A painting honoring former University of Arkansas head basketball coach Nolan Richardson and the 1994 national championship basketball team will be unveiled at halftime during the Razorbacks’ game against Tennessee on Saturday, Feb. 2 at Bud Walton Arena.
The painting, created by artist Opie Otterstad, is part of a project commissioned by the NCAA and the National Association of Basketball Coaches to celebrate the 75th anniversary of March Madness. One painting is being created for each of the 74 national champions, with a 75th painting to be completed after the 2013 championship game.
“We are pleased that one of college basketball’s legendary coaches and a signature moment in Razorback Basketball history are being recognized as part of the 75th anniversary of March Madness,” said UA athletics director Jeff Long. “Coach Nolan Richardson helped lead our men’s basketball team to the pinnacle of college basketball culminating with the 1994 NCAA Championship. It is fitting that this work of art celebrating Coach Richardson and our national championship be unveiled at Bud Walton Arena in front of the Razorback fans.”
Following the unveiling at halftime, the painting will be on display in the south concourse of Bud Walton Arena, and will be auctioned online beginning Feb. 2. A portion of the proceeds for the auction will benefit the NABC Foundation, which supports Ticket to Reading Rewards, the College Basketball Experience (CBE) and the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame.
