Apple Cup
2026

Apple Cup 2026: Everything You Need to Know

The 2026 Apple Cup is a milestone game in one of college footballs oldest and most fiercely contested rivalries. Set for Sunday, September 6, 2026 at 1 p.m. inside Husky Stadium on the University of Washington campus in Seattle, this is the 118th edition of the in-state showdown between the Washington Huskies and the Washington State Cougars. For the first time ever, the rivalry doubles as a season opener, replacing the traditional late-November slot the two programs played for generations. According to Sports Illustrated, the Sunday afternoon kickoff is a direct result of both schools adjusting to new conference homes and is being broadcast nationally as a Labor Day weekend headliner.

For the Huskies, the Apple Cup is a chance to defend their home turf in front of a sold-out Husky Stadium crowd. Washington enters 2026 as a Big Ten member and will be looking to use the rivalry as a launching pad into conference play. For Washington State, this is a flagship moment for a Cougars program that has been retooling its identity since the conference realignment of the early 2020s. Both programs have invested heavily in new coaching staffs, recruiting, and facility upgrades, and both fan bases are ready to pour into Seattle for the season opener.

Husky Stadium itself is one of the great venues in all of college football. The stadium first opened in 1920 and currently holds 70,138 fans, with iconic views of Lake Washington and the Cascade Range from the upper deck. After the 2011-2013 renovation, the stadium received new seating bowls, expanded concourses, and a state-of-the-art video board. Even though it has been featured in FOX 13 Seattles list of the top college football venues in the country, nothing quite matches the energy of an Apple Cup Sunday in Seattle.

The Apple Cup trophy, awarded since 1963 and named for one of Washingtons most famous exports, sits in the winning programs trophy case for a full calendar year. The series is one of the most balanced rivalries in major college football, with the Huskies leading historically but the Cougars notching some of the most memorable upsets in series history. Recent years have been filled with overtime drama, last-second field goals, and ranked-versus-unranked stunners. Expect more of the same in 2026 as both rosters bring playmakers on offense and stars on defense who could change the game on a single snap.

If you are heading to Seattle for Apple Cup 2026, plan ahead. Hotel rooms near campus and downtown Seattle book up fast for the Labor Day weekend, and Sunday parking around Husky Stadium is limited to a handful of permit lots, the U-District, and Sound Transits nearby light rail stop. Gates open about two hours before kickoff and the tailgating begins long before that, with Cougars and Huskies fans staking out grills and tents from sunrise. Whether you are flying in from out of state or making the drive across I-90, this is a Pacific Northwest game day weekend you do not want to miss.

Apple Cup 2026 tickets are available now on BigStub. With more than two decades of resale experience and the highest Trustpilot rating in the industry, BigStub offers verified tickets with no hidden fees and a full buyer guarantee. Browse the seating chart, pick the perfect spot, and get ready to be part of the 118th chapter of one of college footballs great rivalries.

How to Buy Apple Cup 2026 Tickets

Where can I buy Apple Cup 2026 tickets?

Tickets are available through the University of Washington athletics ticket office and the official gohuskies.com site, along with authorized primary sellers. Verified resale tickets are also available on BigStub, a trusted third-party marketplace with no hidden fees, verified sellers, and a full buyer guarantee on every order.

What time does the Apple Cup kick off?

Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. local time on Sunday, September 6, 2026 at Husky Stadium. Gates typically open about two hours before kickoff to allow fans time to find their seats, hit the concessions, and soak in the pregame atmosphere. Tailgating starts even earlier, so plan on arriving with plenty of time to enjoy the full Apple Cup Sunday experience.

What should I know about Husky Stadium?

Husky Stadium is located at 3800 Montlake Blvd NE on the University of Washington campus in Seattle. The stadium seats 70,138 and offers some of the most scenic views in college football, with sightlines over Lake Washington and Mount Rainier. Parking around the venue is limited, so many fans use the nearby Sound Transit light rail station or rideshare drop-off zones. Full information on directions, parking, and accessibility is available on the official Husky Stadium site.

What is the best way to find good seats?

1. Browse the live seating chart in the listings above to see exactly where each seat is located inside Husky Stadium.
2. Filter by section, row, and price to match your budget and your preferred view of the field.
3. Compare verified seller offers and read the seat notes before you commit.
4. Complete your purchase on BigStub with a full buyer guarantee, so you can show up on Apple Cup Sunday knowing your seats are locked in.

Are resale tickets safe?

