The University of Washington and Washington State University agree to continue the Apple Cup for five years

The University of Washington and Washington State University have agreed in principle to continue the Apple Football Cup series for five years until at least 2028.

Next year’s game will be played on Sept. 14, 2024, at Lumen Field in Seattle, with the next four games alternating between the school’s campuses: 2025 (Pullman), 2026 (Seattle), 2027 (Pullman) and 2028 (Seattle). The terms of the agreement are still being finalized.

“The tradition of the Apple Cup is beloved by Huskies, Cougars and football fans throughout Washington and beyond, so one of my priorities is ensuring it continues in this new era,” said University of Washington President Anna Marie Coss. “I’m thrilled that we will be able to continue this tradition, and begin a new era at Lumen Field before returning to each campus. I am grateful to Troy, our teammates at WSU and our partners at First & Goal, Inc. for collaborating to make this happen. This is a win for our fans and our universities.” And Washington State.”

This year’s Apple Cup on November 25 in Seattle marks the 115th anniversary^{Interscholastic meet, a rivalry that began in 1900.}

“The Apple Cup is one of the oldest and most prestigious competitions in all of collegiate athletics,” said WSU President Kirk Schultz. “For more than a century, fans across the state have circled the history of the Apple Cup on their calendars. We are thrilled that we will be able to continue this beloved tradition for future generations of Coug fans.”

In tradition since 1963, the winner of the game is presented with the Apple Cup Trophy by the Governor of Washington State.

“We appreciate the efforts of First & Goal Inc. President Chuck Arnold and our friends at First & Goal to secure Lumen Field for the 2024 Apple Cup,” WSU Director of Athletics Pat Chun said. “Lumen Field is one of the premier venues in all of sports, and it will be a lifelong memory for our student-athletes who compete. While there is certainly passion on both sides, there is a shared desire to represent the great state of Washington in the annual showdown. We appreciate this Collaborating 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 affiliations — the Apple Cup remains an indelible part of our universities’ identities, and we are pleased to have found a framework to continue the century-plus tradition of interscholastic football,” said Director of Athletics University of Washington Troy Dannen. “This game means so much to so many and we are grateful to Washington State and Pat Chun for allowing us to work out a mutually beneficial arrangement for the years to come.”