November 13–15, 2026 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Buffalo Squash is heading to Philadelphia for the 2026 U.S. Women’s Team Squash Championships – Howe Cup, and we want you to join us!
Whether you’ve played Howe Cup before or are considering it for the first time, here’s everything you need to know about the tournament, Team Buffalo, travel, lodging and what to expect for the weekend.
What is the Howe Cup?
The Howe Cup is the largest annual women’s squash event in the United States and the country’s premier women’s team squash championship.
The event began in 1928 as an inter-city competition between New York, Philadelphia and Boston. It was officially named the Howe Cup in 1955, when Virginia Griggs donated a permanent trophy honoring Margaret Howe and her twin daughters, Peggy Howe White and Betty Howe Constable — all accomplished U.S. squash champions.
Now in its 98th year, Howe Cup brings together approximately 60 teams and 350 players for three days of squash.
And this year, Buffalo Squash is putting together teams to compete!
When and where is the 2026 Howe Cup?
Dates: November 13–15, 2026
Location: Arlen Specter US Squash Center
City: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Matches begin at 8:00 AM on Friday, November 13, and the tournament concludes by approximately 4:00 PM on Sunday, November 15.
Players are expected to be available for the entire tournament weekend, beginning Friday morning.
How does the team competition work?
Howe Cup teams consist of five singles players and compete in four divisions:
A | B | C | D
Buffalo Squash will organize teams based on player interest, availability and appropriate competitive level.
How much does Howe Cup registration cost?
Adult Entry: $250
Junior Entry: $195*
Tournament registration includes:
- Friday lunch
- Saturday lunch
- Saturday dinner and dancing
- Tournament competition
The theme for the Saturday evening festivities is Dancing Queen.
Additional expenses include transportation, lodging and other meals.
*Junior players must be at least 14 years old with a minimum 3.3 rating.
What should I budget for the full weekend?
If you stay with the Buffalo Squash group at the Airbnb and carpool from Buffalo, here’s a realistic estimate of your total cost for the Howe Cup weekend.
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Howe Cup adult registration | $250 |
| Buffalo Squash Airbnb – 3 nights, per person | $330 |
| Friday lunch | Included |
| Saturday lunch | Included |
| Saturday dinner & dancing | Included |
| Friday Buffalo team dinner at White Dog Cafe | ~$50–$75 |
| Thursday dinner | ~$25–$40 |
| Sunday meals | ~$30–$50 |
| Gas/tolls with Buffalo carpool | ~$50–$75 |
| Estimated Weekend Total | ~$735–$820 per person |
For planning purposes, Buffalo players staying at the group Airbnb and carpooling should budget approximately $750–$825 per person for the full weekend.
This is intended as a planning estimate rather than an exact cost. Your actual expenses will depend on meal choices, carpool arrangements, tolls and personal spending.
Players who choose a hotel instead of the Buffalo Squash Airbnb should substitute their hotel cost for the $330 Airbnb estimate.
What are the important tournament dates?
Registration Deadline: Wednesday, October 28 at 12:00 PM
Start Times Published: Friday, November 6 at 5:00 PM
Draws Published: Monday, November 9 at 5:00 PM
Play Begins: Friday, November 13 at 8:00 AM
Because matches begin Friday morning, Buffalo players should plan to arrive in Philadelphia on Thursday, November 12.
What are the travel options from Buffalo?
Philadelphia is approximately a six-hour drive from Buffalo.
Buffalo Squash will help coordinate carpooling among interested players to make the trip easier and help reduce transportation costs.
Players can indicate on the Buffalo Squash Howe Cup Interest Form whether they are interested in driving or riding with other Buffalo players.
Where can I stay?
There are three primary lodging options for Buffalo players: the official US Squash hotel, additional hotels offering preferred US Squash rates, and the Buffalo Squash group Airbnb.
US Squash Official Hotel Partner: The Study at University City
The Study at University City is the official hotel partner of US Squash and is conveniently located near the Arlen Specter US Squash Center.
Hotel info is under the “Lodging” section here: https://clublocker.com/tournaments/19453
Additional US Squash Hotel Options
US Squash has also arranged preferred rates at additional nearby hotels for Howe Cup players and guests.
Hotel info is under the “Lodging” section here: https://clublocker.com/tournaments/19453
Buffalo Squash Group Airbnb
Buffalo Squash has reserved a group Airbnb, approximately 1.2 miles from the Specter Center.
The Airbnb can accommodate approximately 10–11 Buffalo players.
Cost: $330 per person for three nights.
Space is limited, so players interested in staying at the Buffalo Squash Airbnb should indicate that preference on the Buffalo Squash Howe Cup Interest Form.
Is there a Buffalo team dinner?
Yes!
We are planning a Buffalo Squash team dinner at White Dog Cafe on Friday at 7:30 PM.
This meal is separate from tournament registration and players should plan to pay for their own dinner.
More details will be shared with participating players as the tournament approaches.
Can I play doubles too?
Yes! The MPB Doubles event will be held in conjunction with the Howe Cup Championship, giving players an additional opportunity to compete and connect during the weekend.
Players interested in doubles can indicate:
- Whether they play the right or left wall
- Their doubles partner, if they already have one
- Whether they need help finding a partner
Additional information about doubles registration, format and draws will be shared as it becomes available.
Are there other requirements to participate?
Yes. Howe Cup participants must:
- Be current US Squash members
- Complete required SafeSport Training online
- Meet applicable tournament eligibility requirements
- Be available for the entire tournament weekend
Will Team Buffalo have apparel?
That’s the plan!
Buffalo Squash is exploring Team Buffalo ¼-zips and T-shirts for the weekend.
Interested players can indicate their preferred apparel size and apparel interest on the Buffalo Squash Howe Cup Interest Form.
How do I let Buffalo Squash know I’m interested?
Complete the Buffalo Squash Howe Cup Interest Form.
The form will help us determine interest and begin organizing:
- Howe Cup teams and divisions
- MPB Doubles participation
- Doubles partners
- Carpooling
- Buffalo Squash Airbnb accommodations
- Team apparel
The official Howe Cup registration deadline is Wednesday, October 28, but please let Buffalo Squash know you’re interested as soon as possible so we can begin building teams and coordinating the weekend.
Ready to Join Team Buffalo?
Whether you’re a Howe Cup veteran or considering the tournament for the first time, this is an opportunity to represent Buffalo, play competitive squash and be part of the largest annual women’s squash event in the country.
Complete the Buffalo Squash Howe Cup Interest Form and let us know you’re interested.
Let’s send Team Buffalo to Philly!