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Why does the GSA not road show the Spring game more?

G

GlacierGrizX

Well-known member
I'm just curious why, as of recent; that the "Spring Game," has been predominately in Missoula? A buddy and I were talking the other day, wondering when Butte would have another Spring game? I had to go look up the last time they had it there. Gosh darn, it been nearly 10 years already. It was absolutely a blast there! It was when Gresch Jensen was most likely going to be the starter that season, and then he bolted to North Texas during the summer, with the green hat coach.

It just seems like the U of M could switch venues to possibly garner more support in other areas of the state.? I personally don't go the Missoula Spring game, as I already travel there 6-10 times a year for regular season and playoffs. My trip each way 4.5 hours each way. Anyone have any insight as to why, it went from alternating venues to strictly Missoula the last few years?
  • 2025: Washington-Grizzly Stadium (Missoula)
  • 2024: Washington-Grizzly Stadium (Missoula)
  • 2023: Washington-Grizzly Stadium (Missoula)
  • 2022: Hamilton High School Athletic Complex (Hamilton)
  • 2021: No traditional spring game (Played Spring 2021 season vs. Portland State at home in April)
  • 2020: Cancelled (COVID-19) - Originally scheduled for Hamilton
  • 2019: Legends Stadium (Kalispell)
  • 2018: Washington-Grizzly Stadium (Missoula)
  • 2017: Washington-Grizzly Stadium (Missoula)
  • 2016: Washington-Grizzly Stadium (Missoula
  • 2015: Helena
  • 2014: Missoula
  • 2013: Ronan
  • 2012: Missoula
  • 2011: Billings
  • 2010: Butte
  • 2009: Corvallis
  • 2008: Polson
  • 2007: Billings
  • 2006: Kalispell


 
Again cost and support. Costs much more money and requires more logistics for a spring game outside of Missoula. And the spring game in Missoula always draws more fans.

Honestly they think the spring game might be going away in college football within a few years.

We had been in contact with them about potentially doing one in Billings but doesn’t sound like it’ll ever happen again.
 
We're talking about practice

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Now you want to put up the entire team on an overnight trip to Billings, "or even Bozeman," for practice.

That's a lot of money, and in this economy, we don't need to put out that kind of coin for practice.

Even a trip to Hamilton is too much to spend for practice.

There is nothing to show that games played in these locations has any effect on recruiting, it's just practice.

I can tell you that once upon a time the Griz basketball scrimmaged in Kalispell when Rick and Craig Zanon (maybe Greg Bauska, but I don't think so) were on the team. That did have any impact on where anyone in Flathead County ended up playing. It was nice for the locals to see the hometown boys, but at the end of the day the attendance wasn't at the level of a Flathead High game, because it was just practice.
 
BWahlberg said:
Beautiful weather, spring game tailgating was off the charts it was a fun day for sure. I remember Coach Stitt walking through the crowd of fans pre-game with Sundberg right on his shoulder. Bob was clearly not in his element chatting with a ton of fans, lol. Greg would lean in to him to remind him of people's names a lot. :ROFLMAO:
Click to expand...
He was the same at the Butte GSA golf tournament too. I chatted with him a bit because I follow Mines football and he was eager to chat about that, but def not mingle with people.
 
SinCityGriz2005 said:
Probably money. It would make sense to take the games on the road to Billings, Bozeman, Great Falls, Helena, and Kalispell. Yes, even Bozeman, why not?
Click to expand...
If UM had its own patches, UM could take the team to these places on charters (on planes). Maybe even take some of QB Club members. The patches are the key.
 
"Yes, Illinois football started spring practices on Monday, March 23, 2026. Head coach Bret Bielema confirmed there will be no public spring game this year due to construction at Memorial Stadium and a desire to keep the new defensive installations private.
The Champaign Room +3
Key Details for Illinois Spring Ball 2026:
  • Start Date: March 23, 2026.
  • Spring Game: Cancelled.
  • Focus: Installing a new defense under coach Bobby Hauck and developing depth.

    Practices are closed to the public and media to prevent scouting of the new defensive scheme." AI.
 
mthoopsfan said:
"Yes, Illinois football started spring practices on Monday, March 23, 2026. Head coach Bret Bielema confirmed there will be no public spring game this year due to construction at Memorial Stadium and a desire to keep the new defensive installations private.
The Champaign Room +3
Key Details for Illinois Spring Ball 2026:
  • Start Date: March 23, 2026.
  • Spring Game: Cancelled.
  • Focus: Installing a new defense under coach Bobby Hauck and developing depth.

    Practices are closed to the public and media to prevent scouting of the new defensive scheme." AI.
Click to expand...
BH will never change. Still safeguarding practices. Lol.
 
mthoopsfan said:
"Yes, Illinois football started spring practices on Monday, March 23, 2026. Head coach Bret Bielema confirmed there will be no public spring game this year due to construction at Memorial Stadium and a desire to keep the new defensive installations private.
The Champaign Room +3
Key Details for Illinois Spring Ball 2026:
  • Start Date: March 23, 2026.
  • Spring Game: Cancelled.
  • Focus: Installing a new defense under coach Bobby Hauck and developing depth.

    Practices are closed to the public and media to prevent scouting of the new defensive scheme." AI.
Click to expand...
We don't want people to see our front 7 giving up rushing lanes you could drive a mack truck through. - bobby hauck
 
I will say - as annoying as the 3-3-5 was, when it worked (player fit, players on same page scheme-wise), it was excellent (see the 2023 run at shutting down rush offense's that were consdidered very good - MSU and NDSU to name a couple), but if everyone isn't on the same page regularly....hooo boy, it was tough to watch.
 
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