MISSOULA — The University of Montana Alumni Association held its first ever Missoula watch party on Saturday, taking up the top floor of the Press Box to watch the Cat/Griz football game.
Tom Mcquillan graduated from the University of Montana with an economics degree in 1968.
“After I retired I moved back here so I could see the Griz," he said.
Mcquillan is a member of the UM Alumni Association, and said he has struggled to find a place to watch the game. So, he organized a party, made signs, and brought people together on Saturday.
"A lot of pride goes along with being a Griz and they have these watch parties all over the country. There's 90 of them I think, and when I lived in Washington, D.C. every year I'd look froward to going to this event, so I thought it would be nice to do that here," he said.
He said he was nervous for the game, but had faith in the team.
Other fans were more hopeful. Shelby Moody said, “They're gonna whip the Cats.”
Moody received two degrees from UM and said the fans are like a family.
"Everyone in this town just comes together for the Griz and I think it is neat they they bring the community together."
While people enjoyed the game, food, and drinks, staff scrambled to keep customers happy.
Manger Paul Maki said Cat/Griz is always busier than a normal game.
"Today we'll fill the seats up, we'll have some standing even, but mostly just fill the seats up."
The Press Box can seat about 250 people.
