Sports have always been a major part of the culture in Northern Utah. From high school teams to professional leagues, the region is home to a variety of sports and their passionate fans. And with sports, comes rivalries. These intense competitions between teams or individuals have been a source of excitement and entertainment for decades.
In this article, I will share my expert perspective on some of the most famous sports rivalries in Northern Utah.
The Holy War: BYU vs. University of Utah
When it comes to college football in Northern Utah, there is no rivalry quite like the one between Brigham Young University (BYU) and the University of Utah. This rivalry, known as the Holy War, dates back to 1896 and is considered one of the oldest and most intense rivalries in college football. The two universities are only 45 minutes apart, making it a true local rivalry. But what makes this rivalry even more intense is the religious aspect.BYU is owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, while the University of Utah has no religious affiliation. This adds a layer of passion and pride for both sides. Over the years, this rivalry has produced some memorable games and moments. Fans from both sides eagerly await the annual matchup, which is usually held in November. The intensity and competitiveness on the field are unmatched, making it a must-watch for any sports fan in Northern Utah.
The Battle of the Rockies: Real Salt Lake vs.
Colorado RapidsWhen it comes to Major League Soccer (MLS), Real Salt Lake (RSL) and Colorado Rapids have a fierce rivalry known as the Battle of the Rockies. These two teams have been competing against each other since 2005, and the rivalry has only grown stronger over the years. The rivalry between RSL and Colorado Rapids is not just about the game on the field, but also about the pride of the region. Both teams represent the Rocky Mountain region, and fans from both sides are passionate about their team's success. The games between these two teams are always intense, with players giving their all to win for their team and their fans. One of the most memorable moments in this rivalry was in 2010 when RSL defeated Colorado Rapids to win their first MLS Cup.
This victory not only solidified RSL's dominance over their rival but also added fuel to the already intense rivalry.
The Battle of the Wasatch: Utah Jazz vs. Denver Nuggets
When it comes to basketball in Northern Utah, there is no bigger rivalry than the one between the Utah Jazz and the Denver Nuggets. This rivalry, known as the Battle of the Wasatch, started in 1974 when both teams were part of the American Basketball Association (ABA).Since then, these two teams have faced each other over 200 times, with each game being a battle for supremacy. The rivalry reached its peak in 1994 when both teams met in the playoffs for the first time.The series went to a deciding game 7, with the Jazz ultimately coming out on top. This victory not only solidified the Jazz's dominance over their rival but also added more fuel to an already intense rivalry. The Battle of the Wasatch continues to be one of the most intense and competitive rivalries in the NBA. Fans from both sides eagerly await each matchup, making it a must-watch for any basketball fan in Northern Utah.
The Rivalry Renewed: Weber State vs. Southern Utah
When it comes to college sports in Northern Utah, the rivalry between Weber State University (WSU) and Southern Utah University (SUU) is one that cannot be ignored.These two universities have been competing against each other since 1963, and the rivalry has only grown stronger over the years. The rivalry between WSU and SUU is not just about the game on the field, but also about the pride of their respective regions. Both universities represent different parts of Northern Utah, and fans from both sides are passionate about their team's success. The games between these two teams are always intense, with players giving their all to win for their team and their fans. One of the most memorable moments in this rivalry was in 2017 when WSU defeated SUU to win the Big Sky Conference Championship. This victory not only solidified WSU's dominance over their rival but also added more fuel to an already intense rivalry.
The Rivalry of Champions: Ogden Raptors vs.
Orem OwlzWhen it comes to minor league baseball in Northern Utah, there is no bigger rivalry than the one between the Ogden Raptors and the Orem Owlz. These two teams have been competing against each other since 1994, and the rivalry has only grown stronger over the years. The rivalry between the Raptors and Owlz is not just about the game on the field, but also about the pride of their respective cities. Both teams represent different parts of Northern Utah, and fans from both sides are passionate about their team's success. The games between these two teams are always intense, with players giving their all to win for their team and their fans. One of the most memorable moments in this rivalry was in 2017 when the Raptors defeated the Owlz to win their third Pioneer League Championship.
This victory not only solidified the Raptors' dominance over their rival but also added more fuel to an already intense rivalry.
