SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) — The Pullman Chamber of Commerce is "aghast" at the plan to play the Apple Cup football game at Qwest Field in Seattle each year.

The chamber sent a letter to Washington State University president Elson Floyd and athletic director Jim Sterk, protesting the proposal.

The chamber contends removing the game from Pullman will cost businesses money, ruin the college experience of WSU students and hurt season ticket sales.

Meanwhile, The News Tribune of Tacoma reported Friday that the deal was close to completed and could be announced next week.

Washington State will play Hawai'i at Qwest Field on Sept. 12.