Plenty to do ahead of Apple Cup game Saturday

By RJ Wolcott, WSU News & Media Relations
People gathered on a track field to see a hot air balloon shaped and decorated like a Cosmic Crisp apple.
Spectators enjoyed free apples while admiring the Cosmic Crisp® hot air balloon at WSU Pullman's Mooberry Track and Field Complex, Friday, Oct. 18, 2023. Photo by WSU Photo Services.

For the first time since 2022, Washington State University and the University of Washington will face off on the gridiron in Pullman.

Unlike any previous Apple Cup in Pullman, the game at Gesa Field is taking place in September. That means fans are unlikely to face the harsh weather typical of November games between the two rivals.

To capitalize on the momentous occasion, WSU, the city of Pullman, and stakeholders are coming together to offer fans a host of activities and experiences prior to the Apple Cup contest. Additionally, WSU has created a new, interactive Game Day experience website loaded with information about events and opportunities for fans during home game weekends.

Fans can enjoy a wide range of activities and experiences prior to Saturday’s Apple Cup contest.

Today, Kate Evans, a WSU professor of Horticulture who leads apple and pear breeding efforts at the Wenatchee Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center, will give a talk on university-led apple innovations. The event, “Cosmic to Cutting-Edge,” is part of the Whelan-Ewartsville Grange #114 and will begin at 7 p.m.

More information about the Peel Good Apple Festival is available on the Whelan-Ewartsville Grange #114’s website.

On Friday, Mooberry Track and Field will host the first-ever Apple Cup Harvest Market. The free event will be a celebration of all things Cougar-made, with free Cosmic Crisp® apples, treats, and mocktails, among other offerings. The event will run from 4–6 p.m. and will also feature the 80-foot Cosmic Crisp® hot air balloon.

The Brelsford WSU Visitor Center is extending its hours Friday and will be offering samples of Cougar Cheese and Cougar-connected wine from 4–7 p.m. and again on Saturday from 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

Friday afternoon will also see events off campus with First Down Friday. More information about the afternoon’s events is available online. The Cougar Collective will also host a Friday Happy Hour Social from 3–6 p.m. inside the Alger Family Club Level within Gesa Field.

Kickoff for this year’s Apple Cup is 4:30 p.m. Saturday.

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