The rivalry between the University of Montana Grizzlies and the Montana State Bobcats can be traced back to November 26, 1897 in Bozeman. The fanbases of the two schools is split by the Continental Divide, which is a natural mountainous division of the state. Montana Griz fans on the west side and the Montana State Bobcats fans on the east side of the Divide. In 2001, the two schools formalized the rivalry and made the Great Divide Trophy one of the hardest fought rivalries in the FCS.

Montana Grizzlies vs Idaho Vandals

Rival Team: Idaho Vandals

The first game between the University of Montana Grizzlies and the University of Idaho Vandals took place in 1903. During this time, the Vandals have won more than twice as many games that have been played. This rivalry has a trophy that gets passed to the winner of the game. A stein mug became the trophy in 1938 and is known as the “Little Brown Stein.” Even though the rivalry has been put on hold in 2003 since the two teams haven’t played each other, the Griz and the Vandals will play a game in 2018 when the teams will be in the same conference again.

Montana Grizzlies vs Eastern Washington Eagles

Rival Team: Eastern Washington Eagles

The annual game between the Montana Grizzlies and the Eastern Washington Eagles began in 1938. In 1998, this rivalry became known as the Governors Cup. The Griz lead the rivalry by winning almost twice as many games over the course of it. The games played between the two has been selling out since 2009. The winner of the game has often become the conference champion for the season which has led to a heated rivalry between the Griz and the Eagles.

Montana Grizzlies Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

Griz fans take pride in getting pumped up on game days. With the tailgate starting two hours before the each home game, fans can hang out, eat, and drink with friends, family, and the rest of the tight-knit community. Live music and DJs also are found at these tailgates. Hosted by the Grizzly Scholarship Association, the fans can get pumped at both home and most away games. Tailgating can be found in the GSA section of the parking lot, just north of the reserved Parking Lot M.

Traditions

Griz Walk

As the players walk to Washington- Grizzly Stadium, the fans can cheer them on. The spirit squad, Monte, and the marching band lead the way from McGill Hall.

Cheerleaders

The cheerleaders can be found around the tailgating parties pumping up the fans before kickoff.

Where to tailgate

Permit Parking Lots

If you want to throw a huge tailgate bash filled with tons of people, then make sure to secure a parking pass for one of the permit lots. The Kirkland Memorial Grove, River Bowl South, Campus Drive, Van Buren Street, 5th and 6th Street tailgate lots are where you’ll find the biggest tailgate parties on Saturdays throughout the fall, so stop by and check them out.

University Parking Lots and Grassy Areas

Those of you who want to hold a small tailgate gathering with fewer than 20 people can just park in one of the university lots and set up shop. Lots A, B, C, D, E, F, L, M, M1, N, P, R, T, U, V, W, Y, and Z are the perfect place to tailgate with friends and family before the game.

Montana Grizzlies Stadium Guide

In Game

The excitement in the stands can be felt by everyone who attends. Each person wants to win as much as the others. The passion and the excitement run throughout the city. The Washington- Grizzly Stadium can hold 25,203 people. While that is the case, there are have been times where there have been more fans in attendance than the capacity. In 2015, 26,427 fans showed up to watch the Griz beat North Dakota State. During both the 2015 and 2016 seasons, the Griz had the highest attendance in the FCS. The highest attendance was the fifth time in the ten years they have done this accomplishment.

Things to check out

Brawl of the Wild

Grizzly Statue

The iconic bronze statue on the University of Montana, known as “the Grand Griz,” is something to check out when going to attend a game. It is located at the center of the campus and has been there since 1969.

Tunnel run

The tunnel run at the beginning of each home game is a show of itself. It starts with the male cheerleaders running out waving Montana Griz flags while the female cheerleaders do front handsprings onto the field. While the crowd is cheering, the football team runs through an inflatable football helmet through the smoke. The players know to come onto the field when they hear the song “Bring Em Out.” As they run onto the field, fireworks shoot into the air and the cannon is shot.

Monte

Since the fall 0f 1993, Monte, short for Montana, has been the University of Montana’s mascot. He has been a fan favorite and was named National Champion Mascot of the year twice (2002-03, 2004-05). He is a very animated mascot that can be found goal post smashing, motorcycle riding, crowd surfing, doing back flips, and pulling pranks. He makes hundreds of appearances in the community every year. He even made an appearance alongside Joe Montana in a Super Bowl commercial.

Cannon

Griz fans have come accustom to having a cannon shot every time the home team gets a touchdown. Every time it goes off, all of the fans cheer louder and louder. When the cheerleaders run out of the tunnel at the beginning of the game, the cannon is also shot off.

Montana’s State Flag

One tradition that has stuck over the years is the trio of Montana’s state flag being brought onto the field with the team for every game. No matter if it is a home or an away game, fans can be sure to witness Griz upperclassmen bringing the flags into battle when they run onto the field. Citizens of Montana are very proud of the state in which they live. When carrying the flag, even the players from out of state feel like they are from Montana from hearing the cheering crowd.

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