One of Arkansas’ all-time classic football rivalries is just around the corner, and that means Saline County will soon be feeling the buzz of activity.
The traditional Salt Bowl between Benton and Bryant will be held Friday, Aug. 28, at 7 p.m. at Hornet Stadium on the campus of Bryant High School. This year marks the second year the game has been played locally, following years of near-capacity crowds at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock.
Salt Bowl 2026 will carry the theme of “Stars, Stripes and Friday Night Lights,” celebrating America’s 250th birthday. The presenting sponsor of Salt Bowl 2026 is Everett Buick GMC, and joining them as sponsors of this year’s game are Jones Heating and Air, Bryant Family Pharmacy and First Security Bank.
Parents and guardians of Benton football, cheer, dance and band students will have the opportunity to purchase two tickets through their child’s coach or director. Benton High School students may purchase one ticket per student during the first week of school. All previously held reserved seating will be honored, and Arkansas Activities Association passes will be accepted for general admission only. General admission tickets went on sale Monday, Aug. 17, and are available at the south ticket box of Everett Field at Panther Stadium from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., or until sold out. Tickets are $15 each, CASH ONLY (no checks or debit cards), with a limit of four tickets per family. Ticket sales are first-come, first-served and are for Benton patrons. Benton patrons will receive maroon, Benton-branded tickets.
Parents/guardians of the Bryant football travel team players, cheer, dance and band students can purchase two tickets through their student’s coach or director. Bryant patrons will receive blue, Bryant-branded tickets. General admission tickets are on sale at the Hornet Stadium ticket booth from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or until sold out. Tickets are $15 each, CASH ONLY, with a limit of two tickets per person. AAA passes are accepted for general admission only.
Patrons do not need a game ticket to attend the tailgate party. For those with tickets, the gates will open at 6 p.m., and Benton fans must use the Benton gate on the east side of Hornet Stadium. Bryant fans must use the Bryant gate on the north side of the stadium.
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