Sports have always been a major part of the culture in southeastern Washington. From high school teams to professional leagues, the region is home to a variety of sports teams that have gained recognition and success over the years. However, with competition comes rivalry, and the sports scene in southeastern Washington is no stranger to intense rivalries between teams.
The Battle for Bragging Rights: The Rivalry Between the University of Washington and Washington State University
One of the most well-known rivalries in southeastern Washington is between the University of Washington (UW) and Washington State University (WSU). Both universities have a strong presence in the region, with UW located in Seattle and WSU in Pullman.This rivalry, known as the Apple Cup, dates back to 1900 and is considered one of the oldest rivalries in college football. The Apple Cup is not just a game between two universities; it's a battle for bragging rights between two states. The rivalry is so intense that it divides families and friends, with each side fiercely supporting their team. The game is played annually, and the winning team takes home the coveted Apple Cup trophy, which has been passed back and forth between UW and WSU over the years. Aside from football, this rivalry extends to other sports as well, such as basketball and baseball. The two universities compete against each other in various sports throughout the year, making it a year-round rivalry that keeps fans on their toes.
The Battle for Supremacy: The Rivalry Between Spokane Chiefs and Tri-City Americans
Hockey fans in southeastern Washington are no strangers to the intense rivalry between the Spokane Chiefs and Tri-City Americans.Both teams are part of the Western Hockey League (WHL) and have a long-standing rivalry that dates back to the 1980s. The rivalry between these two teams is fueled by their close proximity, with Spokane and Tri-Cities being only a two-hour drive apart. This makes it easy for fans to travel and support their team on enemy territory, adding to the intensity of the games. The rivalry is also fueled by the fact that both teams have had success in the WHL, with the Chiefs winning three WHL championships and the Americans winning two. Every time these two teams face off, it's a battle for supremacy on the ice. The games are always intense, with players giving it their all to secure a win for their team.
The rivalry between the Spokane Chiefs and Tri-City Americans is not just limited to the ice; it extends to their fan bases as well. Fans of both teams are known for their passionate support and can often be seen engaging in friendly banter and pranks.
The Battle for State Pride: The Rivalry Between Seattle Mariners and Seattle Seahawks
When it comes to professional sports teams in southeastern Washington, the Seattle Mariners and Seattle Seahawks are at the top of the list. Both teams represent the state of Washington in their respective leagues, and with that comes a fierce rivalry between them. The rivalry between these two teams is not just about winning games; it's about state pride. The Seattle Mariners, a Major League Baseball team, have been playing since 1977 and have a loyal fan base in southeastern Washington.On the other hand, the Seattle Seahawks, a National Football League team, have been playing since 1976 and have gained a massive following over the years. The rivalry between these two teams is not as old as some of the others on this list, but it's just as intense. Every time the Mariners and Seahawks face off, it's a battle for state pride, with fans of both teams showing their support in full force. The rivalry between these two teams has only grown stronger over the years, with both teams achieving success in their respective leagues.
The Battle for the Championship: The Rivalry Between Gonzaga Bulldogs and Eastern Washington Eagles
College basketball is a big deal in southeastern Washington, and the rivalry between Gonzaga Bulldogs and Eastern Washington Eagles is proof of that. Both teams are part of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and have a long-standing rivalry that dates back to the 1920s. The rivalry between these two teams is fueled by their close proximity, with Gonzaga located in Spokane and Eastern Washington in Cheney.The rivalry is also fueled by the fact that both teams have had success in the NCAA, with Gonzaga making it to the Final Four in 2017 and Eastern Washington winning multiple Big Sky Conference championships. Every time these two teams face off, it's a battle for the championship. The rivalry between Gonzaga Bulldogs and Eastern Washington Eagles is not just limited to basketball; it extends to other sports as well, such as football and soccer.
