Griz, Bobcat playoff game to air on ESPN

Explorebigsky.com Staff

ESPN officials announced Tuesday night that after less than two weeks of petitions from Montana and Montana State football fans, the Grizzly and Bobcat opening playoff games will air on a pay-per-view ESPN channel.

Montana’s two U.S. politicians wrote letters to ESPN asking that the games be aired on TV after the sports media giant announced it would air the games only on the Internet-based ESPN3.

ESPN will make all 8 games of the Dec. 3 NCAA Football Championship playoffs available on cable and satellite nationwide through ESPN GamePlan for a suggested retail price of $24.60 in addition to ESPN3.

Montanans can call their cable or satellite provider to access the playoff games.

“The Cats and the Griz bring such a strong tradition to our communities,” Baucus said in a press release Tuesday night. “I’m thrilled ESPN understands this is the right thing for Montana, and am proud of all the Montanans who came together in support of our Montana teams.”

“ESPN made the right call for Montana, and I appreciate them listening to the thousands of fans who rallied in support of Montana football,” Tester said. “This is a victory that belongs to all Montanans, and it’s a testament to the power of uniting for a common goal.”

Baucus and Tester last week noted in correspondence with ESPN that many Montanans travel across the state in wintry weather to watch their teams play.