On Saturdays in Missoula, Washington-Grizzly Stadium becomes one of the largest gatherings in Montana as thousands of loyal fans fill the stadium to cheer on the University of Montana Grizzlies. Football is a way of life here, with maroon on every street corner and Griz pride running throughout the community.
And now, it’s official: Missoula was named the Best College Sports Town in the country in the 2026 USA TODAY Sports Readers’ Choice Awards. From packed Saturdays at Washington-Grizzly Stadium to the traditions that bring Griz Nation together, game day is an experience all its own.
It can be hard to navigate the ins and outs of Griz games like a local, so we have put together our best tips and advice to help you enjoy game day without any worries.
The University of Montana's bookstore is your on-campus stop for Griz gear, while the M Store and My Montana Roots downtown offer a nice selection of official gear. Make a stop at the Southgate Mall and find plenty of options at stores like Scheels and The Last Best Store. For fast and affordable options close to the action, check out Albertson's Eastgate, or drive over to Reserve and visit Target or Walmart. If you want to go the extra mile and participate in the themed games, check out the 2026 Griz Football Schedule.
Tickets can be purchased in advance through the University of Montana’s official ticket service, GrizTix. Pro tip: Download your ticket before heading to the stadium so you're ready to go when you reach the gates. You can also visit the box office which is located in the west lobby of The Adams Center and opens three hours before kickoff, so check start times for your game to determine when is best to pick up your tickets.
Parking near Washington-Grizzly Stadium fills up quickly on game day, so it's always a good idea to plan ahead. Check out UM's game-day parking information for current parking options and maps. Otherwise, street parking is the name of the game. Luckily, Missoula is a very walkable town, and parking farther from the stadium only gives you the chance to stroll through downtown or along the Riverfront Trail on your way to campus. Or, skip the struggle of parking altogether and take one of the University of Montana game-day shuttles.
Tailgating is allowed in various locations on the University of Montana's campus, and cars will need a special tailgating permit to enter the tailgating area. Open container is allowed in designated tailgating zones but not allowed on the rest of campus or in the stadium. If you are looking to join the party rather than host, check out the GSA Tailgate Party, open to all fans, located northwest of the stadium. The tailgate runs two hours before kickoff and continues through the first 15 minutes of halftime with food and beverages available for purchase.
No ticket? No problem! Head over to the Press Box just outside of campus on Broadway to immerse yourself in the game day experience. Locals-only dives like Red's Bar and Missoula Club, both located downtown, offer cheap beer and food as well as a fun atmosphere to cheer on the Griz with Missoulians. For a more low-key viewing experience with a huge food and drink menu, check out Tamarack Brewing, Thomas Meagher Bar, or The Iron Horse downtown.
A little game-day prep goes a long way! Washington-Grizzly Stadium has a clear bag policy, so if you're bringing a bag, make sure it's clear and no larger than 12" x 6" x 12". Small clutch purses and wallets are also allowed. Blankets, binoculars and warm jackets are still allowed and do not need to fit in the bag!
Check out the University of Montana's full clear bag policy before game day for all the details.
You can always count on game-day favorites like soda, hot chocolate, coffee, popcorn, hot dogs, burgers, nachos and candy from University of Montana concessions. You can also check out vendors like Pizza Hut, Chick-Fil-A, and Big Dipper with stands inside the stadium. Fans 21 and older can also purchase beer and wine in the designated beer garden behind GrizVision. Beverages purchased there need to stay within the beer garden.
Before every home game, be sure to check out the Griz Walk. Fans line up outside of the Adams Center, along with the UM band, and welcome the Griz football players and coaches before their game.
During the game, the mascot, Monte, has antics up his sleeve to keep the crowd entertained. He will flip and jump to cheer on his team, and there is even a Monte video between quarters that is shown at every home game.
A cannon sounds loud and proud every time the Griz score a touchdown.
The UM marching band comes out to entertain the crowd every half time in the stadium. Washington-Grizzly Stadium allows fans to exit during halftime and re-enter, so you can even return to your tailgate before heading back in to cheer on the Griz for the second half.
As with any event, traffic can get jammed up as people leave the stadium. You can choose to head straight to your car, or you can head over to the Press Box or almost any bar, brewery or restaurant downtown and join in the merriment that is Missoula on game days. Many people return to their tailgates, as well, for a continuation of spirited fun!
The Griz's top two rivalries are against MSU's Bobcats and the University of Idaho Vandals.
The Brawl of the Wild takes place every other year against MSU, and the Little Brown Stein takes place every other year against Idaho. Each year, at least one of these events falls on a home game in Missoula, with the alternating year being away.
This season, Montana hosts Idaho at Washington-Grizzly Stadium on October 17 before heading to Bozeman to take on Montana State in the annual Brawl of the Wild on November 21. Whether the rivalry is playing out at home or on the road, you can expect plenty of maroon around Missoula on game day.
Updated: 9/10/26