Yes. BigStub has been connecting fans with live events for more than 20 years and holds the highest Trustpilot rating in the resale industry. Every seller on the platform is verified, every order is backed by a buyer guarantee, and customer service is available to help with any questions about your Apple Cup 2026 tickets before kickoff.

What if I can no longer attend the Apple Cup?

Plans change, and BigStub makes it easy to resell tickets you can no longer use. Visit the seller resources on the BigStub site to list your seats for the 2026 Apple Cup quickly and get them in front of other fans who are looking to be at Husky Stadium that Sunday afternoon.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the 2026 Apple Cup?

The 2026 Apple Cup is scheduled for Sunday, September 6, 2026 with a 1 p.m. kickoff at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. It is the 118th meeting between the Washington Huskies and Washington State Cougars and marks the first time the Apple Cup serves as the season opener for both schools.

Where is the 2026 Apple Cup being played?

The 2026 Apple Cup is being played at Husky Stadium on the University of Washington campus in Seattle. Since 1946, Apple Cups played in Seattle have been hosted at Husky Stadium, with rare exceptions when the game has been moved to Lumen Field downtown.

How much do Apple Cup 2026 tickets cost?

Ticket prices vary by section, row, and date of purchase. Lower-bowl sideline seats and club-level seats tend to be the most expensive, while upper-deck and end-zone seats are typically more affordable. Browse the listings above for current pricing on Apple Cup 2026 tickets.

Who is playing in the 2026 Apple Cup?

The Washington Huskies host the Washington State Cougars in the 2026 Apple Cup. Washington is a member of the Big Ten Conference and Washington State is part of the rebuilt Pac-12, making this the first Apple Cup contested between the two schools as members of different conferences in this new alignment.

Why is the Apple Cup the season opener in 2026?

For the first time in the long history of the rivalry, the Apple Cup is the season opener for both schools rather than the traditional end-of-season game. The schedule change comes out of new conference structures and a desire to spotlight the rivalry on a national Labor Day weekend broadcast. Going forward, the dates for the Apple Cup are scheduled to rotate.

Who has won more Apple Cups historically?

The Washington Huskies lead the overall series by a comfortable margin, but the rivalry has been packed with memorable upsets by the Cougars in recent decades. The series has produced some of the most dramatic finishes in college football, including overtime games, last-minute field goals, and ranked-versus-unranked stunners.

What is the Apple Cup trophy?

The Apple Cup trophy is the official prize awarded to the winning team each year, first presented in 1963. The trophy is named after the apple, one of Washington states most famous agricultural exports, and it stays in the winning programs trophy case until the next years game.

Is the 2026 Apple Cup sold out?

Apple Cup games at Husky Stadium tend to sell out, and the Labor Day weekend slot in 2026 is expected to draw a packed house. Even if the box office shows the game as sold out, verified resale tickets are still available through marketplaces like BigStub. Check the listings above for current availability.

What channel is the 2026 Apple Cup on?

The 2026 Apple Cup is set as a Labor Day weekend headline broadcast on national television. Specific network and broadcast details are typically confirmed by the conferences and the schools in the weeks leading up to the game. Check the official Washington athletics site for the latest broadcast announcement.

What time should I arrive at Husky Stadium?

Gates typically open about two hours before kickoff, so plan to arrive by 11 a.m. at the latest if you want time to tailgate, get through security, and find your seats. Tailgating around the Montlake parking lots and along the Lake Washington waterfront starts in the morning hours and is a big part of the Apple Cup experience.

How do I get to Husky Stadium for the Apple Cup?

Husky Stadium is located at 3800 Montlake Blvd NE in Seattle. The easiest options are Sound Transits Link light rail, which stops near the stadium, rideshare drop-off zones, and pre-paid lot parking around the venue. Game-day parking is limited, so public transit is strongly recommended for the Apple Cup.

Are Apple Cup 2026 tickets refundable?

Resale tickets purchased through BigStub are backed by a buyer guarantee. If the event is cancelled outright, refunds are issued. If the event is postponed or rescheduled, your tickets remain valid for the new date. Reach out to BigStub customer service for specific questions about your order.

Can I resell my Apple Cup 2026 tickets?

Yes. If you can no longer attend, BigStub makes it easy to list your tickets for resale through the seller portal. Many fans buy and resell Apple Cup tickets each year through verified marketplaces like BigStub.

Is there a clear bag policy at Husky Stadium?

Husky Stadium follows a clear bag policy similar to other major college football venues. Approved bags include clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags that do not exceed the posted size limits, plus small clutches. Full bag rules and prohibited items are listed on the official Husky Stadium information page before you head to the game.