Apple Cup
2026

Inside the 2026 Apple Cup at Husky Stadium

The Apple Cup is the kind of college football game that pulls in casual fans, alumni who have not been to a game in years, and lifelong season-ticket holders alike. For 2026, the in-state showdown between the Washington Huskies and Washington State Cougars lands at Husky Stadium on Sunday, September 6 with a 1 p.m. kickoff. According to CougCenter, the game time and Sunday date were locked in after both schools agreed to a Labor Day weekend slot, the first time the rivalry has opened a season since the series began in 1900.

There is something special about a rivalry game that doubles as a season opener. The Huskies are entering their second year of Big Ten membership, with home games against Big Ten heavyweights still ahead on the schedule. Washington State is leaning into its rebuilt Pac-12 identity, with a roster reshaped through the transfer portal and a coaching staff hungry to take a marquee win on opening week. Both fan bases see this game as the launching pad for their 2026 hopes, which is exactly why the Husky Stadium ticket scramble started the moment the schedule dropped.

Sitting on the shore of Lake Washington, Husky Stadium is one of the most picturesque venues in the entire sport. Originally built in 1920 and renovated several times since, the stadium now seats 70,138 fans and features unobstructed views of Mount Rainier and the Cascades from the upper bowl. Husky Stadium has been ranked among the top venues in college football for decades, and the noise the crowd generates when the Huskies are rolling is legendary. Sayback Sunday in early September means warm weather, blue sky, and the kind of atmosphere that makes the place look spectacular on national TV.

The Apple Cup itself dates back to 1900, with the official trophy first awarded in 1963 thanks to a partnership tied to Washingtons state fruit. Across more than a hundred meetings, the Huskies have built the bigger overall lead in the series, but the Cougars have authored some of the most memorable single moments -- last-second field goals, overtime upsets, and dramatic late-game stops that fans still talk about decades later. With the rivalry now bookmarking opening weekend rather than the regular-season finale, every detail of the 2026 game is going to be dissected for years.

If you are traveling in for Apple Cup Sunday, you will want to book your hotel and lock in your transportation early. Downtown Seattle, Capitol Hill, and the University District fill up fast for Husky football weekends, and Labor Day adds an extra layer of demand. Public transit is the smart play -- Sound Transits Link light rail offers a quick ride to the U District stop, and there are designated rideshare drop-off zones around the stadium that beat circling for parking. For more travel tips and city guides, check the University of Washington Magazine feature on a century of football at Husky Stadium.

However you make it to Seattle, the easiest way to find Apple Cup tickets is on BigStub. The platform has been a trusted home for live event tickets for over 20 years, with the highest Trustpilot rating in the resale industry and a buyer guarantee backing every single order. Browse the seating chart, find the section that fits your view and budget, and get ready to be at Husky Stadium when the 118th Apple Cup kicks off.

How to Score Apple Cup Tickets

Where can I buy Apple Cup tickets?

Primary tickets for the 2026 Apple Cup are sold through the Washington athletics department on the official Huskies site and authorized partners. Verified resale options are also available on BigStub, where you can browse listings by section, compare prices, and complete your order with a full buyer guarantee.

What are the best seats at Husky Stadium for the Apple Cup?

The lower bowl sideline sections at midfield offer the best straight-on views and tend to be the priciest. Club-level and premium seating add covered options and extra amenities. Upper-bowl sideline seats deliver great elevated views and let you take in the Lake Washington skyline beyond the field. End-zone and corner seats are usually the most affordable, especially in the upper deck. The listings above show exactly where each available seat is located.

How early should I show up for the Apple Cup?

For a 1 p.m. kickoff, plan to be at the stadium parking lots by 9 or 10 a.m. if you want to tailgate. Gates typically open about two hours before kickoff, so 11 a.m. is the latest you should arrive if you want to settle in, hit concessions, and watch warmups. Sunday traffic in Seattle is lighter than weekday, but Husky football crowds still build quickly, especially with Labor Day visitors in town.

What is the quickest way to find seats and check out?

1. Open the listings above and filter by section, row, or price to narrow down your options inside Husky Stadium.
2. Hover or tap a listing to see the seat notes, seller details, and total price with no hidden fees.
3. Add the tickets to your cart on BigStub and complete the purchase in a secure checkout flow.
4. Receive your verified tickets in plenty of time before kickoff, backed by the BigStub buyer guarantee.

