BBQ at Bailey Celebrates 20 Years of Trojan Tradition, Student-Athletes, and Community

With plates piled high, a sea of maroon and silver on full display, and generations of Trojans filling the patio of the Bailey Alumni and Friends Center, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock community celebrated the 20th annual BBQ at Bailey on Oct. 7.

Hosted by the UA Little Rock Alumni Association, the annual event brings the campus and the Little Rock community together to celebrate the start of a new academic year while recognizing the accomplishments of the university’s student-athletes. 

This year’s celebration welcomed nearly 2,000 attendees and was supported by more than 130 volunteers, including alumni, students and representatives from local businesses and corporate partners.

Vice Chancellor for University Advancement Christian O’Neal described BBQ at Bailey as another way the university’s spirit extends beyond campus.

“BBQ at Bailey is another way we are painting the town maroon,” O’Neal said. “It’s an extension of our school spirit and the community.”

Celebrating 100 years and looking ahead

The event held added significance as the university celebrates its Centennial. Chancellor Christina S. Drale reflected on the university’s 100-year history and its role in serving Little Rock and Arkansas as a whole.

“Our Centennial Year gives us an opportunity to honor those who helped build this institution, to recognize all those who have benefited from what we’ve built, and to celebrate a century of creating opportunity for students and serving Little Rock and the state of Arkansas,” Drale said.

She also highlighted the university’s recent momentum, including a fourth consecutive year of enrollment growth, a freshman class that has grown more than 70% over the past four years, and continued investments in academic programs and campus facilities.

“There is a lot happening at UA Little Rock, and all of you are part of it,” Drale said.

Recognizing Trojan athletes

Student-athletes and coaches were central to the celebration, continuing the event’s tradition of recognizing the Trojans who represent the university in competition.

Director of Athletics Frank Cuervo highlighted another championship season for Trojan Baseball, including the team’s postseason run to the NCAA Super Regionals, the final 16 teams in the country. He also looked ahead to the upcoming basketball season, including a new era for Little Rock Basketball under new Coach Travis Ford and the Trojans’ first season competing in the United Athletic Conference.

But the celebration was about more than wins and championships.

“As proud as we are of the wins and championships, we’re even more proud of the students who represent Little Rock every time they compete,” Cuervo said.

Little Rock Athletics recently posted a 3.49 department-wide GPA, with 129 earning Dean’s List honors and 71 posting a perfect 4.0 GPA.

A tradition that brings the community together

BBQ at Bailey has become a place where generations of Trojans come to reconnect.

For Loris Fullerton, a 1974 graduate and member of the UA Little Rock Alumni Association, the event is a chance to see that connection extend well beyond the university’s current students.

“I love BBQ at Bailey! I think this is one of the best crowds I’ve seen out here,” Fullerton said. “It’s wonderful to see such strong support from across the community.”

For 2026 graduate Wren Miller, coming back to campus meant reconnecting with familiar faces and the people who supported her along the way.

“My favorite part of UA Little Rock is the community,” Miller said. “I really love coming back onto campus and seeing familiar faces and the people who helped me pave my way.”

That same connection continues for current students like Mary Taylor, a sophomore and member of the Little Rock dance team, who sees the event as a chance to celebrate both where the university has been and where it is headed.

“The best part of BBQ at Bailey is seeing the community come together and have fun and celebrate these last hundred years of the university, and the many years it has to come,” Taylor said.

That combination of history, community, and student achievement has kept BBQ at Bailey a tradition for two decades.

As UA Little Rock celebrates its 100th year, the 20th BBQ at Bailey gave Trojans another opportunity to celebrate the university, its students and student-athletes, and the connections that have carried the institution through its first century.

“This was a fantastic year for BBQ at Bailey, our 20th year of the event, celebrating 100 years here with the Centennial Campaign,” said Guy Choate, president of the UA Little Rock Alumni Association. “It says a lot about the institution itself and how great it is for this community and the value it provides for our students and alumni.”