On Sept. 12, 2009 the Washington State University (WSU) Cougars hosted its seventh annual Cougar Gridiron Classic home game at Seattle’s Qwest Field, against the University of Hawaii Warriors.
Since its inception in 2002, the Seattle game has become a hugely anticipated event, not only by university students, but alumni across the state. Attendees come not just to see the game, but to also meet with alumni and students as they celebrate all of WSU’s achievements and being a Cougar.
Many alumni who live in the Seattle area agree that the game is a great way to reconnect with the school.
“I love coming to the Seattle game,” WSU alumni Lindsey Emert said. “I can’t make it to Pullman to see the games very often, so it’s really nice that I can see the Cougs play close to home.”
However, since the Seattle game’s premier, attendance has steadily declined.
“The first game at Qwest, against Nevada in 2002, drew 63,588,” The Seattle Times says. “…42,912 fans populated Qwest in 2009.”
Even though ticket sales have dropped, this has become a tradition for many students at WSU to travel to Seattle for the weekend.
WSU senior Kayla Wagner agrees, “I think the game has become a tradition for both students and alumni and I think the game should continue,” she said. “I see it as a weekend where alumni and students can get together, party and watch the game. I get a chance to see a lot of my friends that have graduated and otherwise wouldn’t normally see.”
Even though many people share the same opinion, at this point in time, it is uncertain whether the Seattle game will continue with the tradition that many students and alumni have come to enjoy.
“There probably won’t be a game next year because this is the last year on our contract.” WSU Athletic Department Promotions Coordinator, and WSU Alumni Nicole Early said. “We only signed a contract for seven years.”
Now that the seven year contract is over, WSU will need to renegotiate with Qwest whether they will continue the Cougar Gridiron Classic.
Although the future of the Seattle game is still in question, for the time being the university is trying to make the game as safe as possible for all spectators.
Tailgating is one of the most common activities for students and alumni alike, and it is one of the appealing aspects of the game. Wagner agrees that tailgating is a common activity among attendees.
“Everyone drinks before the game, it’s just a good time for everyone,” she said.
WSU is trying to make a difference on how people party before the game, so those who are drinking do not get out of hand. Before the 2009 game, WSU sent out an email to all students linked to wsucougars.com that stated newly implemented tailgating rules.
Some of the rules mentioned in the linked email were “no glass bottles or cans permitted-please pour drinks into plastic cups,” wsucougars.com says. “[and] Consuming alcoholic beverages in public is a violation of city and state law.”
This is a way WSU is trying to make sure the Seattle game is safe, and ensures a positive reflection on the university.
Some believe that this is no different than any other football weekend, and regardless of the partying that takes place, WSU is still recognized as a good school.
“I don’t think that the Seattle game is seen as a drunk-fest,” Early said. “I think there is more tailgating at the Seattle game because there is an opportunity for many students to do so. However, being a student, and alumni, and now an employee for the Athletic Department, I don’t see it being any crazier than any other game and portraying a negative image of the school.”
Emert agreed.
“Now on the other side of things, I think it is great that WSU makes it all the way to Seattle,” she said. “That act alone shows the school in such a positive light and it shows the rest of Seattle that WSU really cares about its alumni.”
For more information please visit www.wsucougars.com and http://www.seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/budwithers/2009854995_withers/3.html