Salt Bowl Week is almost here!
For more than 50 years, the Benton Panthers and Bryant Hornets have met on the football field for one of Saline County’s most celebrated traditions. What began as a football rivalry has grown into a weeklong community event filled with school spirit, friendly competition and opportunities to give back.
The Benton School District will celebrate Salt Bowl Week August 24–28, leading up to the 2026 Salt Bowl on Friday night.
Salt Bowl Week Schedule
Monday, August 24
Salt Bowl Week officially begins with the kickoff of the annual Peanut Butter Drive. The Goodwill Donation Drive will also be in full swing, and the Salt Bowl Blood Drive will take place at the River Center.
Tuesday, August 25
The community is invited to the Salt Bowl Community Pep Rally at 6:00 p.m. at Everett Infiniti of Central Arkansas. Come out, wear your maroon and help us get Salt Bowl Week started with plenty of Panther spirit!
Wednesday, August 26
Coaches and players from Benton and Bryant will participate in the annual Salt Bowl Coaches & Players Press Conference from 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. at the Saline County Career & Technical Campus.
Thursday, August 27
The rivalry moves to the volleyball court for the Battle of the B-Towns! Benton and Bryant will face off at 5:00 p.m. at Benton Arena.
Friday, August 28
It's game day! The Benton Panthers will take on the Bryant Hornets in the 2026 Salt Bowl at Bryant Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m.
Salt Bowl Week is about much more than the final score. It's a celebration of two communities, generations of tradition, and the students and families who make Saline County such a special place to call home.
Additional information about individual events, donation drives, tickets and other Salt Bowl activities will be shared throughout the week.
We can't wait to see our Benton community decked out in maroon and cheering on the Panthers!
Go Panthers!
#WeAreBenton