Historical Arkansas Eclipse

Proposed Timeline for Submissions and Review

The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism (ADPHT) is providing a notice of opportunity inviting potential special event organizers to submit proposed plans to promote and manage the 2024 Great American Eclipse at WMS. The proposal deadline is February 1, 2024.

Proposals must contain organization name, contact information, event type and description, merchandising items, event pricing, advertising strategy, operational management plan (labor, event flow, and safety) and projected revenue.

Proposals are to be mailed to:

War Memorial Stadium
Stadium Manager
#1 Stadium Drive
Little Rock 72205.

For more information, call (501) 663-6385.

Eclipse Information                                                                                                                                                 

On April 8, 2024, nearly two-thirds of Arkansas, which includes WMS, will be within the path of totality for the Great North American Eclipse. The WMS eclipse event will begin at 12:33 p.m. and will conclude at 3:11 p.m. This is only the third full solar eclipse to pass over Arkansas. The first was in 1834 and the last was in 1918.

A 2017 non-Arkansas eclipse proved to be a major tourism event for states within its path. States within the path of totality reported historical tourism visitation and economic impact from their eclipse. 

However, there is a major difference between the 2017 and the 2024 eclipse!

In 2024, the path will be nearly double in size, and the time of darkness nearly twice as long. Many scientists believe that the 2024 eclipse will be the most-viewed eclipse in history. There will be a high demand for spectator locations with infrastructure, such as WMS, which possess an unobstructed overhead view to marvel at the silhouette of the moon as it obscures the intense bright light of the sun.

War Memorial Stadium Information                                                                                                                          

From impressive concerts to miracles on the gridiron, WMS has been home to history since 1948. The stadium has been Arkansas’s most beloved venue for 70 years all while serving as a distinguished memorial to those who have served our country. As a prominent fixture in Arkansas, WMS possesses the public recognition needed for a promoter to capitalize on the 2024 Great American Eclipse. Fortunately, its location and amenities also support this opportunity.

 Centrally located in Arkansas, WMS offers great access to major highways, hotels, and restaurants. This traditional open-bowl football stadium has an out outdoor seating capacity of 54,000 circling a man-made turf field. To support seated spectators, there are concession stands (21) and restrooms (17), and 5,000 plus available parking spaces. There is also a press box with additional seating suites, concession stands, restrooms, and audio-visual capability.