Benton Panthers to Host Bryant Hornets in Salt Bowl 2025
The Salt Bowl Committee has announced that Salt Bowl 2025 will be themed “Bringing the Tradition Home.” The state’s largest high school football game will be played Friday, August 29, at 7 p.m. at Everett Field at Panther Stadium in Benton, also known as the “Palace on the Parkway.” This year, the Benton Panthers will serve as the home team as they take on the Bryant Hornets.
Everett Buick GMC is the presenting sponsor of Salt Bowl 2025, with additional sponsorship from Jones Heating & Air Conditioning – The Red Truck Guys, West Side Pharmacy and Compounding, and First Security Bank.
Tickets for Benton patrons will go on sale Monday, August 18, at Benton City Hall from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 each, cash only, with a limit of four per family. Parents and guardians of Benton football, cheer, dance, and band students may purchase two tickets through their child’s coach or director. Benton High School students may purchase one ticket during the first week of school.
Bryant patrons may purchase tickets beginning Thursday, August 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hornet Stadium ticket booth. Tickets are also $15 each, cash only, with a limit of two per person. Parents and guardians of Bryant rostered players, cheer, dance, and band students may purchase two tickets through their student’s coach or director. Bryant High School seniors will have first access to purchase tickets on August 18.
AAA passes will be accepted for general admission at both schools. Benton patrons will receive maroon tickets, while Bryant patrons will receive blue tickets. All fans may enter through the home gate for pregame festivities, but beginning at 6 p.m., Benton fans must use the Benton gate, and Bryant fans must use the Bryant gate.
“Tickets will be sold until the fire marshal tells us to stop,” said Salt Bowl co-founder Shane Broadway.
Fans unable to attend can purchase Pay-Per-View access. Individual passes are $40, and business packages are $250. Benton broadcasts may be purchased at www.bentonschools.org under the Athletics tab, while Bryant broadcasts may be purchased at www.bryantathletics.com.
Salt Bowl Week begins Monday, August 25, with the annual Salt Bowl Peanut Butter Drive, benefiting local families and running through September. Community pep rallies are set for Tuesday, August 26, at 6 p.m., with Benton hosting at Everett Infiniti and Bryant at Everett Buick GMC.
On Wednesday, August 27, the Salt Bowl Coaches’ and Players’ Press Conference and Chamber Luncheon will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Saline County Career and Technical Campus–ASU Three Rivers and via Zoom. Coaches Brad Harris (Benton) and Quad Sanders (Bryant), along with players from both teams, will speak. Wess Moore of Fox 16 and 103.7 The Buzz will give opening remarks, and Miss Arkansas Teen 2025, Amelia Lisowe, will be in attendance.
The “Battle of the BTowns” volleyball match between the Benton Lady Panthers and the Bryant Lady Hornets will take place Thursday, August 28, at 5 p.m. at Hornet Arena.
Arkansas’ Largest High School Tailgate Party will begin at 4 p.m. on the west side of Panther Stadium, featuring local vendors and organizations. Booth space may be reserved by contacting the Benton Chamber of Commerce at 501-860-7002. Vendor booths close at 7 p.m.
A Salt Bowl Game Day Show hosted by RJ Hawk and Thomas Thrash of Hooten’s Arkansas Football will air live from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the tailgate area, followed by pregame festivities inside the stadium at 6:20 p.m. The Donnie Burks Award will be presented prior to kickoff, and halftime will feature performances by the Benton Panther Band, Benton Cheer, and Pep Steppers.
The Salt Bowl Committee is again partnering with the Arkansas Blood Institute and Goodwill Industries of Arkansas. Community blood drives will be held Thursday, August 22, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Benton’s River Center and at Bishop Park in Bryant. High school blood drives will take place at Benton on Tuesday, August 26, and at Bryant on Thursday, September 11, with trophies awarded to the winning communities and schools.
Goodwill donations collected between August 17 and 29 at Benton and Bryant Goodwill stores will benefit local school districts and families in need. The district with the most donations will receive $1,500 and $500 in gift cards, while the runner-up will receive $1,000 and $500 in gift cards.
Salt Bowl merchandise, including official t-shirts from Stated Apparel, will be available online at https://stated.me/collections/salt-bowl-2025, at preseason scrimmages, and on game day at Panther Stadium.