Benton Public Schools

08/29/2026

**IT’S OUR TIME.**

🐾 Get up close and personal on the Benton sideline with this cinematic look at a Salt Bowl comeback we’ll NEVER forget.

🎥 Willis Berry & David Allen

08/29/2026

🏈 THREE ERAS. ONE RIVALRY.

For more than 50 years, Benton and Bryant have battled for Saline County bragging rights. Looking back, the rivalry has developed three distinct chapters.

🐾 ERA I: THE BENTON ERA | 1974–1999

Before the Salt Bowl moved to Little Rock, the rivalry was played on the schools’ home fields. During that original era, Benton set the tone. The Panthers dominated the series and built an early advantage that would take decades to overcome.

🐝 ERA II: THE WAR MEMORIAL ERA | 2000–2024

In 2000, the rivalry became the Salt Bowl and moved to War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock, giving the matchup a neutral stage and an identity all its own.

This became Bryant’s era.

The Hornets flipped the rivalry, dominated much of the War Memorial chapter and eventually erased the all-time series advantage Benton had built during the first era.

🏟️ ERA III: THE HOME-AND-HOME ERA | 2025–PRESENT

After 25 years at War Memorial Stadium, the Salt Bowl returned to Saline County in 2025 with a new home-and-home format.

2025: Bryant wins at Benton.
2026: Benton wins at Bryant, 43–42.

Two games.
Series tied 1–1.
Visiting teams 2–0.

📊 ALL-TIME SERIES

Bryant: 27 wins
Benton: 25 wins
Ties: 2

Bryant leads 27–25–2.

After more than half a century and three different eras, just two games separate these Saline County rivals.

Benton owned the first era.
Bryant owned the War Memorial era.
The third era is just getting started.

08/28/2026

🏈 CAN’T MAKE IT TO THE SALT BOWL TONIGHT?

You can still cheer on the Panthers from home! Salt Bowl 2026 will be streamed LIVE tonight as Benton takes on Bryant!

🏈 Kickoff | 7:00 p.m.
📲 Watch live: bryantschools.org/article/3096690

GO PANTHERS! 🐾🏈

08/28/2026

08/28/2026

🏈🐾 IT’S GAME DAY, PANTHER NATION!

And not just any game day… IT’S SALT BOWL GAME DAY!

Tonight, one of Saline County’s biggest traditions continues as the Benton Panthers take on the Bryant Hornets at Bryant Stadium. After a full week of community events, friendly competition, and Panther Pride, it’s time for the main event!

🎉 Tailgate Party | 4:00–7:00 p.m.
More than 70 vendors + food trucks

🏟️ Gates Open | 5:00 p.m.

⭐ Pregame | 6:30 p.m.

🏈 Kickoff | 7:00 p.m.

📲 Watch the Live Stream:
bryantschools.org/article/3096690

Wear your maroon, get loud, and come ready to cheer on our Panthers!

Let’s make Salt Bowl 2026 one to remember. GO BENTON! 🐾🏈

08/28/2026

🏆 FIVE IN A ROW! 🏐🐾

Congratulations to our Lady Panthers Volleyball Team, your Battle of the B-Towns Champions for the fifth consecutive year!

Benton closed out the match in four sets, winning the final set 25–16 to secure the 3–1 victory over Bryant and bring the trophy home once again.

Way to go, Lady Panthers! We are proud of you!

08/27/2026

📣 Benton Cheer Clinic 2026!

Benton Cheer is excited to welcome students in Pre-K through 7th grade to this year’s Cheer Clinic!

Participants will learn cheers, have fun with our Benton cheerleaders, and perform during the pregame on Friday, September 11.

Clinic Dates:
📍 Tuesday, Sept. 8 | 3:30–5:30 p.m. | Cook Field House
Mountain View Elementary, Mountain View Middle, Caldwell Elementary, Private Schools/Homeschool/Virtual

📍 Wednesday, Sept. 9 | 3:30–5:30 p.m. | Benton Arena
Angie Grant Elementary, Howard Perrin Elementary, Ringgold Elementary, and Benton Middle School

💵 Cost: $40 — includes a T-shirt

Please complete the Google Form and submit payment by Friday, September 4.

Register:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScpViZhJLJoOtAjTOk4baUzUO_f9A5y_B94puTqGkph98BAOw/viewform?usp=header

Payment:
https://checkout.square.site/merchant/ML08E1MZAEN38/checkout/W5Q2MVVATIFWFIQOLLFI5KKX?src=sheet

Please note: T-shirts are available while supplies last, and requested sizes cannot be guaranteed.

08/27/2026

🏐🐾 The Battle of the B-Towns is here!

Salt Bowl Week continues TONIGHT at Benton Arena as our Lady Panthers take on the Bryant Lady Hornets in the annual Battle of the B-Towns!

Our Lady Panthers are looking to keep the trophy in Benton for the fifth consecutive year, and we need Panther Nation there to help us pack the arena!

📍 Benton Arena
⏰ Games begin at 5:00 p.m.
🎟️ Admission: $5
💵 Cash only at the door
📲 Tickets may also be purchased online through GoFan.

Wear your maroon and gray, bring the energy, and come cheer on our Lady Panthers!

Let’s go, Benton! 🐾🏐

08/27/2026

🏈 Salt Bowl Week continues!

We had a great time at the First Security Bank Salt Bowl Coaches & Players Press Conference at the Saline County Career & Technical Campus!

We heard from coaches, players, Shane Broadway, and special guest speaker David Bazzel, and enjoyed lunch provided by First Security Bank.

It’s always a special part of Salt Bowl Week and a great opportunity to celebrate our players, coaches, and the tradition surrounding this longtime rivalry.

We are grateful for the continued support of our local businesses and community as we celebrate another Salt Bowl!

🏈 Salt Bowl 2026
📍 Bryant Stadium
🕖 Friday at 7:00 p.m.

🎟️ Tickets are still available at the Benton Public Schools Administration Office, 207 W. Conway Street, for $15 cash while supplies last. Tickets will not be sold at the game.

Come out and support the Panthers! GO BENTON! 🐾

08/26/2026

🐾 What a night, Panther Nation!

We had a great time at the Everett Infiniti Community Pep Rally! What a fun way to kick off our Salt Bowl festivities and celebrate our Panthers!

Our band, cheer, and dance teams kept the energy high as we cheered on our football and volleyball teams ahead of a big week of competition. Thank you to everyone who came out to support our students and show your Panther Pride!

🏐 NEXT UP: Battle of the B-Towns!
Join us Thursday at 5:00 p.m. at Benton Arena as our Lady Panthers take on the Lady Hornets!

🏈 And don't forget—Salt Bowl tickets are still available! Tickets are $15, cash only, at the Benton Public Schools Administration Office, 207 W. Conway Street, from 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. while supplies last.

Let’s keep the Salt Bowl Week energy going! GO PANTHERS! 🐾