Fire Up, Griz Fans! Montana Winter Pep Rally and Bonfire Friday

On the eve of two of the most important basketball games of the year, all of Griz Nation is invited to come show your spirit.

UM News Service at the University of Montana tells us that the Winter Pep Rally and Bonfire are returning to the UM Campus. It's a spectacle worthy of Brawl of the Wild action.

Just ahead of this weekend’s Montana/Montana State basketball games, the University of Montana will host its annual Grizzly Winter Pep Rally, this Friday, February 16, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., on the UM Oval.

LOTS AND LOTS PLANNED TO PUT PEP IN YOUR STEP

This community family-friendly gathering is a celebration of Griz spirit, and will feature a bonfire, fireworks show, fire pits and hot cocoa. There will be speeches from Griz athletes, along with performances by Montana's spirit squads. PLUS, everyone's favorite mascot, Monte, will make an appearance, too.

FREE FOOTBALL TICKETS, ANYONE?

In addition to all the fun and spirited activities for the basketball teams, you can register to win four Griz football tickets for the upcoming season, to be raffled off by UM Admissions, along with some awesome ASUM Griz gear. You can stop by tables at the rally and sign up for chances to win both prizes.

The pep rally is free thanks to support from Dairy Farmers of Montana and the Associated Students of UM (ASUM). Campus parking is also free after 5:00 p.m. Friday.

The Lady Griz take on Montana State at 2:00 p.m. and the Griz and the Cats do battle at 7:00 p.m. Saturday. Walk-up tickets available at the Adams Center ticket office, but just to be on the safe side, it's a good idea to get them in advance at griztix.com.