The energy around LaVell Edwards Stadium was already electric on Friday afternoon as dedicated fans began camping out nearly 24 hours before kickoff for the much-anticipated BYU vs. Utah showdown. What started as a drizzle of tents and lawn chairs quickly turned into a sea of blue as hundreds of fans staked their spots, ready to keep a long-standing game day tradition alive.
A Family Tradition Rooted in BYU Pride
For many, the annual rivalry game isn’t just about football — it’s about family legacy. Few embody that more than the Nielsen family, who showed up early Friday afternoon to continue a tradition spanning generations.
“I came out of the womb shouting ‘Go Cougars!’” laughed BYU student Clark Nielsen, proudly surrounded by family members. “I had a BYU-themed birthday party when I was four, and Cosmo the Cougar even showed up.”
Clark’s grandfather was once named BYU Fan of the Month, and now the younger Nielsens are carrying the torch — camping out before every big matchup. “It’s kind of awesome to continue the legacy,” Clark said. “My family’s in town, and we’re going to have a good time this weekend.”
Long Wait, Big Reward
While camping out means hours of waiting, most fans see it as part of the fun. “Going to BYU games is the best thing in the world,” said Ty Nielsen. “If you get to camp out, you get to have fun all day — it’s just great.”
Clark added with a grin, “Those who are patient get rewarded. We’re putting in the work, and it’ll pay off with a good time.”
A Friendly Rivalry — Mostly
Despite the overwhelming wave of Cougar blue, a few brave University of Utah fans made their presence known. Dressed in red, Dylan Smith and Taylor Harris drew plenty of playful attention from BYU supporters.
“BYU is a great school — everyone can agree on that,” said Smith. “But we’ve been Ute fans since birth. We grew up going to all the U games, and we’ve got to stay true to that.”
Harris laughed as he explained his favorite part of the experience: “Just making BYU fans mad — it’s hilarious. They just can’t get enough of the U.”
Rivalry Week Spirit in Full Swing
As Saturday’s 6 p.m. kickoff approaches, excitement — and good-natured banter — are reaching a fever pitch. Fans on both sides are confident their team will come out on top.
“Make it a fair game,” said Harris, referencing last year’s controversial finish. “That one was taken away from us.”
Clark fired back with a smile: “Good luck, because you’re going to need it.”
Whether clad in blue or red, one thing’s certain — when the Cougars and Utes meet under the lights in Provo, it’s more than just a football game. It’s Utah’s most spirited rivalry, built on loyalty, tradition, and a whole lot of passion.
