SILOAM SPRINGS, Ark. -- John Brown University men's basketball will open its 2026-27 season on Saturday night (Oct. 24) when the Golden Eagles host Ecclesia College (Ark.) in its annual World-Famous Toilet Paper Game™ at Bill George Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:05 p.m.
John Brown is 21-0 all-time against the Royals since the programs first met in 2008, including a pair of Toilet Paper Game victories in 2017 and 2018. Overall, the Golden Eagles are 24-1 in the annual tradition since 2000.
HOW IT WORKS
The game follows a simple premise: when the Golden Eagles score their first field goal of the season, fans launch rolls of toilet paper onto the court to celebrate the start of a new campaign. Fans can participate by bringing a canned food item to exchange for a roll of toilet paper at the door.
The tradition began Nov. 12, 1983, inside Murray Sells Gymnasium and returns for its 43rd toss, having paused only once in more than four decades, in 2020. Widely regarded as one of small-college basketball's most recognizable traditions, the annual event has attracted national media coverage from ESPN, ESPN The Magazine, Yahoo Sports, USA TODAY, CBS Sports, NBC Sports, Business Insider, BuzzFeed and Bleacher Report.
Most recently, JBU's marquee tradition was featured in "Buckets List: 64 Iconic College Basketball Experiences," a new coffee table book published by SLAM magazine.
SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY
Kimberly-Clark Corporation, maker of Scott and Cottonelle toilet paper, returns as this year's title sponsor and will provide 2,000 rolls for fans and an additional 2,000 rolls for event partner The Manna Center in Siloam Springs.
All canned food donations collected during the event will benefit The Manna Center, a faith-based nonprofit that provides emergency assistance, including food, clothing and referrals, to individuals and families in need. Rooted in the principles of Matthew 25:35-46, the organization partners with local churches, businesses, civic groups and volunteers to demonstrate Christ's love through practical support and service.
In addition to traditional canned goods, The Manna Center maintains an ongoing need for peanut butter, jelly, canned tuna, canned chicken and soups with pop-top lids.
"It's hard to believe that what started with just a few students is still going strong more than four decades later," said Robyn Daugherty, John Brown University director of athletics. "We're grateful to Kimberly-Clark Corporation for providing 2,000 rolls of toilet paper for our fans and another 2,000 for The Manna Center. We love that the TP Game brings sports and service together, giving us an opportunity to help our neighbors."
TICKETING INFORMATION
Doors to Bill George Arena will open at 4:30 p.m. Advance tickets are available at jbuathletics.com/tp-tickets, with tickets also available for purchase at the door. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for youth (ages 11-17) and seniors ages 60 and older. Children ages 10 and younger receive free admission with a ticketed adult. As usual, anyone presenting a valid JBU ID card will receive free admission.
FOLLOW THE GOLDEN EAGLES
Don't miss a minute of the latest action surrounding JBU Athletics by following the Golden Eagles on Facebook (/JBUathletics), Instagram (@JBUathletics) and X (@JBUathletics). Catch every Golden Eagle home game and select away games on the SAC Sports Network, available online or for download on your favorite streaming device.
