Six Reasons Moving the Apple Cup is Wrong
The Collegiate and Campus Feel to the Game is Lost
The one unique thing about college sports is that special feeling of playing in your home stadium or the home stadium of an opponent.
In both cases, the respective home teams' fans have a unique experience that can only be replicated in a college stadium. Move this game to Qwest Field and that special feeling of comradery among students and alumni is gone.
Higher Ticket Prices
"We calculated that to make the $4 million guarantee each year initially reported—$2 million to each school—would require an average ticket price of $65 for every seat in the house."
Although this may be good for the respective schools amidst the economic crisis, at the same time it pretty much screws over the fans on both sides, who are also living amidst an economic crisis.
WSU Fans Get Screwed Over
I hate to admit it, but this presents an unfair problem to WSU fans, most notably those who live in Pullman or in eastern Washington. Everyone knows there is some danger to trying to cross the pass by car during the winter time and during thanksgiving break. The conditions are treacherous.
The only other means of transportation is airplane, and if you can't get a cheap ticket, is it really worth the hassle? Geographically, UW holds the advantage in every respect. Although the ticket distribution will be even, their will undoubtedly be more Husky fans at the game.
Local Pullman Businesses Get Screwed Over
Once every other year, besides graduation, the city of Pullman gets a little economic boom. This boom is caused by the influx of people coming to Pullman for the Apple Cup. This boom is gone forever.
Nope it won't be back next year or the year after that. Local restaurants and hotels suffer another blow in these tough economic times.
Once Both Teams Start Winning, They'll Realize How Stupid This Is
The main reason for this move is money. The main reason both football programs don't have money is because they are losing. So what happens when both teams start winning? The chief motivation and reasoning behind this change will be nullified. Just a thought.
The Game Gets "Corporatized"
"From an esthetics standpoint, this decision blows. A move to Qwest Field would sterilize and corporatize the event. Each year, the game would look the same. There would be no future “Snow Bowls.”
And worst of all there would be no tailgating. That’s right, you’re not allowed to at Qwest Field. But there are a number of restaurants around the area that would be happy to serve you $7 beers and $15 hamburgers."
No Tailgating?!?!?! One of the most important aspects to college football is lost in this process.
photo source: [nwsportscene]
What your thoughts on the proposed/done deal move of the Apple Cup to Qwest Field?
