Wanted to post as a rational Griz fan (okay stop laughing, we do exist) about the big upcoming game. Should hopefully be a great game and I know it will be a great environment. The majority of Griz fans (meaning the ones not on here talking smack) have a ton of respect for your program and are really looking forward to hosting the Bison and their fans in August. These same fans will treat Bison fans much like you guys treated us in Fargo, welcoming you to their tailgates and offering you beer and food.
Please don't let the few Griz clowns on your site talking smack represent our awesome fan base, just as I have been ignoring the few Bison fans on our board doing the same (you guys have some doozies as well). I had an awesome experience in Fargo last year and you will as well in Missoula.
First, you'll really like the game day experience, beginning with tailgating. The stadium is near a beautiful river with lost of green grass and trees. The tailgating spreads across all of this as you make your way to the stadium. You can stop at a number of tailgates just to meet other fans and grab drinks and food. If you're not comfortable jumping into one of those, there is a public tailgating area with beer and food available to purchase. You just get in line for beer tickets and then turn them in for the drink of your choice. It's a great, non threatening place to hang out. They do some of the live radio interviews there and there's usually a band, DJ, or live music.
You'll want to be in your seat about 20 mins before the start as they usually do something cool (flyover, sky divers, etc). Monte our mascot comes out and gets the place rocking too. Should be a loud, fun environment for sure. Knowledgeable fans just like you guys who know when to get loud and when to stay quiet.
As far as stuff around Missoula.....great rivers for fishing and floating, great outdoor activities, great golf courses. Glacier National Park worth the drive for sure. If you have kids along there is a cool outdoor water park in Missoula now that's popular. Best golf courses are on way in Anaconda (Old Works) or past Missoula up in Polson or Kalispell area (Eagle Bend or Buffalo Hills).
Sounds like it should be a good one. A new coach and up tempo offense for the Griz that will either click or take some time to work out some kinks vs a potent Bison offense with your Oline in tact and good stable of QB, RB, and receivers. Sounds like your defense took a bit of a hit and may take a game or two to get rolling. I think that will be the same for Griz O. So whoever gets going first should come out victorious. But win or lose, gonna be a great day and a great experience.
Come on out and enjoy the game, stadium, and Griz Nation!!!