Rivalry Returns to Joan C. Edwards Stadium
Marshall Athletics and Herd Hospitality have entered a two-year agreement that will see the annual football rivalry between Huntington High School and Spring Valley High School played at Joan C. Edwards Stadium in 2026 and 2027. United Bank will serve as the presenting sponsor for the contests.
The 2026 matchup is scheduled for Friday, September 11, with a kickoff at 8 p.m., while the following day Marshall opens its home slate against Middle Tennessee at 7 p.m. Tickets for the Huntington-Spring Valley game will become available in July through Marshall Athletics.
Ryan Crisp, associate athletic director for revenue generation, said he is excited to host the rivalry for the next two years and to showcase the university’s commitment to its community and fans.
Community Engagement and Future Events
The series pits two of West Virginia’s most successful programs against each other, a cross-town clash that has defined high school football in the region for over a decade. Herd Hospitality hopes the partnership will create lasting memories and strengthen ties between the university and the broader public. Beyond football, the agreement includes plans for additional community events, such as the 2026 West Virginia State Baseball Tournament, which will be held at Marshall’s Jack Cook Field from June 6-13, further extending the university’s outreach.