Apple Cup at Qwest a bad idea

The negative backlash from a proposed change in venue for the Apple Cup has been astounding.

UW and WSU fans alike are voicing their displeasure over the idea as Bob Condotta of the Times wrote today, and you can count me in that camp.

Sure, I would love to be able to take a quick cab down to Qwest Field every year WSU is supposed to be the home team. I'd love to give the Cougs a taste of their own medicine when UW teams have to endure the near-equal WSU/UW ratio at any UW home game because Seattle-area Cougs love to hate on the Dawgs en masse. I'd love to experience the rivalry in-person every year, but it's just not right.

The Apple Cup is about tradition. It's about the potential of playing in an epic snowstorm on the frozen Pullman tundra in late November. It's about handing the Cougars their tails and sending their fans to the exits early so they can drown their sorrows at The Coug 'til close. Heck, even lately, it's been about "wait until next year, we'll be back in Seattle."

It's not about state-of-the-art facilities, Jumbotrons, Seahawk-painted fields and prefunking at FX McCrory's.

I realize these economic times are tough, and the state could desperately use the added revenue moving the game could bring. But the universities would be making a big mistake if this is approved.