BYU and the University of Utah are teaming up to encourage fans to “rival right” before the big game

SALT LAKE CITY – Ask any BYU or Utah fan, the rivalry between the two schools is fierce. But during a private event Friday, Utes fans and Cougar fans gathered and put that rivalry aside.

The two universities – Brigham Young University and the University of Utah – announced a new initiative called “Rival Right.” The message is in the name: it encourages fans to continue to show their school pride while showing respect and sportsmanship.

The last time these two football teams played each other was in 2021. Now that both teams are in the same conference, the people behind the initiative said it's an opportunity to come together and highlight what makes Utah so great.

BYU and the U of U are teaming up for the “Rival Right” initiative as the two teams face off in a football rivalry game. The new program launched on November 1, 2024.

“I see so much good in the rivalry about how our communities can work together. And it's fun, right? “Some of these (rivalry) games are some of the most fun games of the entire year,” said Kris Bosman, chief alumni relations officer at the U of U.

In a video featuring both university presidents, Taylor Randall and C. Shane Reese highlight what makes each fan base special but remind fans to show respect.

“As heated as the rivalry may be, don’t let the competition get in the way of your shared humanity,” Reese said. “And remember, what happens off the field is just as important as the result,” Randall said.

The return of the rivalry game also means the return of the traditional food drive. “The food drive is one element of something that addresses a common need among all of us, and it's great,” said Michael Johanson, executive director of alumni at BYU.

“It used to be more competitive. It was like we should beat BYU in the food drive. But this year we really wanted to show how we can be so much bigger together,” Bosman said.

Cash and food donations from Utes fans go to the Utah Food Bank. Donations from Cougar fans go to Community Action Services and Food Bank.

Fans can donate money before entering Rice-Eccles Stadium next Saturday or online. The bins will also be placed outside 10 Smith's locations in Salt Lake City and throughout Utah County.

“Whatever happens in the game, happens in the game. I can’t control that,” Bosman said. “But what I can control is welcoming our fans and showing them, 'Hey, we're going to start doing something great for the community this night.'

Below is a list of locations where you can donate. BYU will face Utah on Saturday, November 9th. Kick-off is at 8:15 p.m

Utah County Smith Locations

• 1550 E. 3500 N., Lehi
• 210 E. 700 S., Pleasant Grove
• 45 S. State St., Orem
• 350 N. Freedom Blvd., Provo
• 1117 W. 400 S., Springville

Salt Lake County Smith Locations

• 922 E. 2100 S., Salt Lake City
• 455 E. 500 S., Salt Lake City
• 402 6th Ave., Salt Lake City
• 876 E. 800 S., Salt Lake City
• 3215 S. Valley St., Salt Lake City