Experience · Jonesboro
Game Day at First National Bank Arena
Immerse yourself in the local spirit by catching a sporting event or concert at the First National Bank Arena. After the excitement, enjoy a casual dinner at a nearby American comfort food spot, perfect for winding down after the event.
A 3.5-hour Arkansas State University afternoon plan for friends — First National Bank Arena, Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen, Craighead Forest Park.
- Duration
- 3h 30m
- Cost
- $50–$100
- Stops
- 3 stops
- Area
- Arkansas State University
- Walking
- Light walking · Total 5.1-mile driving route
- Best time
- 12:00 – 5:00 PM
- Ideal for
- Friends · Families · Adults · Solo
The plan
The plan
- 1First National Bank Arena(2 hr 30 min)→
- 2Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen(1 hr)→
- 3Craighead Forest Park(30 min)
Why this plan works
Every stop sits in Arkansas State University, so the whole plan happens inside one neighborhood. First National Bank Arena is the main event and takes the biggest block of time; the other stops are built around it. It finishes at Craighead Forest Park — a short, low-effort stop you can skip if you're ready to call it. Best suited to friends, families, adults, and solo who want a planned Jonesboro outing without improvising between stops.
The story
Overview
Immerse yourself in the local spirit by catching a sporting event or concert at the First National Bank Arena. After the excitement, enjoy a casual dinner at a nearby American comfort food spot, perfect for winding down after the event.
The itinerary
3 stops, one great day
- 12h 30mFirst National Bank Arena
Sports & Recreation · Arkansas State University
What to do — Arrive in time to find your seats and enjoy the pre-game atmosphere or event setup. Fully immerse yourself in the live action.
Scout Side QuestLook up and find the most interesting intersection of beams, rafters, or lights overhead.
1.8 mi · 7 min drive
Then Drive 5 minutes to Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen for dinner.
21 hrCheddar's Scratch KitchenFood & Drink
Family-friendly chain serving American comfort food with a Texas twist, plus cocktails.
What to do — Grab a table and choose from their menu of American classics and comfort dishes, perfect for satisfying post-event hunger.
3.3 mi · 10 min drive
Then Short hop over to Craighead Forest Park.
3Optional 30 minCraighead Forest ParkOutdoors
Sizable park with hiking trails, a playground, sport courts, disc golf & a lake for fishing.
What to do — Thirty minutes of unstructured play at Craighead Forest Park after a structured day.
Scout Side QuestPause along the trail and capture one quiet photo focused entirely on how the afternoon light filters through the trees.
Scout Stories
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The route
On the map
Common questions
Planning this outing
- Is this a good Jonesboro itinerary for friends?
- Yes. It's built for friends, families, adults, and solo and runs about 3 hr 30 min across 3 stops, starting at First National Bank Arena.
- How long does this outing take?
- Plan on 3 hr 30 min door to door, including time between stops.
- How much does this Jonesboro itinerary cost?
- Roughly $50–$100 per person, before parking and tips. Free and low-cost stops are marked on each card.
- Is this itinerary walkable?
- Not entirely. The stops cover about 5.1 miles, so you'll drive or rideshare between at least one pair.
- Do I need reservations?
- No. Every stop on this plan takes walk-ins, though weekends move faster if you arrive early.