New look for Walton Arena’s basketball court

A larger Razorbacks logo, a lighter background and no-charge zones are some of the changes to the court at Bud Walton Arena this season.

— Walton Arena’s court will have a new look in its 19th season as home of the Arkansas Razorbacks men’s and women’s basketball teams.

Among the changes: the court has been refinished so that it has a lighter shade; the Razorbacks logo at midcourt is larger; and “Bud Walton Arena” is written on both sides of the court.

Arkansas Athletic Director Jeff Long said the court was refurbished and repainted to accommodate recent rule changes as well as enhance the visibility of the court during televised games.

“Fans will notice a larger Razorback in the center of the floor, only one three-point line and new markings in the lane to assist officials with charging calls underneath the basket,” Long said. “As part of this process, we felt it was also a great opportunity to further enhance the national reputation of Bud Walton Arena, as one of the premier venues in the nation for college basketball.

“When viewers tune in for a national television broadcast, we want to make certain they know they are watching the Arkansas Razorbacks at Bud Walton Arena.”

The NCAA Division I Basketball Rules Committee has approved an NBA-style no-charge zone — with a semicircle under the basket — for this season and made the women’s three-point line the same as the men at 20 feet, 9 inches, meaning it no longer will be necessary to have two lines.

The no-charge zone will extend 3 feet from the center of the basket.

Sports, Pages 22 on 08/16/2011