The original Governors Cup game was between EWU and University of Idaho Vandals until they left the Big Sky Conference in 1997.

The Governor's Cup debuted 41 years ago in 1984 and was originally between EWU and the University of Idaho Vandals of Moscow.

[20] As part of the scheduling of Big Sky Conference games, each school has traditionally played two opponents every year as a rival.

[21] Since 1980 With more than 2,000 bleacher seats added, record crowds of 11,702 in 2010 and 11,583 in 2006 attended the showdowns with Montana, the most recent match up in 2010 was won by the Eagles.

The previous record before 2004 was 6,879 for the Eastern – Idaho game on October 17, 1992, when temporary bleachers were employed in addition to the 5,000 permanent seats.

All-pro offensive tackle Michael Roos donated a half million dollars to the project; a three-year starter for the Eagles,[22] he was a second round selection in the 2005 NFL draft.