How does BigStub protect my purchase?

Every seller on BigStub is verified, every order is backed by the BigStub buyer guarantee, and a dedicated customer service team is available if anything needs sorting out before the game. With more than 20 years of resale experience and the highest Trustpilot rating in the industry, BigStub is built for fans who want their Apple Cup tickets to come through with no surprises.

Can I sell my Apple Cup tickets if my plans change?

Yes. If something comes up and you cannot make it to Husky Stadium, BigStub makes it easy to list your seats for resale. The seller portal walks you through pricing, listing details, and delivery, so your tickets can find a new owner quickly and you can recover your cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Apple Cup?

The Apple Cup is the annual football game between the Washington Huskies and the Washington State Cougars. First played in 1900, it is one of the longest-running rivalries in college football and is named for the apple, Washington states signature agricultural product. The official trophy has been awarded each year since 1963.

When and where is the 2026 Apple Cup?

The 2026 Apple Cup is set for Sunday, September 6, 2026 with a 1 p.m. kickoff at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. It is the season opener for both schools and the 118th meeting in the rivalry.

Why is the Apple Cup on a Sunday in 2026?

The 2026 Apple Cup was scheduled for Sunday of Labor Day weekend so the game could open the season as a stand-alone national broadcast. Moving the rivalry out of its traditional November slot was part of broader scheduling changes tied to both schools new conference affiliations.

How do I get to Husky Stadium?

Husky Stadium is at 3800 Montlake Blvd NE in Seattle. Sound Transit Link light rail stops at the U District station, which is a short walk away. Rideshare drop-off zones are set up around the venue on game day, and limited paid parking is available in nearby permit lots.

What is the capacity of Husky Stadium?

Husky Stadium has a current seating capacity of 70,138 after a major 2011 to 2013 renovation. Before the renovation, the stadium seated 72,500 fans and was the largest stadium in the Pacific Northwest. The new bowl includes upgraded seating, modern concourses, and a large video board.

What is the all-time Apple Cup record?

The Washington Huskies hold the all-time series lead in the Apple Cup. The Cougars have produced several memorable upset wins over the decades, including overtime games and dramatic late-game finishes that are still part of rivalry lore.

What time should I plan for tailgating?

With a 1 p.m. kickoff on Labor Day weekend, tailgating starts early. The Montlake lots typically begin filling by 8 or 9 a.m., and the most popular spots are claimed by mid-morning. Tents, grills, music, and friendly trash talk between Huskies and Cougars fans set the tone for the whole afternoon.

Are 2026 Apple Cup tickets still available?

Yes. Verified resale tickets to the 2026 Apple Cup are available now on BigStub. Browse the listings above to compare seats by section, row, and price, and lock in your spot at Husky Stadium for the 118th edition of the rivalry.

What channel will the 2026 Apple Cup be on?

The 2026 Apple Cup is being broadcast nationally as a Labor Day weekend headline game. Specific network details and broadcast partners are typically confirmed by the conferences and the schools in the weeks leading up to kickoff.

Are there clear bag rules at Husky Stadium?

Husky Stadium uses a clear bag policy. Approved bags include clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags within size limits, along with small clutch purses. Backpacks, large bags, and tinted bags are not permitted, so check the official Husky Stadium policy before heading to the gate.

Can I bring food or drinks into the stadium?

Outside food and beverages are generally not allowed inside Husky Stadium, with limited exceptions for sealed water bottles and medical needs. Concessions inside the stadium offer a wide range of options, from classic stadium fare to local Pacific Northwest favorites.

What if my Apple Cup ticket is for a postponed or cancelled game?

If the 2026 Apple Cup is postponed, your BigStub tickets remain valid for the rescheduled date. If the game is fully cancelled, BigStub processes refunds in line with its buyer guarantee. Contact BigStub customer service with any questions specific to your order.

How much do Apple Cup tickets usually cost?

Prices for Apple Cup tickets vary by section, row, and how close to game day you are buying. End-zone and upper-deck seats are usually the most affordable, while club seats and lower-bowl sideline tickets sit at the higher end. The listings above show current pricing for available seats.

Is there a clear bag policy and other items not allowed at Husky Stadium?

Husky Stadium enforces a clear bag rule and prohibits items like outside alcohol, large coolers, glass containers, and umbrellas. The complete prohibited items list is maintained on the official Husky Stadium information page, so review it before you arrive for the Apple Cup.