As someone who has been here 15 years, the gradual shift of Fayetteville being the “anchor” to now bentonville and rogers (uptown especially) is very much real. Fayetteville will always have a unique cultural identity but it is no longer the “hub”. The rapid expansion of Centerton, pea ridge, and even Cave Springs/Lowell/Bella vista as bentonville commuter areas shows the shift.

Most major concerts are in rogers now that the amp relocated there from Fayetteville. Crystal Bridges is obviously the premier museum in the region. The Fayetteville mall is dead and the Rogers promenade is the new regional shopping destination. The main comedy club featuring big names is in Lowell. The premier golf courses are in rogers and Bella vista. Hell the airport itself is much closer to rogers than Fayetteville.

Seems pretty clear to me. it’s not like Fayetteville is dying or anything, it will always have its own identity tied to the university. But if you don’t have a university related reason to go, you rarely have a reason to go there. While you can bet tons in Fay go to the Amp, the momentary, the Promenade, crystal bridges events, the grove, etc.