On Saturdays in Missoula, Washington-Grizzly Stadium becomes the 6th largest town in Montana when approximately 26,000 loyal fans fill the stadium to cheer on the University of Montana Grizzlies. Football is a way of life here in Missoula. Maroon can be seen on every street corner as locals show off their Griz pride. This is probably why Washington-Grizzly Stadium has ranked on lists like NCAA's "The 10 best FCD stadiums to visit according to fans", NCAA’s “The 25 biggest FCS football stadiums in the country” and even coming in first place in Stadium Journey's "Ranking of the Top 25 FCS Stadiums 2025" list. This year’s game schedule is extra special with the Griz hosting eight regular-season home games— the first time any FCS team has done so.
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 shopping, while the M store downtown offers a nice selection of official gear, too. 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 like “black out,” “maroon out,” and “think pink” you can find the theme schedule for this season on the UM Athletics site.
Tickets can be purchased in advance through the University of Montana’s official ticket service, GrizTix. Make sure you have your ticket downloaded and ready before you arrive at the game. 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.
You can purchase parking through UM's site (you can even get season parking with the purchase of your season tickets), though spaces are based on availability. Otherwise, street parking is the name of the game. Luckily, Missoula is a very flat and walkable town, and parking away from the stadium only gives you the chance to stroll through downtown or along the Riverfront Trail system on the way to campus. Residential parking and parking in the downtown district are acceptable, but steer clear of business parking (like Albertson's) and campus parking, as most lots are pre-pay lots. 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.
All Griz games have a "clear bag" policy, so you'll need a clear plastic bag that's 12" by 6" by 12" in order to bring your things into the stadium. You can get these bags at spots such as the M Store, Universal Athletics, and Bob Wards. Blankets, binoculars and warm jackets are still allowed and do not need to fit in the bag!
Although alcohol is prohibited in the stadium, either to be brought in or for purchase, you can head over to the beer garden located behind GrizVision to purchase an alcoholic beverage and enjoy it before leaving that area. In addition, you can always count on good ole-fashioned game day favorites like soda, hot chocolate and coffee, popcorn, hotdogs, burgers, nachos and candies from the University of Montana Concessions. You can also check out vendors like Pizza Hut, Chick-Fil-A, and Big Dipper with stands inside the stadium.
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 is one of the last stadiums in the country that allows fans to exit during halftime and re-enter, so you can return to your tailgate before cheering on the Griz for the second half, too.
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 year both rival games will be at the Washington-Grizzly Stadium!
