The Arkansas Pine Bluff Golden Lions history is filled with remarkable achievements across NCAA athletics. Known for their competitive Arkansas Pine Bluff football and Arkansas Pine Bluff basketball teams, the Golden Lions have built a proud tradition of athletic success. Their programs continue to inspire fans and represent excellence in the Southwestern Athletic Conference.
College Sports Established
1873
Location
Pine Bluff, Arkansas
College Name
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division I
1923 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
Conference History
1936 - 1969, 1997 - Present / Southwestern Athletic Conference
1923–1935,1970–1972 / Independent
Nickname
Golden Lions - The Arkansas Pine Bluff Golden Lions have long been a beloved mascot in the NCAA, and their nickname has a rich history. The name “Golden Lions” was first used by students at the University of Arkansas – Pine Bluff (UAPB) in 1936. It was chosen to honor UAPB's founder, Dr. Joseph Carter Corbin, who had served as Arkansas's public instruction superintendent from 1874 until he died in 1910.
Arkansas Pine Bluff Golden Lions Origin
At that time, UAPB had recently become an all-black university after being founded as Branch Normal College for Colored Students four years prior in 1932; thus, this powerful animal should have been chosen to represent its student body and school spirit! Some believe that Dr. Corbin himself suggested using lions since he often referred to students at Branch Normal College as "lion cubs" because they were so eager to learn new things and achieve greatness despite having limited resources available during those problematic times before desegregation began taking place across America's educational system during mid-century decades later on down the line.
Today you can find numerous references throughout campus, such as statues depicting two golden lion cubs playfully interacting with one another, which is a symbolic representation meant both commemorate past alumni who've gone before them while also inspiring current generations to stay true to themselves even when faced with adversity—just like how these mighty creatures do each day out there wild! So next time you see or hear about our beloved Golden Lions, remember that they are fierce competitors and embody strength, courage, and perseverance, which makes us proud to call them ours here at University Arkansas–Pine Bluff!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 2002
- 2000
- 2009
- 2022
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Lions in Major League Baseball
Arkansas–Pine Bluff has had 6 Major League Baseball Draft selections since the draft began in 1965. Golden Lions in the Major League Baseball Draft 2002 Isiah Garner 31 Devil Rays 2009 Zachary Varnell 44 Diamondbacks 2011 Chretien Matz 44 Tigers 2014 Isias Alcantar 36 Rays 2015 Kevin Walsh 21 Phillies 2015 Byron Davis 8 Royals -
Golden Lions Simmons Bank Field Football Stadium
The Lions play their home games at Simmons Bank Field in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Simmons Bank Field is a 16,000-seat multi-purpose stadium in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Built at a cost of $14 million, it opened in 2000 and is home to the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Golden Lions football team. Originally called Golden Lion Stadium, it was renamed ... -
Golden Lions men’s basketball in Southwestern Athletic Conference
The Arkansas–Pine Bluff Golden Lions men’s basketball team is the men’s basketball team that represents the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, United States. The school’s team currently competes in the Southwestern Athletic Conference and led the conference in average home attendance for six consecutive years (2009–2015). -
Terron Armstead – Golden Lions Football Player in NFL
Armstead enrolled in the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, where he played for the UAPB Golden Lions football team from 2009 to 2012. He was an All-Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) selection during his final three seasons at Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Armstead was also on the Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions track & field team, where he competed as a shot putter, ...
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Arkansas Pine Bluff Golden Lions History
The Arkansas Pine Bluff Golden Lions history reflects a proud legacy of determination, athletic excellence, and community pride. Competing in NCAA Division I as part of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), the Golden Lions have built a reputation for producing exceptional talent in both Arkansas Pine Bluff football and Arkansas Pine Bluff basketball, while maintaining a fierce rivalry with the Bethune–Cookman Wildcats.
The Arkansas Pine Bluff football program dates back to the late 1800s, making it one of the oldest college football teams in the South. Over the decades, the team has earned respect for its grit and consistency on the field. One of their most memorable achievements came in 2012 when the Golden Lions won the SWAC Championship, defeating Jackson State in an overtime thriller. This victory solidified their position as a dominant force within the conference and brought national attention to the program.
In basketball, the Arkansas Pine Bluff basketball team has shown remarkable progress over the years. Under the leadership of head coach George Ivory, the Golden Lions captured back-to-back SWAC Tournament Championships in 2017 and 2018. During this period, they also made consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, marking one of the most successful eras in school history. Their balanced play, combined with strong defense and teamwork, made them a tough opponent for major programs.
Golden Lions Achievements
The Golden Lions’ athletic rise can also be credited to consistent coaching and the dedication of players who embody the true spirit of Pine Bluff. Notable alumni from the Arkansas Pine Bluff football program have gone on to play in the NFL, including Willie Young and Terron Armstead, showcasing the university’s ability to develop top-tier talent. Meanwhile, Arkansas Pine Bluff basketball continues to attract skilled players who bring energy and competitiveness to every season.
Today, the Arkansas Pine Bluff Golden Lions history continues to inspire new generations of athletes. Their achievements in both Arkansas Pine Bluff football and Arkansas Pine Bluff basketball reflect the school’s commitment to excellence, sportsmanship, and education. With passionate fans and a legacy built on resilience, UAPB remains one of the most respected programs in the SWAC and NCAA history.
Golden Lions Products
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