Missoula Named Best College Town Nominee by USA Today

USA Today is on the hunt for the best college town in America. The publication selected 20 finalists that can be voted on at the end of this article by you.

"The gateways to the moments on the fields, courts, in the pool, on the track, the great college sports towns set the tone for the athletic programs in a very unique and special way. From metros to suburbs, each community is part of the fan base, the welcoming committee, the place to explore, celebrate, and to learn about the history of great teams throughout history—and, of course, the ones today." - USA Today

Why USA Today Chose Missoula

A list of experts cut the list to 20 nominees. Missoula, Montana, was one of the select few, but I have a bone to pick with USA Today's description of Missoula.

"The University of Montana is living proof you don't have to be an FBS program or Division I basketball team to make the list of great college sports towns."

You are correct in that UM is not an FBS program, but, uhhh, we have a Division I basketball team. In fact, we have a Division I men's hoops team that has made the NCAA Tournament 13 times, and a women's hoops team that has reached the big dance 21 times.

Regardless, USA Today had some nice things to say about UM and even cited one of my articles from last year.

"Weather doesn't faze anyone here when it comes to the Griz experience at Washington-Grizzly Stadium... The atmosphere should attract "College GameDay" one day, and KGRZ even sent an open letter to ESPN last year to bring the event to Montana. There are 15 athletic programs, a dedicated fan base, and plenty of great events before games, plus places to hit and eat afterward." - USA Today