Apple Cup
2026

The 2026 Apple Cup at Husky Stadium: Full Game Breakdown

For the 118th time, the Washington Huskies and the Washington State Cougars meet in the Apple Cup. The 2026 game takes the field at Husky Stadium on Sunday, September 6 at 1 p.m. local time, and it is now officially branded the Boeing Apple Cup thanks to a multi-year sponsorship extension. According to FBSchedules, both 2026 and 2027 dates have been locked in by the schools, with the rivalry continuing as a non-conference matchup now that Washington plays in the Big Ten and Washington State competes in the rebuilt Pac-12.

The move to Labor Day Sunday is one of the biggest shifts in modern Apple Cup history. For decades, the game was the last regular-season contest for both programs and almost always carried bowl-eligibility or conference-title implications. Now, the rivalry kicks off the year. Both fan bases get to experience season opener jitters and rivalry-week intensity at the same time, and the broadcast partners get to put one of the most underrated rivalries in college football on a stand-alone national stage with no other major games to compete against.

The Boeing Apple Cup name brings real weight to the rivalry. FBSchedules reports that the title sponsorship deal helps lock in the long-term scheduling of the game, even with the two schools playing in different conferences. The branding shows up across team merchandise, ticket presentations, and the in-stadium experience, with new on-field signage and pregame programming planned for 2026.

Husky Stadium is one of the most recognizable venues in college sports. The stadium was built in 1920 and has been expanded and renovated multiple times, most recently in a 2011 to 2013 project that modernized the seating bowl and concourse infrastructure. The current capacity is 70,138, and the stadium offers what is often called the best view in college football, with the south-side bowl looking out across Lake Washington toward Mount Rainier. Husky Stadium has hosted countless Apple Cups over the years and consistently ranks among the loudest venues in the sport when the home crowd is rolling.

Beyond the game, Apple Cup weekend in Seattle is a destination event. Restaurants on Capitol Hill and in the U District take reservations weeks in advance, hotels near campus and downtown sell out, and the waterfront and Pike Place Market areas are packed with visitors taking in the city before kickoff. Sunday morning brings tailgates around Montlake, with grills, big-screen TVs, and impromptu cornhole tournaments before the gates open. If you are flying in, Sea-Tac International is the main airport and is a quick light-rail ride from the U District stop, just walking distance from the stadium.

The 2026 Apple Cup is the kind of game that lives on in lore. Whether you are an alum, a longtime fan, or a first-time visitor to Seattle, this is the right weekend to be in the Pacific Northwest. Browse the listings above and pick up Apple Cup tickets on BigStub. Fans have trusted BigStub for more than 20 years, and every order comes with a buyer guarantee and verified seller protection.

How to Get Apple Cup 2026 Tickets

Where are official Apple Cup tickets sold?

Primary tickets for the 2026 Boeing Apple Cup are sold through the University of Washington athletic department on gohuskies.com and through authorized primary partners. Verified resale options run through BigStub, where you can compare seat prices, see the seller details, and check out with a buyer guarantee.

What seating options are available at Husky Stadium?

Husky Stadium offers a wide range of seating tiers, from premium lower bowl sideline sections and field-side suites to club-level seating and traditional general admission upper deck spots. Sideline seats give you the closest view of the action, while corner and end-zone seats are usually the more affordable picks. Browse the listings above to see exactly which sections and rows still have availability.

What is the smartest way to find a great seat?

1. Open the live seating map in the listings above and tap any section to see available rows.
2. Use price and quantity filters to narrow down listings that match your group size and budget.
3. Check the seat notes for any details about views, accessibility, or restricted angles.
4. Buy through BigStub for verified delivery and the full buyer guarantee on your Apple Cup tickets.

What time should I plan to arrive at Husky Stadium?

For the 1 p.m. kickoff, gates open about two hours before the game. Tailgating starts in the morning, with the Montlake lots filling up by 9 or 10 a.m. on rivalry game days. Arriving by 11 a.m. gives you time to settle in, hit the restrooms, grab concessions, and watch the team walk through pregame routines on the field.

How does the BigStub buyer guarantee work?

BigStub guarantees that every ticket purchased is authentic, valid for entry, and delivered in time for the event. If anything is wrong with your order or the event is cancelled, BigStub stands behind it with a refund or replacement. The dedicated customer service team is available to help with any specific questions before, during, or after your purchase.

