50th Anniversary “The Gold Standard” Salt Bowl game brings in thousands of fans from Saline County

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.- Panthers and Hornets fans gathered for the tailgate at 4 p.m., followed by the going to the game to see who will bring home the 50th Anniversary Salt Bowl Championship Friday night.

A rivalry that dates back to 1974, when a Bryant coach flipped sidelines and began coaching at Benton, sparked this, the biggest Arkansas high school rivalry game.

“364 days a year, both communities are dear friends; they work together, they go to church together, their kids play ball together,” Salt Bowl Organizer Shane Broadway said. “One day out of the year they are rivals.”

According to War Memorial Stadium, people gathered for a tailgate around noon today. They were wearing Blue and Maroon in support of their hometowns and players.

“It’s just a huge rivalry and to have a community come together like this, it’s just awesome,” Panther fan Jordan McReynolds said.

McReynolds is excited to see who takes home the Salt Bowl Championship, as are many of the people who gathered at the tailgate.

Ready to watch the game, hear the band, and see the cheerleaders and dance teams compete for this special 50th-anniversary football game.

“It’s just always been a significant rivalry, and then we eventually outgrew the ability to have it in Saline County,” Broadway said.

The crowds bring in nearly 30-25,000 people each year, which is why, after 30 years, they decided to take their teams and talent to War Memorial Stadium in 2004.

The stadium hosted the Razorbacks against the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff Thursday night, and it welcomed the Benton Panthers and the Bryant Hornets Friday .

“It gives them something to look forward to, to hope, you know, and I’m sure one day they want to be a Razorback too,” Hornet Fan Donald Stone said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLRT - FOX16.com.