Pullman, WA-
Washington State University and the University of Washington have agreed in principle to a five-year continuation of the storied Apple Cup football series through at least 2028.
Next year’s match-up will take place on September 14, 2024, at Lumen Field in Seattle, with the following four games alternating between the school’s campuses: 2025 (Pullman), 2026 (Seattle), 2027 (Pullman), and 2028 (Seattle). Terms of the agreement are still being finalized.
“The Apple Cup is one of the oldest and most renowned rivalries in all of collegiate athletics,” said WSU President Kirk Schulz. “For more than a century, fans across the state have been circling the Apple Cup date on their calendars. We are pleased that we will be able to continue this beloved tradition for future generations of Coug fans.”
This year’s Apple Cup on November 25 in Seattle marks the 115th meeting between the schools, a rivalry that began in 1900.
“The Apple Cup tradition is beloved by Huskies, Cougars, and football fans across Washington and beyond, so one of my priorities has been to ensure that it continues into this new era,” said University of Washington President Ana Mari Cauce. “I’m thrilled that we’ll be able to continue this tradition and to kick off the new era at Lumen Field before returning to each campus. I’m grateful to Troy, our colleagues at Washington State University, and our partners at First & Goal Inc. for collaborating to make this happen. This is a win for our fans, our universities and the state of Washington.”
Following tradition since 1963, the winner of the game is awarded the Apple Cup Trophy by the Governor of the state of Washington.
“We are appreciative of the efforts that First & Goal Inc. President Chuck Arnold and our friends at First & Goal have made in securing Lumen Field for the 2024 Apple Cup,” said WSU Director of Athletics Pat Chun. “Lumen Field is one of the premier venues in all of sports and for our student-athletes to compete there will be a lifelong memory. While there is certainly passion on both sides, there is a common desire to represent the great state of Washington in the annual showdown. We are appreciative for this collaboration with Troy Dannen and the University of Washington to ensure the game continues for years to come.”
“While the landscape of intercollegiate athletics continues to change—including conference affiliation—the Apple Cup remains an indelible part of our universities’ identities, and we are thrilled to find a framework to continue the more than a century tradition of football between the schools,” said University of Washington Director of Athletics Troy Dannen. “This game means so much to so many and we are grateful to Washington State and Pat Chun for allowing us to reach a mutually beneficial arrangement for the years to come.”
