I have a very unique perspective on the Apple Cup as a former dog, but a current WAZZU parent but my overall feeling about this game comes more from a college sports fan, somebody who enjoyed this game and this rivalry long before I was a dog or my son was a cougar. My belief that a good long standing rivalries are at their best when both programs are healthy on solid ground.
The world of college athletics is constantly evolving, but some changes bring mixed feelings, especially when tradition is at stake. This sentiment is evident as we discuss the Apple Cup, a historic rivalry between the University of Washington (UW) and Washington State University (WSU). This year’s game is particularly unique as it takes place in September for the first time in its 116-year history, moving away from the customary late-season date. However, there’s more to this than just a change in the calendar. The shifting dynamics of college sports, conference realignments, and the commercialization of the game have affected the spirit of this rivalry, leaving many fans, including myself, questioning the future of these time-honored traditions.
A Rivalry Lacking Intensity
In previous years, Apple Cup week was filled with excitement, anticipation, and, let’s be honest, some good-natured trash-talking. It’s a time when old college friends would reconnect, phone calls would fly back and forth, and a certain buzz would fill the air. But this year? Radio silence. I haven’t received a single call from my WSU friends. No trash talk, no excitement, no nothing. And that’s disheartening. It feels as though the heart and soul of this rivalry have been stripped away, leaving behind just a game in name only.
It feels like just a name now.
This lack of intensity isn’t just on the fan side; it’s also evident on the field. With UW having yet to face a true test this season, their games so far feel like preseason warm-ups. Meanwhile, WSU’s impressive win against Texas Tech has shown they’re more battle-ready, but the energy surrounding this match-up just isn’t the same. For both schools, this year’s Apple Cup lacks the usual fire and passion, and it feels more like just another game on the schedule rather than the storied rivalry it once was.
The Financial Impact and the Future of the Apple Cup
Another significant factor affecting this year’s Apple Cup is the financial missteps taken by both schools. They had the opportunity to make millions from ticket sales, but due to overpriced tickets, as of September 11th, less than half of Lumen Field had been sold out. This is a stark contrast to previous years, where the stadium would be packed with eager fans ready to support their teams. A half-empty stadium for a rivalry game? That’s unheard of and certainly diminishes the overall experience.
The question now becomes, will this be the last Apple Cup as we know it? Some fans, myself included, hope that this lackluster turnout will prompt the schools to move the game back to campus, where the atmosphere is more intimate and charged with energy. After all, there’s something special about a packed Martin Stadium in Pullman or Husky Stadium in Seattle that just can’t be replicated in a neutral venue like Lumen Field.
What’s Next for UW and WSU?
Looking ahead, both UW and WSU fans have to ask themselves, what replaces the Apple Cup if it loses its significance? For UW, the game against Oregon at the end of the season could take on that role, as it’s another major rivalry with high stakes. But for WSU, there’s no obvious replacement. The Oregon State game doesn’t carry the same weight or history, leaving a void in their season that may be hard to fill.
In the end, the Apple Cup’s future hangs in the balance, caught between tradition and the new realities of college sports. While we all hope for a return to its former glory, it’s clear that this year’s game will be a far cry from the intense, spirited battles of the past. Here’s to hoping that the powers that be recognize the value of preserving these traditions before they disappear entirely.
For now, I’ll be hanging out, waiting for my phone to ring—though I doubt it will. Maybe I’ll call my son and talk some trash. At least that part of the tradition can still live on.