Northwest Arkansas Gridiron

What is the Gridiron Show?

Well, first of all, it has nothing to do with football!

The Northwest Arkansas Gridiron Show is a theatrical performance that spoofs local, state and national newsmakers and cultural trends of the past year in sketch and song. It is written, directed and performed by the local Society of Professional Journalists.

In addition, it’s a very nice social event. Fans come out to see who’s going to get skewered and many of those targets are in the audience! Before the show and at intermission, the cash bar is open and you can hobnob with the cast.

How do I get tickets?

To reduce the spread of covid-19, Friday night tickets are for residents of Butterfield Trail Village and their guests. Saturday night tickets for the public will go on sale Oct. 1. All tickets are for general admission. There are no reserved seats.

Food and drink?

Snacks and drinks are available at the show and included in the ticket price.

Where is the Theater?

The Butterfield Trail Village is at 1923 E. Joyce Blvd. in Fayetteville. The primary guest parking is most easily accessed from Old Missouri Road on the internal drive called: Fargo Road. The Joyce Street entrance can be used to drop off patrons and has limited parking as well.

• From U.S. 71B, go east on Joyce Boulevard for a little more than six-tenths of a mile to the entrance, which will be on your right.
• From Arkansas 265, go west on Joyce Boulevard for nearly 1 mile to the entrance, which will be on your left.

Where do I park?

The largest guest parking area is most easily accessed from Old Missouri Road, using the drive known as Fargo Road. The parking is immediately on the left, and a shuttle will operate between it and the entrance before and after the show. There are limited spaces in the parking lots near the entrance, and drivers are welcome to drop off patrons at the entrance.

Where does the money go?

The Society of Professional Journalists uses proceeds to fund journalism scholarships and provide continuing education for students and professional journalists.

How long is the Gridiron Show?

We work really hard to make sure that neither half lasts more than 45 minutes. Of course, that depends on how much you laugh!

The show begins at 7 p.m., and with the 20-minute intermission between acts, we usually have folks out of the theater by 9 to 9:30 p.m.

Who’s in the Gridiron Show?

Our rule is: You gotta be a journalist to be in front of the curtain, except for the emcee, who is often a well known public figure. Most of our cast comes from staffs of the local newspaper, TV and radio stations, public relations agencies and faculty of the university journalism department. We also are lucky enough to get journalism students involved each year.

One thing’s for sure: If you’re a newsmaker, you won’t be on the stage, but we hope you’ll join the audience! It’s our turn.

Who writes the Gridiron Show?

Same folks as above.

How long has the local Gridiron been around?

The first Northwest Arkansas Gridiron Show was produced more than 40 years ago. The troupe played to packed houses from 1978-1990, then took a 13-season hiatus. We’ve been back now since 2004.