What can we learn...

[grizbeer]

Question: Does anyone know the details about how the NCAA goes about picking the neutral site for the Championship? Did Chattanooga actually PAY the NCAA $$ for the right? If so, can ANY city enter the bidding process the next time it's available?

My point, in case you haven't grasped it yet, is why don't the Griz make a bid on the game? I'm sure the NCAA would prefer a warmer weather site than Missoula, but I'm pretty sure conditions last Friday night were similar in Missoula & Nooga; but I'm also pretty sure the FIELD conditions in Missoula were VASTLY superior! (and then we wouldn't have to endure the morons blaming the loss on the GRASS!!)

Gato this was on the BSC website:
McCoy Connor, of Missoula, Mont., asks Big Sky Staff:

"I know that the Division 1-AA Football Championship has been held in Chatanooga since 1997. My question is what must a program do in order to host the national championship? (I understand Chatanooga will be the site for only a few more years). Is there a rule about stadium capacity for such an event? Could a program such as Montana, which always has aspirations for a title, host a title game in Washington Grizzly Stadium? "

Big Sky Staff responds:

"In order to host a Division I-AA national championship game, the prospective city must submit a bid to the Division I-AA committee. A few other cities submitted bids this past year, but a decision was made to accept the bid from Chattanooga. Although it's possible the University of Montana and Washington-Grizzly Stadium could host a national championship game,it is unlikely. Washington-Grizzly Stadium lacks an acceptable press box needed to host an event the magnitude of the national championship game. Missoula's climate in December could also be a factor. "

http://www.bigskyconf.com/qa_front.asp?qaid=376

I believe the Press box will be remodeled with the additional luxury boxes in 2006. I wonder if Missoula will bid then - it comes up for bid after 2005, so the timing would be right.

I believe the cities that bid last time (for '04 & '05) were Chattanooga, Cedar Falls, Iowa, and San Antonio.

Biggest advantage I have heard for Chattanooga is location - remember the NCAA pays for travel expenses for teams to go there, so the closer the game the less the expense for the NCAA, so other cities would have to overcome this cost disadvantage.

[velochat]

If there were any justice (I'm not saying there is), whoever is on the committee would avoid a contender as host, as it's inherently unfair (I know Marshall hosted) . I would think most people would not want to come to Montana or Idaho or Wyoming, or Wisconsin, etc., in December, unless there's a dome -- I think ISU hosted a long time ago. Certainly a major airport nearby would make a big difference in cost for all concerned, including bringing in more fans. How many poeple would want to come to Missoula to see James Madison play McNeese State in 15 below weather in December? All Missoula needs is a dome and a major airport.

[Helcat72]

Those running backs were all 220 and fast!

[CelticCat]

http://www.i-aa.org/article.asp?articleid=32664

Talking about Griz playoff games at home nothing but Griz Envy.

So is saying anything derogatory about the Griz, or their program, their coach, any player, their cheerleaders, Monte, the fans, the food vendors, ticket takers, staff, and weather conditions. If I had a nickel for every time a Griz accused someone of Griz envy, I'd build the Cats a nicer stadium than WA-Griz with pocket change.

Even a 1-AA columnist thinks the Griz are just a little arrogant.

http://i-aa.org/article.asp?articleid=64686

[Bozgriz]

But for all of their occasional warts, I wouldn’t trade the Griz faithful for any other fans. Even if it means an email in-box that is occasionally overflowing with poignant comments.

If only we had more schools that supported their I-AA teams in such a manner.

Thanks for the link...GREAT article!!!