Montana Grizzlies Gameday Tips for First-Time Fans

We can't wait to be back at Washington-Grizzly Stadium this fall with 26,000 screaming fans.

I'd be willing to wager that a majority of those 26,000 Griz fanatics have been to a game at least once in their life.

But maybe you're new to Missoula. Maybe you're a freshman attending your first-ever Griz game. Maybe your son is on the team, and you want to be there to see him play in a Griz uniform for the first time.

If this happens to be your first game, here are some tips to make your inaugural gameday a memorable one.

Parking is a PAIN

Parking at the University of Montana is not ideal, even on a non-gameday. It's sweet that the campus and stadium were erected against the base of Mount Sentinel, but it limits parking.

There are several lots around Wa-Griz that you can pay to park in. Although season parking passes are sold out.

Your best bet is to park blocks away from UM and walk to the game. You can find free street parking in the University District and beyond.

It'll be easier to leave the game, too.

Credit: Ace Sauerwein

Arrive Two Hours and Fifteen Minutes

If it is your first game, I want you to experience everything a Griz gameday can offer. That includes welcoming the Grizzlies to the stadium on the Griz Walk.

Especially if you have kids. Let the kiddos give high-fives to the Grizzly players walking to the stadium.

Halftime beer run

Here's a quick disclaimer: This tip is NOT for anyone under 21 years old.

Alcohol is not sold inside Wa-Griz.

I don't like the prohibition, but that's a topic for another article.

If you want to enjoy an ice-cold beer, you'll have to buy a beer from the GSA Tailgate site, located just outside the north endzone of Washington-Grizzly Stadium.

You can reenter the stadium, so here's what I would do:

Leave the first half with a minute or two left in the first half.

Purchase your beer at the beer garden

Make your way back to the stadium, especially when you hear the cannon. When the cannon fires off, you have a five-minute warning to get your butt back to your seat for the second half.

Come say hi to the Grizzly Radio Network Pregame crew

This is a shameless self-plug. Myself, Denny Bedard, Griz great Sammy Akem, UM Athletic Director Kent Haslem, the Voice of the Griz Riley Corcoran, and Deputy AD Greg Sundberg take the stage 2 hours before kickoff in the GSA Tailgate area (Outside the North Endzone).

Credit: Ace Sauerwein