Missoula named Best College Sports Town as Montana Grizzlies win season opener

Missoula has been named the ‘Best College Sports Town’ in the USA TODAY Sports Readers’ Choice 2026 poll. The University of Montana community secured the title, surpassing other prominent college athletics hubs such as Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and University Park, Pennsylvania.

In addition to the recognition, Grizzly Athletics provides a significant economic impact to the region, contributing over $94 million in annual spending for Missoula-area businesses and supporting 728 jobs in Missoula County. The university hosts 15 athletic programs, including successful teams in women’s soccer and volleyball.

On the field, the Montana Grizzlies football team opened their season with a 28-21 victory against Southern Utah at Washington-Grizzly Stadium. Key plays included an 85-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Keali'i Ah Yat to Eli Gillman and a 53-yard game-winning touchdown catch by Lekeldrick Bridges. The win marked the first collegiate victory for head coach Bobby Kennedy.