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Washington–Grizzly Stadium - home of Montana Grizzlies in Missoula, Montana
NCAA FCS

Washington–Grizzly StadiumMissoula, Montana

Montana Grizzlies

👥
Capacity
25,200
🏆
Conference
Big Sky
📅
Opened
1986
🌱
Surface
N/A

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📖About Washington–Grizzly Stadium

Washington–Grizzly Stadium is one of the FCS's most intimidating venues, with a capacity of 25,203 making it the largest Big Sky facility. Set against the backdrop of Montana's Rocky Mountains in Missoula, the stadium has been home to the Grizzlies since 1986 and consistently sells out, creating one of college football's best atmospheres.

🏛️History

Origins

Built in 1986 to replace aging Dornblaser Field, which had served the Grizzlies since 1968. The new stadium was named after Washington Construction, a major donor, and designed to accommodate Montana's passionate fanbase with capacity for future expansion.

Major Renovations

2000South end zone seating added, increasing capacity to 25,200
2006New press box and luxury suite complex added
2014Video board and sound system upgrades
2021North end zone improvements and facilities enhancements

Notable Moments

Sep 6, 1986Stadium opens with Montana defeating Portland State 24-20
Nov 23, 2013Record sellout crowd for "Brawl of the Wild" vs Montana State
Dec 21, 2019Montana defeats Albany in FCS Playoffs quarterfinals
Nov 22, 2025Stadium attendance record of 27,340 set for 124th Brawl of the Wild vs Montana State

🎟️Visitor Guide

Best Seats

East sideline (Sections 119-127) offers best views with mountain backdrop. Avoid late afternoon sun on west side. North end zone student section ("The Griz Den") is most energetic. Any seat provides excellent sightlines in this well-designed bowl.

Parking Tips

Arrive 3-4 hours early for tailgating, especially for "Brawl of the Wild." Main lots are off Campus Dr and South Ave. RV parking available with advance reservation. Street parking fills quickly - consider walking from downtown Missoula (1.5 miles). Shuttle service available.

Game Day

Missoula is a quintessential mountain college town. Tailgating is legendary - arrive early for full experience. Pre-game, explore downtown Missoula's Higgins Ave for coffee shops and breakfast. Post-game, celebrate at downtown bars (10-minute walk). Check out Caras Park and visit Grizzly Sculpture. Fall weather can be unpredictable - layers recommended.

🗺️Local Recommendations

🍺Bars & Drinks

The Rhino

$

Missoula institution and top Griz bar. Two locations with massive game-day crowds.

📍 1.5 miles158 Ryman St, Missoula, MT

💡 Get there 3+ hours before kickoff. Standing room only on game days.

Tamarack Brewing Company

$$

Local brewery with 12+ house beers and rooftop patio overlooking downtown.

📍 1.5 miles105 W Main St, Missoula, MT

💡 Rooftop fills early. Try the Yard Sale IPA.

Bayern Brewing

$$

German-style brewery with authentic lagers and biergarten.

📍 2 miles1507 Montana St, Missoula, MT

💡 Less crowded than downtown options. Excellent Märzen.

🍽️Restaurants

Pangea Bar & Restaurant

$$$

American fare with global flair from two-time James Beard finalist Chef Brandon Cunningham. Craft cocktails and vibrant atmosphere.

📍 1.2 miles223 N Higgins Ave, Missoula, MT

💡 Reserve ahead for post-game dinners. The corner of Higgins & Broadway is walkable from campus.

The Montana Club

$$

Regional chain with steaks, burgers, and Montana memorabilia.

📍 3 miles3639 Brooks St, Missoula, MT

💡 Reliable pre-game dining. Family-friendly.

Worden's Market & Deli

$

Historic market with famous sandwiches and Montana's largest beer selection.

📍 1.2 miles451 N Higgins Ave, Missoula, MT

💡 Build your own sandwich. Grab Montana craft beers to go.

Red Bird

$$$

Upscale Italian with housemade pasta and extensive wine list.

📍 1.5 miles201 E Main St, Missoula, MT

💡 Reservations required for post-game dinners. Excellent for celebrations.

🏨Hotels

DoubleTree by Hilton Missoula Edgewater

$$$

Riverside hotel on Clark Fork with mountain views and restaurant.

📍 1 mile100 Madison St, Missoula, MT

💡 Best hotel in Missoula. Book 6+ months ahead for "Brawl of the Wild."

Holiday Inn Missoula Downtown

$$

Central location with pool, fitness center, and free breakfast.

📍 1.2 miles200 S Pattee St, Missoula, MT

💡 Walking distance to downtown bars and stadium.

Campus Inn

$

Budget-friendly option near campus with basic amenities.

📍 0.5 miles744 E Broadway St, Missoula, MT

💡 Closest lodging to stadium. Book early - limited rooms.

🎭Attractions

The M Trail

Free

Iconic switchback trail to University of Montana's "M" on Mount Sentinel. Panoramic views.

📍 Trailhead 1 mile from stadium

💡 1.5-hour round trip. Do it Friday before game day. Stunning fall colors.

Caras Park

Free

Downtown riverfront park with carousel and walking paths along Clark Fork.

📍 1.5 miles123 Carousel Dr, Missoula, MT

💡 Pre-game stroll. Saturday farmers market in summer.

Smokejumper Visitor Center

Free

Museum dedicated to wildfire smokejumpers with aircraft and exhibits.

📍 4 miles5765 W Broadway St, Missoula, MT

💡 Unique Montana experience. Open limited hours.

🅿️Parking Options

🅿️

Campus Dr Lots

$20
Lot📍 0.2 miles

💡 Primary parking. Arrive 3+ hours early for rivalry games.

🎉

RV Tailgate Lots

$60
Tailgate📍 0.3 miles

💡 Reserve online in advance. Premium tailgating experience.

🚌

Downtown Missoula Shuttle

Free
Shuttle📍 1.5 miles

💡 Park downtown, enjoy pre-game scene, shuttle to stadium.

Suggest a Tip

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References

Content sourced from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) and official team sites. Additional information verified against public sources.