A new rivalry is taking center stage in Riverside, Calif. Announced during a Good Morning, Riverside meeting by Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson, California Baptist University and the University of California, Riverside have launched a yearlong competition called the Crosstown Showdown.
With CBU now competing in the Big West Conference alongside UC Riverside, the two neighboring universities will face each other throughout the academic year. Each win earns a point toward the Crosstown Showdown, with the university earning the most points at the end of the year taking home the championship trophy.
The competition incorporates Riverside history through the Raincross bell, which will be rung following rivalry matchups as part of the new tradition.
Beyond competition between the two universities, Lock Dawson said the Crosstown Showdown provides another way to connect the Riverside community with its local colleges.
“We know people are going to be wearing their jerseys on game day, at the restaurant, the store [and] they’ll see somebody and either [hand signal] lance up or r, either one. Bringing our students together and bringing people out to the games,” Lock Dawson said.
Nicholas Adcock, president and CEO of the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce, has looked forward to developing a rivalry between the two universities since CBU announced its move to the Big West.
“The beauty about Riverside is we have so many college students that call Riverside home and to be able to connect to the universities and the community, [to] have some community pride and pick a side and root for your favorite team is the beauty of this rivalry series. I’m excited to really build that relationship and really just have fun,” Adcock said.
The Crosstown Showdown creates a new dynamic for both athletic departments as CBU and UC Riverside compete as conference opponents within the same city.
Dr. Micah Parker, vice president for athletics at CBU, sees the rivalry as another opportunity to introduce the university’s athletic programs to the Riverside community.
“It means more exposure, it’s really exciting to get more people involved. We have amazing student athletes and the best facilities in the Inland Empire. Lancer Nation shows up to our games and they are fun. It’s another opportunity for us to show what we do at CBU,” Parker said.
The Crosstown Showdown is bringing both athletic departments into the same citywide conversation.
Greg Paules, director of intercollegiate athletics at UC Riverside, reflected on the significance of having a conference opponent only a few miles away.
“Conference games mean a lot; this one means a lot more. The fact that we can have fans travel to both very easily, it’ll be nice to be at both venues and really support your team and have pride in the school you support. I’m looking forward to it,” Paules said.
The rivalry is generating excitement among students as well.
Jillian Prince, senior nursing major and sports fan, shared her perspective on the new rivalry.
“As someone who loves sports, this is a very exciting competition, and I can’t wait to see the outcome,” Prince said.
As the Crosstown Showdown begins its first year, CBU and UC Riverside have an opportunity to build more than another competition. The rivalry creates a new tradition between two universities that share the same city, giving Riverside another reason to show up, pick a side and celebrate its college community.
