MOSES LAKE — On Monday, ESPN Events announced Big Sky Conference’s Montana and Montana State for future matchups in the Vegas Kickoff Classic. The kickoff event takes place in Allegiant stadium in Las Vegas.  

“We’re thrilled to have Montana, Montana State and Big Sky football showcased on ESPN as part of the Vegas Kickoff Classic,” Big Sky Conference Commissioner Tom Wistrcill said. “Labor Day Weekend is one of college football’s great traditions, and these games will demonstrate that the FCS can deliver marquee matchups in world-class destinations like Las Vegas, while creating a one-of-a-kind experience for our fans.”   

The Bobcats will take on North Dakota State in 2027, while the Grizz will face South Dakota State in 2029, Big Sky said in a statement. Both games will be played during Labor Day weekend with the game dates, times and networks announced at a later date. 

According to ESPN Events, last year's kickoff classic drew the largest crowd in Allegiant Stadium history with more than 63,000 college football fans. In that game, the USC Trojans defeated LSU Tigers 27-20.  

“Labor Day, Las Vegas, College Football — it’s the perfect trifecta to celebrate the start of the season,” said ESPN Vice President of Events Clint Overby. “Las Vegas continues to attract high-caliber events, and ESPN is proud to work with these great programs and our local partners to kick off the upcoming seasons.” 

In the Big Sky Conference’s statement, they said the last four FCS National Championship Games have featured the Grizz, Bobcats, Bison or Jackrabbits playing one another. Additionally, every title game since 2017 has featured at least one of those four teams in the championship game. 

When the Grizz open the season in 2029, it will be a rematch of the 2023 National Championship game where the Jackrabbits were victorious with a final score of 23-3. 

Billed as the "Battle of the U", Miami (Fla.) and Utah will open the 2027 season Saturday, Sept. 4, in the Vegas Kickoff Classic, Grizz athletics said in a statement. That game will be preceded by another neutral-site FCS matchup earlier in the week when North Dakota State meets Montana State as part of the event. 

The Grizz are 8-2 all-time against the Jacks and have come out on top against them in some of the most memorable games in UM program history. SDSU has won the last two meetings, however, both in the FCS postseason. 

“This is another great opportunity to increase exposure for the University of Montana and provide outstanding experiences for our student-athletes. Participating in this showcase event is one more example of how Grizzly football is a national brand, and we are excited and honored to be part of a great lineup of football programs competing in Las Vegas in the coming years,” said Director of Athletics Kent Haslam.