Husky Trails | A Change of Venue for the Apple Cup?

Well, I'm back from Central Washington University after a fun couple days at a conference of history majors and I'm greeted with news that the Apple Cup could be moving. The move would be to Qwest Stadium, home of the Seahawks, for a period of six years starting in 2010.

My opposite number over at the Couger Corner, Lew Wright, has already discussed this a bit, but it could provide an interesting development in the rivalry.

Now, I'm going to be completely frank, I may hate the Cougars, but I respect them for being Washingtonians. I like to think that we treat our rivalry with intensity, but respect. They certainly are a lot better than some of those Ducks fans.

I jest of course, but the point I'm trying to make is this, I think that playing at a neutral site is an intriguing idea. It is a big event on the Washington sports calendar, and no matter how good or bad the teams involved are, the fanfare never diminishes.

The move to Qwest would be a huge increase in revenue for each school for the Apple Cup. As it stands the two schools make about $800,000 when they play at Husky Stadium and $250,000 when they play at Martin Stadium in Pullman. The move to Qwest would be a paycheck upwards of $2 million for each team.

The problems come up with tradition. When I first heard this concept I was immediately against it. I've cooled somewhat, but I think that the move loses a lot of the charm of the rivalry. 

I've been to two Apple Cups as a student, and I can say that the atmosphere around the Husky Stadium in those two games is unbelievable. They are far and above my most enduring memories from within the stadium.

However, playing at Qwest would not necessarily lose any of that atmosphere, it just isn't the same either. 

I can't see the Cougar fans totally thinking this is a great idea either. Qwest isn't too much of a hassle to get to from the Washington campus, and being in the middle of Seattle is basically a home game for the Huskies every season.

Unfortunately, the teams have been breaking some of the traditions by scheduling games after the Apple Cup for TV reasons the past several seasons. It used to be the Apple Cup was the culmination of the season, good or bad.

Another question to ask is whether or not the Huskies want to lose one of their marquee games when they are angling for a $150 million renovation.

Current Huskies seem to be ok with the idea of going to Qwest. Coach Steve Sarkisian said in a post practice interview "I think it's great not just for the city of Seattle but the state of Washington to have a common place where both teams can go and really rally the state and make it a social event. So I'm OK with it."

Jake Locker said of the possible move that "Qwest Field is a great stadium, and it would be fun to go over there and have the excitement of being in a big-time stadium."

Athletic Director Scott Woodward has remained pretty mum on the whole idea, and it's safe to assume that talks between the schools and the company that runs Qwest are continuing.

Its safe to say that this will be an interesting saga in the rivalry if it goes through. I don't think that it diminshes my desire to participate in the rivalry at all.

News and Notes

Washington completed another scrimmage practice today. Jake Locker went 10-16 passing for 133, a touchdown and an interception. Sarkisian has stated definitively that he is the guy for the Huskies at quarterback, as if that was in question.

Chris Polk was back in practice on Friday, and his return sparked a huge upswing in rushing totals. The running backs combined for 148 yards on 28 carries this week, up from 88 yards on 32 carries last week.

EJ Savannah left practice with a shoulder injury, but the coaches said it didn't look too bad and could be back as soon as Monday.

The University will be replacing the FieldTurf in Husky Stadium in the next month at a cost of $350,000. The Athletic Department has stated this money is coming out of the Huskies operational budget.