Getting There
Most traveling fans fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), but Spokane International Airport (GEG) is the far smarter choice for a Cheney sports trip. GEG is less than 20 minutes from Cheney, while SEA sits roughly 270 road miles away — a drive of about 4.5 hours. From GEG, a rental car or rideshare gets you to campus quickly; flying SEA-to-GEG is the fastest transit option if you are already in the Pacific Northwest.
Getting Around
A car is strongly recommended in Cheney, as the city is a small college town with limited independent transit coverage. That said, Spokane Transit Authority (STA) operates bus routes connecting Cheney to downtown Spokane — STA Route 6 runs between Spokane and Cheney (approximately 44 minutes, with stops near campus) and Route 68 provides a local Cheney Loop for circulating around town. Uber and Lyft are available but supply can be thin on major game days, so book rides well in advance or plan to drive.
Where to Stay
In-town options are limited but convenient: the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Cheney-University Area is the closest full-service hotel to campus and books up quickly on game weekends, with rates starting around $219/night. Budget travelers can find the Willow Springs Motel in Cheney from around $80/night, located within a short drive of EWU. A broader selection — including Cambria Hotel Spokane Airport, Hampton Inn, and Hilton Garden Inn — is available near Spokane International Airport (GEG), roughly 15-20 minutes away and priced from about $95-$165/night. Book early for major Eagles game weekends, as rooms near campus sell out months in advance.
Sports Fan Notes
Cheney is a true college sports town built around Eastern Washington University, home of the Eagles — a passionate FCS football and Big Sky Conference basketball community with a tight-knit, high-energy fan base. Reese Court hosts both the Eagles men's and women's basketball teams, giving visitors a chance to catch two programs under one roof on the same trip. The EWU athletics culture punches above its weight, with the football program in particular known for its national FCS championship pedigree, making this a destination for fans who appreciate grassroots college sports. Spokane, just 20 minutes away, adds bonus sports options including the NHL's Spokane Chiefs (WHL) and the Spokane Indians (minor league baseball), making it easy to build a multi-sport long weekend.
Venues in Cheney
Reese Court
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from SEA to downtown Cheney?
Flying is the most practical option: catch a connecting flight from SEA to Spokane International Airport (GEG), which is less than 20 minutes from Cheney. Flight time is about 1 hour, with fares ranging from $40-$280. From GEG, rent a car or take a rideshare directly to Cheney. Driving the full 270-mile route from SEA takes about 4.5 hours. Budget bus options via Flixbus connect Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to Spokane Station with transfers, but the journey takes nearly 7 hours and costs $40-$95 — not ideal for a game-day trip.
What is the best neighborhood to stay in Cheney for a sports trip?
Stay as close to the EWU campus as possible — the area immediately around campus and downtown Cheney puts you walking distance from Reese Court and keeps you in the middle of the game-day atmosphere. The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Cheney-University Area is the top in-town pick for sports visitors. If that sells out, the Spokane Airport corridor (near GEG) is the best fallback, giving you a 15-20 minute drive to campus with far more hotel inventory and dining options.
Which sports teams play in Cheney?
Cheney is home to two Eastern Washington Eagles programs that play at Reese Court: the EWU Eagles women's basketball team (NCAAW) and the EWU Eagles men's basketball team (NCAAB), both competing in the Big Sky Conference. A visit to Cheney can be combined with a short 20-minute drive to Spokane for additional sports, including WHL hockey and minor league baseball.
Is Cheney a World Cup 2026 host city?
No, Cheney is not hosting any 2026 FIFA World Cup matches. The 2026 World Cup is played across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The nearest host city to Cheney is Seattle, Washington, which is approximately 270 miles to the west.
Sports cities near Cheney
Close enough to pair with a Cheney trip — or to catch a game on the drive in.