EL DORADO, Ark. – El Dorado city officials announced Monday the creation of the annual Boomtown Football Classic featuring the University of Arkansas at Monticello Boll Weevils and the Southern Arkansas University Muleriders.  

According to Matt Thomas, chairman of the El Dorado Advertising and Promotion Commission, the fall football classic will feature UAM and SAU on a two-year home-and- home agreement. “We are delighted to host these two south Arkansas universities in what promises to be a festival type weekend in El Dorado, Arkansas’ Original Boomtown,” said Thomas.  

The 2009 game is scheduled for November 7 at Memorial Stadium in El Dorado.  Capacity of the stadium is 9,269.  The event is being sponsored by the El Dorado Advertising and Promotion Commission.  

El Dorado Mayor Mike Dumas introduced SAU President David Rankin and UAM Chancellor Jack Lassiter at the El Dorado Rotary Club on Monday.  Dumas stated that city officials have worked for several years to bring collegiate athletic competition to El Dorado.

“UAM is excited about the opportunity to compete in El Dorado against one of our long-time rivals,” said Lassiter. “We appreciate the efforts of the local committee in the development of what we envision to be a wonderful weekend for alumni, students and football fans.  We are especially excited about the opportunity for a continuing partnership with the residents of this area as we have many present and prospective students, friends and alumni in El Dorado.”

The November 7 matchup between UAM and SAU will not be the first time these two schools have played in El Dorado.  The Boll Weevils and Muleriders met there in 1933 and ’34 and again in 1946 and ’47. The 1933 game was dubbed the “Battle of the Goat” as the two agricultural schools battled for a prized Aggie goat named Nanny.  A crowd of 3500 gathered under the lights at El Dorado’s Rowland field as the two played to a 0-0 tie.

In addition to the game, city officials are working with local organizations to host a concert and other activities during the Boomtown Classic, such as alumni events, tailgating opportunities, band competition and other entertainment.  Officials stated that they are negotiating naming rights and title sponsorships of the events. For additional information contact The Diamond Agency, advertising agency of record for the city at (870) 862-1010.