If You’re Gonna Play in Texas: UM Fundraising to Send Band to Championship Game

MISSOULA – The University of Montana has launched an online fundraising campaign to send the Grizzly Marching Band to the Football Championship Subdivision National Championship in Frisco, Texas.

“The Grizzly Marching Band is thrilled to have the opportunity to perform on the national stage,” said Grizzly Marching Band Director Kevin Griggs. “The NCAA does not allocate any resources for marching band travel. The University has committed key support to cover numerous costs, but we know there are thousands of supporters of the Grizzly Marching Band across the country who want to be part of the movement to get the band to Texas.”

Donations can be made through a webpage hosted by the UM Foundation at SupportUM.org/Grizzly-Marching-Band.

UM has committed key support to fund the effort, and is now seeking public support to close the gap on the $200,000 needed to send the band to Texas. It is estimated to cost nearly $2,000 per student to send 100 band members to the national championship game. These funds are needed to cover the cost of air travel, bus rentals, hotel accommodations and meals.

“Students in the Grizzly Marching Band have invested hundreds of hours this fall to ensure Washington-Grizzly Stadium has the best gameday atmosphere in the nation,” said UM President Seth Bodnar. “The University is excited to showcase the band and all of their hard work, and we are grateful for the support they continue to receive.”

In addition to the football game, the Grizzly Marching Band will perform at Griz Fest – a Saturday night pregame party hosted at Riders Field in Frisco for Griz fans. The band also will perform at the UM Alumni Association tailgate prior to the game.

- by UM News Service -