Spirit Week Rivalry Basketball Games Face Changes in Schedule and Venue
SPOKANE, Wash. – This year’s Spirit Week rivalry basketball games in Spokane will have a new look, with changes in both schedule and venue. Traditionally, all four games have been held at the Spokane Arena, but only two will take place there this week. The Groovy Shoes match between North Central and Shadle Park High Schools will tip off on Tuesday night, followed by the Rubber Chicken game between Ferris and Lewis and Clark High Schools on Wednesday night.
The battle for the Stinky Sneaker, usually between Central Valley and University High Schools, and the Railroad Rumble between Cheney and Rogers High Schools, will be held on the campus of Eastern Washington University (EWU) during the first week of February. While the Railroad Rumble being held in Cheney is not out of the ordinary, as it alternates between EWU’s Reese Court and the Spokane Arena every year, this will be the first time in years that the Stinky Sneaker game won’t be played in the Spokane Arena.
The reasons behind the changes lie in scheduling challenges and costs. Due to the Spokane Arena not having the desired date available for this year’s Stinky Sneaker game, Central Valley School District (CVSD) began exploring other venues. Marla Nunberg, a district spokesperson, explained that EWU was a cost-effective option for them this year. Although located farther from Spokane Valley than the Spokane Arena, the district will arrange for buses to transport students to Cheney. Nunberg emphasized that the decision was mainly driven by scheduling concerns, with cost savings being an additional benefit.
Spokane Public Facilities District (SPFD), which operates the Spokane Arena and other venues, has raised the fees charged to school districts for basketball games. Matt Meyer, SPFD Entertainment Director, stated that these fee increases are necessary to cover the rising overhead operational costs they face. However, he clarified that the primary objective is not to make a profit but to support the city, the students, and keep the games at the Spokane Arena whenever possible.
Scheduling games at the Spokane Arena can be challenging, as they prioritize the Spokane Chiefs, concerts, and other entertainment events that benefit the city and downtown core economically. The Spirit Week games are then scheduled around these priorities. However, Nunberg mentioned that for next year’s Stinky Sneaker games, all options are on the table, including the potential return to the Spokane Arena.
Despite the changes in venue, CVSD and the students are enthusiastic about participating in the Stinky Sneaker game at EWU and being part of Spirit Week. The focus is on the excitement of the rivalry and the opportunity for students to showcase their skills, regardless of the location.
As Spirit Week approaches, fans, players, and school officials eagerly anticipate the highly anticipated basketball games. The new venue for the Stinky Sneaker game presents a unique opportunity to evaluate cost savings and explore alternative options for future events. The ultimate goal remains to provide a memorable experience for the students and foster community spirit through spirited competition on the court.
