Carolina Panthers Kick Off School Art Contest With $2,500 Top Prize

A new art contest launched by the Carolina Panthers will award $2,500 to boost school art programs. Starting Aug. 27, students can paint Panthers-themed designs on their campus rocks as part of the Spirit Rocks! Art Contest, backed by Lowe's.

Schools must submit photos by Sept. 12. Panthers Kickoff Committee judges will pick four top designs. These finalists move to public voting.

Fans pick winners through Panthers.com from Sept. 15-19. The top school takes home $2,500, while nine others win $1,000 grants from Panthers Charities.

Quick-acting schools get extra perks: the first 50 to join receive Lowe's gift cards. Every dollar funds school art programs.

This contest builds buzz before the NFL kickoff. Schools face a tight two-week window to paint and submit their work. Bold colors and creative designs could make the difference between winning and losing.

The big reveal comes at the season opener. Bank of America Stadium hosts the Atlanta Falcons matchup on Sept. 21 at 1:00 p.m., where officials will name the winner.

Panthers.com lists all contest details. Students and teachers must act fast: mid-Sept. marks the cutoff for this mix of art and athletics.

Panthers Charities supports youth programs across both Carolinas through these grants. This marks the first Spirit Rocks! contest, mixing creativity with team pride.

As the Panthers prep for 2025, this contest unites art students and football fans. The deadline ticks down to Sept. 12, when schools must finish their rock masterpieces to compete for the prize money.