Can I list my Apple Cup tickets for resale?

Yes. The BigStub seller portal walks you through pricing, listing, and delivery in a few steps. If your plans change before Sunday, September 6, 2026, you can list your seats so other fans can grab them quickly and you can recover some or all of your purchase price.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 2026 Boeing Apple Cup?

The 2026 Boeing Apple Cup is the 118th edition of the football rivalry between the Washington Huskies and the Washington State Cougars. Boeing returned as the title sponsor in a multi-year deal that gives the rivalry a major branded presence both inside the stadium and across broadcast partners.

What date and time is the 2026 Apple Cup?

The 2026 Apple Cup is set for Sunday, September 6, 2026 at 1 p.m. local time, with the game kicking off Labor Day weekend as the season opener for both schools. The new Sunday slot replaces the traditional late-November date for the rivalry.

Why did the Apple Cup move to Labor Day weekend?

The Sunday of Labor Day weekend was selected for the 2026 Apple Cup so the game could be featured as a stand-alone national broadcast and as the season opener for both Washington and Washington State. The schedule change is tied to both schools new conference homes and the desire to showcase the rivalry on a national stage.

Where is the 2026 Apple Cup played?

The 2026 Apple Cup is being played at Husky Stadium in Seattle, located on the University of Washington campus at 3800 Montlake Blvd NE. Husky Stadium has hosted the majority of Apple Cup games in Seattle since 1946.

What is the Husky Stadium capacity?

Husky Stadium currently seats 70,138 fans after a 2011 to 2013 renovation. Before the renovation, the stadium seated 72,500 and was the largest stadium in the Pacific Northwest. The renovated venue features new concourses, modern seating, and a large videoboard.

How can I get to Husky Stadium on game day?

Sound Transit Link light rail to the U District station is the fastest way to reach Husky Stadium for the Apple Cup. Rideshare drop-off zones are set up near the stadium, paid parking is available in nearby permit lots, and shuttle service is offered from some Seattle locations on game days.

What is the all-time Apple Cup series record?

The Washington Huskies hold the all-time lead in the Apple Cup series. The Cougars have produced a number of dramatic upsets over the years, including overtime wins, fourth-quarter comebacks, and ranked-versus-unranked stunners that have defined memorable chapters of the rivalry.

How long has the Apple Cup been played?

The Apple Cup has been played since 1900, making it one of the longest-running rivalries in college football. The official Apple Cup trophy was first awarded in 1963 and remains the centerpiece of the matchup, named after the apple in honor of Washingtons top agricultural export.

Is Boeing the official sponsor of the Apple Cup?

Yes. Boeing returned as the title sponsor of the rivalry, making the 2026 game the Boeing Apple Cup. The multi-year sponsorship deal includes branding, broadcast integration, and a long-term commitment to keeping the rivalry on the schedule.

What broadcast network has the 2026 Apple Cup?

The 2026 Apple Cup is being broadcast nationally as a Labor Day weekend feature game. Specific network details and start time confirmation are typically released by the conferences and the schools in the weeks before kickoff.

What should I bring to Husky Stadium?

Husky Stadium uses a clear bag policy, so plan to use a clear bag or a small clutch. Allowed items include sealed water bottles in limited cases, smart phones, and small personal items. Outside food, drinks, large bags, and prohibited items are listed on the official Husky Stadium policy page.

Are Apple Cup tickets refundable?

BigStub backs every order with a buyer guarantee. If the event is cancelled outright, refunds are processed in line with BigStub policy. If the event is rescheduled or postponed, tickets typically remain valid for the new date. Contact BigStub customer service with any questions specific to your purchase.

What is the best time to buy Apple Cup tickets?

Buying early gives you the widest selection of seats and the most options at every price point. Apple Cup games at Husky Stadium tend to sell out, especially with the season-opener spotlight in 2026, so locking in your tickets sooner rather than later is the safer play. Browse the listings above to grab seats now.

Can I tailgate at the Apple Cup?

Yes. Tailgating is a huge part of the Apple Cup tradition, with fans setting up around the Montlake parking lots and along the Lake Washington waterfront. Many lots open in the early morning on game day. Check the official Husky Stadium parking and tailgating guidelines for the latest rules and lot openings.