The Razorbacks are important to this entire state, and we know playing in Little Rock and central Arkansas is important to this entire state.”

Playing at War Memorial Stadium apparently is important to the players, as well.

“I love it. It’s not our home stadium, but it kind of is,” Arkansas tight end Andrew Davie said. “I think it’s a special atmosphere down there. War Memorial is one of those smaller places, but it always seems to be loud down there. I don’t know what it is. I don’t know if the fans are just excited, or maybe there’s some fans from the south who don’t get as far north, up here. We’re really excited about playing down there.”

Long said he hasn’t heard complaints from people in Northwest Arkansas who want to see all games moved to Fayetteville’s Reynolds Razorbacks Stadium. But he knows that after Friday’s announcement the criticism might come.

Long has an answer for those who oppose games at War Memorial Stadium, and it differs from that of Frank Broyles, Long’s predecessor, who for a time was open in his desire to move all games to Fayetteville.

“I would just tell them that we are the University of Arkansas. We’re the state institution, the flagship institution,” Long said. “This is a sign of our commitment that we understand how important Little Rock and central Arkansas is to us as we reach out and touch all areas of the state. We need all Razorbacks supporting our program in this state. This is a sign that we understand the importance of every Razorback fan across the state.”

Smith and the stadium commission also understand the need to renovate and improve War Memorial Stadium, which is why this contract extension took place when it did.

Smith said any financing the stadium receives for major improvements comes from bonds issued for terms directly tied to the university’s contract with the stadium. To obtain the financing necessary for a total renovation of the press box, the most pressing need at War Memorial Stadium, a contract extension was necessary.

War Memorial Stadium General Manager Charlie Staggs said that after the 2009 season, as a result of this extension, the press box will be torn down to its steel frame in a major renovation. Smith said he expects either club seating or suites to be included in the new press box, which will be extended in all directions.

Smith declined to discuss any other specific renovations, except to say there are plans that will be revealed later. War Memorial Stadium’s 53, 727 seat-capacity has not been expanded since 1974, but Smith said while adding to that capacity would help, adding premium seating such as what is proposed for the press box would be more beneficial.

Long said the university did not require any assurances from the commission regarding improvements to the stadium before entering the new agreement.

The relief from the three-game obligation in two of the final seven years was necessary, however.

With Arkansas in a 10-year, neutral-site contract with Texas A&M, the Razorbacks have less flexibility with scheduling. Long said War Memorial Stadium giving up two games was crucial to the extension.