Local fans share their thoughts on the uncertain future of the Backyard Brawl

BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) – Over recent years, conference realignment has reshaped NCAA sports in its entirety.

For many universities and conferences, the realignment is continually evolving.

With all the shuffling of teams, many rivalry games are already being played less frequently, if at all.

The rivalry game between WVU and Pitt, better known as the Backyard Brawl, has already seen the effects of conference realignment, with WVU in the Big 12, and Pitt in the ACC. The two rivals did not play each other from 2012 to 2021.

However, the schools have rekindled the Brawl in recent years. With game schedules already locked in for upcoming seasons, the backyard brawl will soon be forced to take a hiatus yet again.

Larry Robertson, a local WVU fan spoke his mind on the rivalry.

“This Backyard Brawl should be an annual event. It is a non-conference game, we should play it every year. There have been some great games in the history of this Backyard Brawl,” said Robertson.

Not only has this game kept a regional tradition alive, but it also helps some local businesses especially on Backyard Brawl gameday.

Jeff Weeks, the owner of Calacino’s Pizzeria and Sports Bar said, “Well, we are a big WVU destination anyway, so it is just always a good crowd, but we always enjoy the big games. It is great to get people out. [For] the folks that cannot go to the game, I believe we give them a game-like atmosphere. So, it is a lot of fun.”

Only time will tell what other changes conference realignment will bring, but here is to hoping the Backyard Brawl will be back on the schedule again soon.

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