The opening game of the 2026 Mayors’ Cup basketball tournament took place this week in Nampa, pitting the College of Idaho Coyotes against the Northwest Nazarene University Crusaders. The matchup, covered live by KTVB, marked the start of a beloved Treasure Valley tradition that brings together the two neighboring college programs for a friendly yet fiercely competitive series.

For residents of Nampa and nearby Caldwell, the Mayors’ Cup is more than a regular season game; it is a celebration of community pride and the close ties that bind the two schools. Students, alumni, faculty, and local families filled the stands, cheering for their respective teams and reinforcing the event’s reputation as one of the most spirited moments on the fall sports calendar in Canyon County.

According to KTVB, the tournament’s opening game highlighted the historic rivalry that has long energized fans across the region. While the article did not provide a final score, it emphasized that the event serves as an early‑season rallying point for local basketball enthusiasts, offering a reason to gather and support hometown athletes.

The Mayors’ Cup tradition dates back several years and continues to showcase the genuine community connection that defines local college athletics. Whether supporters wear blue and gold for the Coyotes or purple and gold for the Crusaders, the tournament underscores the shared values of friendly competition, parental involvement, and regional pride.

Looking ahead, the series will feature additional matchups between the two programs as the 2026 edition progresses. Fans can anticipate more opportunities to cheer on their teams and experience the camaraderie that the Mayors’ Cup consistently delivers throughout the season.

What’s next: The tournament will continue with subsequent games later this month, giving Nampa residents further chances to attend and support their local colleges as the rivalry unfolds.

Sources: hyperlocalloop.com