With the Territorial Cup matchup between the UA and Arizona State University this weekend, a long-standing rivalry brings the spirit of competition to the two campuses.

The rivalry between the two universities is ages old, beginning back in 1899 when the two teams battled in the first Territorial Cup. 

The schools will fight for the 89th Territorial Cup at the Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe on Saturday. The rivalry between the schools predates Arizona’s statehood, which was achieved in 1912.

While the rivalry may not be the oldest in college football, the NCAA does recognize the Territorial Cup as the oldest rivalry trophy in the league. The current record of the two teams’ previous meetings show the UA leading with 48 wins, 39 loses and one tie. 

The old rivalry has sparked some antagonistic traditions. A week before the Duel in the Desert, both schools participate in pranks on the opponent.

One of the most infamous pranks is the painting of the opponent’s “A” Mountain, for which students from both universities travel between Tucson and Phoenix in attempts to paint the opposing school’s “A.” 

Sean Roberts, a senior studying philosophy, politics, economics and law at the UA, explained the rivalry that he has grown up with.

 “It was really just something I was born into,” Roberts said.“[You] see the worst in people.”

Khaylub Thompson, a pre-law freshman and a running back for Arizona football, said he and the other players are prepared for the cup.

“We’ve been working really hard at practice,” Thompson said. “The cup is really important to the team and Coach Rodriguez. It could be the last time some of the seniors play, so I think they’re prepared to go out with a bang.” 

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