Griz bring in the green: Grizzly Athletics infuse $94M to Missoula County economy

“Up with Montana” also means an up for Missoula’s local economy.

Griz athletics brings in more than $94 million in spending at Missoula area businesses each year, according to a recent report from the University of Montana’s Bureau of Business and Economic Research.

The report attributed the millions spent at local businesses to fans coming to cheer on the Griz and also the hundreds of jobs created to support year-round operations.  

Nearly 730 jobs in Missoula County are related to University of Montana Grizzly Athletics and game-day events, accounting for $41 million in income for salaries, wages and proprietor earnings.

More than half of Griz football game attendees come from outside the county and stay about two days in Missoula when visiting. That translates into approximately $5.2 million in spending — $1.6 million in hotels and $1.3 million for restaurants and bars.

The report said visitor spending totals don't include game tickets, trip-related spending outside of Missoula County, or spending from residents on game day. Athletic department revenue, like tickets, and expenditures are part of the larger Grizzly Athletics economic impact estimates. 

Griz Athletics total budget is $28 million, which includes salaries, team travel, meals, equipment and facility needs and is largely funded from game ticket sales, according to UM spokesperson Dave Kuntz. The biggest share of ticket sales are from football, as well as men’s and women’s basketball. 

The school charges students an $87 per semester athletic fee which also supports the department and isn’t uncommon at universities with sports programs across the country. Montana State University has a $90 athletic fee for this school year. 

A bill was introduced in Congress to ban such fees, as reported by ESPN, which comes in light of the NCAA lawsuit settlement allowing athletes to charge for use of their image and likeness, which UM opted into last month. 

UM Director of Athletics Kent Haslam said in a statement as the university commits to provide extra benefits for student athletes, the school’s athletic department is going to need “increased investment from those who have the most to gain from the growing economic impact of Griz Athletics.”

But the support from “Griz Nation” is never taken for granted, Haslam said, and the department is “thrilled” local businesses are generating revenue from game days.

“Support from Griz Nation is unmatched and never taken for granted,” Haslam said. “We are thrilled that more and more local businesses are using Griz game days as a way to generate revenue. Through our commitment to provide additional benefits to the student-athletes, we are going to need increased investment from those who have the most to gain from the growing economic impact of Griz Athletics.”

Last year the university spent $96 million last year on faculty salaries, academic support staff and tutors, advising staff, according to Kuntz.

UM President Seth Bodnar said the report confirms the Grizzlies are helping to power Montana’s economy.

“The vibrant connection between Griz Athletics and Montana’s business community continues to get stronger and to benefit communities across Montana,” Bodnar said.