Gesa Field Change Could Have Cougars Fans Rethinking Their Seats

The relocation aims to boost the excitement at Washington State games while ensuring ticket holders' preferences are prioritized.

Washington State football will have a different look on game days at Gesa Field in 2026, with the Cougars moving their home sideline to the south side of the stadium and the visiting team shifting to the north side.

The change is part of a broader push to improve the fan experience at Gesa Field, and it comes with the updated conference policies tied to the new era of the Pac-12. WSU Vice President and Director of Athletics Jon Haarlow said the move is meant to add to the atmosphere around the stadium.

"With the new era of the Pac-12, updated conference policies allow us to enhance the game day experience,” said WSU Vice President and Director of Athletics Jon Haarlow. “Our students are a vital part of the atmosphere, and this change will help create even more energy at Gesa Field alongside our new fan enhancements.

We also want to be respectful of our loyal season ticket holders who may wish to relocate, and we'll do our best to accommodate those requests. We're excited for a great season and expect Gesa Field to be electric come September 19.

Go Cougs!"

Season ticket holders who want to move their seats because of the sideline switch can contact the ticket office at 1-800-GO-COUGS or athletictickets@wsu.edu. The office is open during the summer Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

WSU is urging fans to make those changes this week, before single-game tickets go on sale. If seat relocations happen after that, there will be fewer options available. Single-game tickets go on sale to Cougar Athletic Fund members on Monday, July 27 at 10 a.m., then to the general public on Wednesday, July 29 at 10 a.m.

In Other News...

Whitaker Adds Another Piece To Wazzu Swimmings Championship Push

Washington State swimming added another layer to its championship push with a coaching hire that brings both competitive pedigree and a strong academic background to Pullman. The move comes as head coach Russell Whitaker continues building a staff around the programs long-term vision, and the latest addition arrives with experience from Michigan and TCU, plus a rsum that includes academic honors and advanced study in exercise science and physiology.

The new assistant also brings a research-minded approach that could fit well with a program looking for every edge in the pool. He recently completed a thesis on the mechanical factors behind maximal sprint speed in competitive swimming, work that points to a coach who understands not just how elite swimmers train, but why they move the way they do. [Read more 🡒]

Cougars Star Earns Rare National Honor That Says Everything About WSU

Washington States outdoor track program added another layer to an already impressive spring, with the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association handing out nine academic honors to the 2025-26 Cougars. Both the mens and womens teams were recognized as All-Academic Teams, and six athletes landed All-Academic Scholar Athlete distinction, a sign that the programs success is carrying well beyond the oval.

Rosemary Longisa was among that group, joined by Mercy Biwott, Caroline Jepkorir, Solomon Kipchoge, Josphat Meli and Kutoven Stevens. For WSU, the bigger takeaway is how the accolades keep stacking up around a roster that has already shown it can compete at a national level, and Longisas recognition adds another notable mark to a season that has put the Cougars in a rare spotlight. [Read more 🡒]