Cynthia Carranza

(KPAX) Thousands of fans will descend on Washington-Grizzly Stadium on Saturday for the first Montana Grizzlies home game of the season.

The University of Montana's Grizzly Athletics program serves as a major economic driver for the state, generating nearly $100 million in annual income and creating hundreds of jobs across the region.

University of Montana President Seth Bodnar emphasized the institution's role in supporting the state's economic health.

"We see ourselves as the workforce engine for the state of Montana. We believe this university is important to the economic health of this state," Bodnar said.

The economic impact extends far beyond the university campus.

Each Grizzly home football game generates approximately $5 million in economic impact while suppo

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