Exciting Update: Four More Years of the Backyard Brawl for West Virginia University Athletics

The Backyard Brawl: A Rivalry Continues

The “Backyard Brawl” between West Virginia University (WVU) and the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) is one of college football’s oldest and most passionate rivalries. Recently, WVU’s Athletic Director, Wren Baker, announced that this rivalry will continue for four more years, running from 2033 to 2036.

Baker expressed excitement about the extension, stating, “It’s always a great day when you can extend one of the best rivalries in all of college sports.” This sentiment resonates with fans, as the games are more than just football; they capture the essence of competitive spirit and community pride.

Game Schedule

The new games will kick off in 2033 at Acrisure Stadium and will rotate between the two universities:

• 2033: Pittsburgh
• 2034: Morgantown
• 2035: Pittsburgh
• 2036: Morgantown

Rich Rodriguez, a notable figure in coaching history at WVU, shared his view: “I think it’s one of the greatest rivalries in sports.” He emphasized the fierce competition and close proximity of the schools, making each game even more intense.

Historical Context

The Backyard Brawl started back in 1895. For over a century, the two teams faced each other until the series paused in 2011 due to conference realignments. A memorable game in 2011 ended with a close score of 21-20 in favor of WVU, marking a bittersweet close to the longstanding competition. It wasn’t until 2022 that the series resumed, thrilling fans on both sides.

Historically, Pitt leads the series with 63 wins against WVU’s 41 and 3 ties. The two schools were rivals throughout different periods, initially as independents and later as founding members of the Big East Conference in 1991. During their time in the Big East, West Virginia won 14 out of 21 games against Pitt.

The Revival’s Impact

This revival of the Backyard Brawl not only excites sports fans but also affects local communities and economies. Home games draw significant crowds, contributing to local businesses and fostering a sense of unity among alumni and supporters.

Surveys show that rivalries in college sports help maintain high levels of engagement and enthusiasm among fans. A recent study found that rival matchups increase viewership by nearly 30%, highlighting just how important these games are to college athletics.

Future Meetings

As anticipation builds for the next series of games, fans can look forward to the following dates:

• September 8, 2029: Pitt
• September 7, 2030: West Virginia
• September 6, 2031: Pitt
• September 11, 2032: West Virginia
• September 10, 2033: Pitt
• September 9, 2034: West Virginia
• September 8, 2035: Pitt
• September 13, 2036: West Virginia

In a time when sports can unite people across divides, the Backyard Brawl is more than just a game; it’s a celebration of tradition, rivalry, and community spirit that will continue to echo for years to come.

For more insights on college football rivalries and their impact, check out this NCAA report on fan engagement and community involvement.

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