Washington State University band declines travel for Sunday Apple Cup game
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 4, 2026, 11:08 PM
Last updated Sep 4, 2026
The Washington State University Cougar Marching Band will not attend this Sunday's Apple Cup game at Husky Stadium in Seattle. Athletic department officials cited logistical challenges resulting from recent stadium seating adjustments that moved visiting school bands to the upper deck. According to WSU vice president and director of athletics Haarlow, the site changes prevented the group from maintaining the desired game-day experience. Former band member Flores noted that transporting 260 performers and instruments from the upper deck to the field would force the ensemble to miss significant portions of the first, second, and third quarters. The decision follows policy changes made after the University of Washington joined the Big Ten Conference in 2024. WSU officials have encouraged supporters to maintain the game-day energy in the band's absence.
- •The Cougar Marching Band will not travel to Sunday's game at Husky Stadium.
- •Seating changes at the venue relocated visiting bands to the upper deck.
- •Performers face significant logistical hurdles moving 260 members to the field for halftime.
- •The University of Washington updated stadium seating after joining the Big Ten Conference in 2024.
- 11:08 PMYahoo Sports — WSU Cougar Marching Band won’t play at Apple Cup
- 5:30 PMThe Seattle Times — Why WSU’s band is skipping the Apple Cup - seattletimes.com
"The Washington State University Cougar Marching Band will not travel to Husky Stadium for this Sunday’s Apple Cup game against the University of Washington. The decision follows seating changes at the Seattle stadium that move visiting school bands from the field level to the upper deck.
"WSU's marching band won't be at the Apple Cup. Meanwhile, UW's band won't travel to most Big Ten road games. It's yet another sign of the changing landscape of college football.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 4, 2026, 11:08 PMWSU Cougar Marching Band won’t play at Apple Cup
The Washington State University Cougar Marching Band will not travel to Husky Stadium for this Sunday’s Apple Cup game against the University of Washington. The decision follows seating changes at the Seattle stadium that move visiting school bands from the field level to the upper deck.
- The Seattle TimesSep 4, 2026, 5:30 PMWhy WSU’s band is skipping the Apple Cup - seattletimes.com
WSU's marching band won't be at the Apple Cup. Meanwhile, UW's band won't travel to most Big Ten road games. It's yet another sign of the changing landscape of college football.
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