What's better than watching Griz football on a warm summer's day in Washington-Grizzly Stadium? Not much.

The Montana Grizzlies open the 2017 season on Saturday, September 2, at 1 p.m. against the Valparaiso Crusaders, who travel from Northern Indiana for their first-ever matchup with the Griz.

Single-game tickets are still available for the home opener, and with a new-look Grizzly team primed for success, they won't last long.

Interest in Griz football has soared in recent years, with season tickets sales hovering once again around the 19,000 mark – roughly the same size as the city of Kalispell.

Montana led the FCS in attendance in 2016 for the third-straight year, and the sixth time in the last decade. UM averaged 25,377 fans per-game over the course of last season's six-game home slate, drawing more fans than 46 FBS programs, and more per-game than the Los Angeles Chargers have in preseason NFL action.

The Grizzlies take the field for the third season under head coach Bob Stitt, with 19 starters and 39 lettermen returning, bolstered by a young and athletic group of newcomers.

Tickets can be purchased at griztix.com until two hours before kickoff on Saturday. Fans can also pick up tickets at the Adams Center Box Office, which opens at 9:00 a.m. on game day.

WHITE OUT: Fans are encouraged to wear white and "white out" Valparaiso on Saturday. With temperatures expected to break the 90-degree mark, it's the perfect color to wear too.

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