Cella, a graduate of the University’s Law School, said it’s no secret these are tough financial times for college sports, especially those at the University of Arkansas.  “They are competing in the toughest conference in the nation, and regularly going up against schools with far greater resources,” said Cella.  “If the Razorbacks are going to remain competitive, it’s going to take backing from all of us.”

 “The University sincerely appreciates what Louis and other business leaders are doing,” said Razorback head football coach Sam Pittman, “and Louis is correct.  This is what it is going to take for us to compete in the SEC and nationally.”

 For more than 100 years, the two largest sports programs in Arkansas have been the Razorbacks and Oaklawn.  Cella pointed out it wasn’t that many years ago when Oaklawn was struggling itself, trying to somehow find a way to compete with all the changes in the racing industry.  “We know what it is like to feel outgunned,” he said.  “So I’m pleased to now be in a position where we can help.  I realize this doesn’t solve the financial crunch for U of A athletics.  But if more Arkansas businesses will consider pitching in too, it will be a huge step in the right direction for Razorback nation.”

 Moving forward, Oaklawn is working on adding the Razorback Foundation to the Everi Cares Giving Module that is already installed on our gaming voucher kiosks which our patrons use to donate to local charities.