MONROE, LA – The football rivalry between the University of Louisiana Monroe Warhawks and the Arkansas State Red Wolves has simmered for more than two decades, but the game between the Sun Belt Conference foes will take on new meaning on September 27 for what has been dubbed the “Rice Bowl Rivalry” in partnership with USA Rice. The name is inspired by the miles of rice fields that lie between the universities’ campuses in Monroe, La. and Jonesboro, Ark., which yield some of the largest rice crops in the United States.
The Rice Bowl Rivalry game, which also serves as ULM’s 2025 Homecoming game, will kick off at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 27, at Malone Stadium in Monroe. The winner will take home the Rice Bowl trophy, newly created by USA Rice. The name of each year’s winner will be inscribed on the base of the trophy, which they will display until the next year’s matchup.
“Agriculture is such an integral part of the fabric of both of our states, and we are excited to host the first edition of the new ‘Rice Bowl Rivalry’ at ULM,” said ULM President Dr. Carrie L. Castille. “I’m grateful to President Kelly at ASU for seeing the value of coming together to celebrate the rich tradition of rice growing in our states and I offer a special thanks to USA Rice for their support. I am hopeful that this game will grow into a cherished tradition that we look forward to each year,” added Castille.
USA Rice will also host a free tailgate in ULM’s Grove prior to the game, beginning at 12:00 p.m. The public is invited to try a variety of dishes made with U.S. grown rice prepared by teams from each state. A panel of judges will choose a winner from all entries.
During the game, USA Rice members will make a donation to the Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana, consisting of donations made by rice growers from Arkansas and Louisiana.
The 2025 Rice Bowl is a revival of a tradition that existed in years past between Arkansas State University and McNeese State University in Lake Charles, La., when they were conference opponents.
“Special thanks to the college presidents, Dr. Carrie Castille at ULM and Dr. Brendan Kelly at ASU, for resurrecting this rice rivalry that recognizes the important role of the rice industry related to both institutions and their roots in the local rice industry,” said USA Rice’s Josh Hankins who is helping coordinate the event.
USA Rice is a global advocate for the U.S. rice industry. Their mission is to ensure the health and vitality of a unified U.S. rice industry by advocating on behalf of farmers, millers, merchants, and allied businesses. More information is available at usarice.com.