If you’ve never stood in the North End Zone when the "Monte" siren blares, you haven't really felt Montana. It is loud. It's the kind of loud that vibrates in your molars and makes your chest cavity feel like a sub-woofer. Honestly, a University of Montana football game is less of a sporting event and more of a state-wide religious experience held in a concrete cathedral at the base of Mount Sentinel.
Most people think Big Sky football is just "small school" ball. They are wrong.
When 26,000 people cram into Washington-Grizzly Stadium, they create an atmosphere that rivals most SEC venues. It’s tight. It’s vertical. The fans are literally on top of the visiting bench, and they aren't exactly whispering pleasantries. In 2026, the stakes are higher than ever as the Griz navigate a revamped Big Sky Conference that’s looking more like a gauntlet every year.
The 2026 Schedule: A Different Kind of Beast
The NCAA messed with the calendar this year, adding an extra week to the season. Because of that, the Griz are looking at a massive 12-game regular season. It’s a marathon.
Usually, the season kicks off with a "buy game" against a lower-tier school, but August 29, 2026, hits differently. The Griz open up at home against Southern Utah. This isn't just a non-conference warm-up; it's the Thunderbirds' return to the Big Sky. Montana leads that series 8-2, but SUU has a habit of being a thorn in everyone’s side.
Then there’s the Drake game on September 5. It's only the second time they’ve played. The last time was in 2018, and the Griz handled them 48-16, but don't expect a repeat. Every University of Montana football game in September feels like a trap because everyone is gunning for that "Griz pelt."
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The Big One: September 19 at Oregon State
This is the one everyone has circled in red.
Montana hasn’t faced an FBS opponent since they shocked the world by beating Washington in Seattle back in 2021. This time, they head to Corvallis to face the Beavers. Historically, Oregon State has the upper hand, leading the series 12-2-2. But if you talk to any old-school Griz fan, they’ll bring up 1996. That was the last time these teams met, and Montana walked away with a 35-14 win.
Can they do it again? Maybe. The Griz roster for 2026 is built on speed, and Oregon State’s defensive line will have their hands full with a backfield that doesn’t know how to go down on the first contact.
Key Players to Watch in 2026
You can't talk about Griz football without talking about the "Big Sky" offense. Last season, Keali’i Ah Yat was a monster, throwing for over 4,000 yards. Heading into 2026, the expectations are through the roof.
- Eli Gillman (RB): A senior now. He’s the engine. After a 1,500-yard season in 2025, he’s looking to cement his name alongside legends like Chase Reynolds or Yo Humphery.
- Michael Wortham (WR/KR): The guy is basically a human joystick. If he gets a step on a kickoff return, just start playing "Up with Montana" because he's gone.
- The Defense: Known as the "3-7-Defense" (or whatever hybrid Bobby Hauck is cooking up this week). It’s aggressive. It’s mean. Look for guys like Peyton Wing and Clay Oven to be living in the opponent's backfield.
Why the Atmosphere is Legitimately Terrifying
Washington-Grizzly Stadium is a trap.
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It was built in 1986, and since then, the Griz have an absurd winning record at home—somewhere north of 85%. It’s not just the altitude or the cold. It’s the noise. Because the stadium is built into the side of a hill, the sound doesn't escape; it bounces off the mountains and the concrete and stays right on the field.
Tailgating starts early. Like, "sunrise over the Clark Fork River" early. If you’re walking through the River Bowl, expect to be offered a burger or a local brew within five minutes. That’s just Missoula. People are friendly until the ball is kicked, then they become a wall of maroon noise.
The Brawl of the Wild: November 21, 2026
If you can only go to one University of Montana football game, it has to be the Brawl. This year, it's in Bozeman. The 125th edition of the greatest rivalry in the West.
The Griz lead the all-time series 74-43-5, but the Bobcats have been closing the gap lately. The winner gets the Great Divide Trophy. It’s 306 pounds of bronze, and it’s the heaviest trophy in college football. Honestly, seeing a bunch of 300-pound linemen trying to hoist that thing is worth the ticket price alone.
How to Actually Get Tickets (Good Luck)
Getting a seat for a University of Montana football game isn't as easy as just showing up at the box office. Washington-Grizzly has been sold out for decades.
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- The Secondary Market: SeatGeek is the official partner. Prices for the Idaho game (The Little Brown Stein) or Homecoming against Northern Colorado usually skyrocket by mid-August.
- GrizTix: If you're a student or an alum, you’ve got a slight edge, but you have to be fast.
- The GSA Deposit: If you want season tickets for 2026, you basically have to put down a $50 deposit and pray. They usually send out renewals in early January, and the waitlist is long.
Practical Advice for Your First Game
Don’t wear gold. Seriously. Gold is for the Bobcats. If you show up in gold, you’re going to get some side-eye. You want Maroon and Silver.
Also, the weather in Missoula is a liar. It might be 70°F at kickoff and 35°F by the fourth quarter. Layers are your best friend.
If you want the full experience, go to the "M" on Mount Sentinel before the game. It’s a steep hike, but looking down into the stadium as it fills up is the best view in the state. Just make sure you're back down by the time the team runs through the tunnel. The smoke, the fireworks, and the "Up With Montana" fight song—it’s a sequence that never gets old.
Your Game Day Checklist
- Park Downtown: Parking near the stadium is a nightmare. Park in the downtown garages and take the free UDASH shuttle. It saves about an hour of frustration.
- Eat at the Concessions: Get the Griz Kidz hot dogs or the local pork chop sandwiches. It’s a staple for a reason.
- Stay for the Fourth: Even if it’s a blowout, stay for the fourth quarter. The traditions, the "Griz-Cats" chants, and the local vibe are what make this special.
Montana football isn't just a game; it's a heartbeat. If you’re in Missoula on a Saturday in the fall, you’re either at the stadium or you’re listening to it from your porch. There is no in-between.
Go to the Adams Center Box Office or check the official GrizTix site by mid-summer to see if any single-game tickets have been released. If you're eyeing the Oregon State game, book your Corvallis hotel now, because Missoula fans travel better than almost any other FCS fan base in the country.