First week of practices closed

Arkansas coach Bret Bielema watches the Razorbacks warm up during practice April 6, 2013 at Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville.

— Arkansas' first week of preseason practices will be closed to the public, Razorbacks coach Bret Bielema said Thursday.

Bielema, who also closed the majority of spring practices in his first year as Arkansas' head coach, said closed drills will give the coaching staff a chance to better evaluate the team. Additional practices might be opened to the public, Bielema said.

The first preseason practices have traditionally been open to fans.

The Razorbacks will open preseason practices Aug. 5. Arkansas' first game against Louisiana-Lafayette is scheduled for a 3 p.m. kickoff on Aug. 31 at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium.