LITTLE ROCK — With the game exactly three weeks away, Salt Bowl officials outlined plans for the events Friday afternoon leading up to the annual backyard rivalry between Benton and Bryant played at War Memorial Stadium.
What used to be a game has turned into a series of events and vehicle for fans from both schools to help charitable causes.
This year, Panthers and Hornets fans lend aid to the Rice Depot, American Cancer Society and American Red Cross.
Fans can help the Rice Depot with monetary donations as well as jars of peanut butter. Officials hope to raise $6,000 and collect 5,000 pounds of peanut butter. Auto Body of America plans to donate a vehicle to the Rice Depot during pre-game ceremonies.
Officials will ask fans attending the game to donate money via text message to the American Cancer society. The goal is to raise $2,500.
The Red Cross plans blood drives at Benton High School on Tuesday Aug. 29 from 8 a.m to 6 p.m. and at Bryant High School on Wednesday, Aug. 31 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. All blood donors receive a rally rag of the team of their choice. Officials hope to collect 500 units of blood.
There are also plenty of other plenty of events leading up to the game and spilling into game day. At 5:30 p.m. Monday Everett Buick GMC plays host to a Benton Pep Rally.
At 5:30 Tuesday, the Saline County Car Dealer plays host to a Bryant pep rally. The Cajun Eatery provides hot dogs for both events.
Game day festivities kick off with “Arkansas’ Largest Tailgate Party.” Fans can enjoy free hot dogs and sodas, complements of Saline County banks and credit unions and Coca-Cola. The party begins at 5 p.m. and continues until 7. The stadium gates open at 6.
Just prior to kickoff, the youth football teams from Benton and Bryant are introduced and cheerleaders from each school perform. The coin flip precedes the game and the coin used is provided by Everett’s. Each senior football player, cheerleader and band member will receive a gold commemorative coin with a Salt Bowl logo and Everett logo.
At halftime both dance teams perform and two different contests are held. One lucky Chick-fil-A customer, who signs up at the Bryant location prior to the game, will kick a field goal for a chance to win a year’s supply of chicken.
Everett holds its annual “Toss for a Truck” contest.
Three contestants will be picked from those who entered at the tailgate party and will try to throw three passes into a truck. Female contestants must throw balls in the tuck bed from the 10-yard left hash, the 15-yard middle and 10-yard right has in 24 seconds. Male contestants must land passes form the 15-yard left hash, 20-yard middle and 15-yard right hash with the same time limit.
For $10 fans can buy tickets, with an official T-shirt included, at Central Arkansas Big Red locations. Children 5-and-under are free. Officials suggest buying tickets prior to game day to avoid lines. Tickets at the gate sell for $8 and T-shirts sell for $15.
