Griz Athletics set to host various free celebrations, inaugural N7 games

Basketball season is gaining speed as both the Griz and Lady Griz are fully into Big Sky Conference action and University of Montana students return to campus next week. The next month will also be filled with several specialty games and events:

Winter Pep Rally and Brawl of the Wild – Jan. 20-21
There's no bigger game on the calendar than the annual Brawl of the Wild vs. Montana State, and the stakes are high this year, as all four teams from the Treasure State were picked to finish in the top three in the Big Sky Conference preseason polls. Last February, the Lady Griz knocked off the Bobcats in front of more than 4,000 energized fans a night before the men beat MSU for the 11^th straight time in Missoula.

This year, the traditional double-header is back, with the women tipping off on Saturday, Jan. 21 at 2 p.m., before the men play that evening, beginning at 7 p.m.

One night prior, the University of Montana community is invited to kick off the weekend with a Winter Pep Rally. The Friday-night event – running from 6-7 p.m. on the River Bowl area just north of the Adams Center – will cap the students' first week of the spring semester and will help generate excitement going into Saturday's basketball double-header.

The free event will feature hot cocoa, apple cider and cookies, as well as a bonfire, speeches from both basketball teams, the UM pep band and spirit squads, and a fireworks display.

N7 Basketball Games – Jan. 27 & 28, Feb. 4
The University of Montana resides on the traditional lands of many Indigenous peoples including the Selis (Salish), Ksanka (Kootenai), and Qlispe (Kalispel). Many Indigenous peoples, including the Amskapi Pikuni (Blackfeet), Nimiipuu (Nez Perce), Shoshone, Bannock, and Coeur D'Alene relied upon their traditional knowledge and relationships with this land and this space for survival in the past and today.

In 2022, it is estimated that more than 78,000 residents of Montana have Native American heritage, one of the highest percentages in the nation. Additionally, the University of Montana has one of the highest enrollment rates of Native American students in the United States, being one of the leading universities to offer Native American Studies as a major.

To help recognize and celebrate Montana's close history with Native American and Indigenous peoples, Griz Athletics is hosting its first N7 basketball games. The N7 program is a Nike initiative, led by Fort Peck native Sam McCracken, that shows Nike's long-time commitment and mission to inspire and enable 2 million Native America and Aboriginal youth in North America to participate in sport and physical activity.

The customized turquoise uniforms, which is a color that symbolizes friendship and fellowship in Native American cultures, were created by Nike. The logo was designed by UM alumnus Benji Headswift, a member of the Northern Cheyenne tribe.

Officially licensed Nike Griz retail is available for sale through the UM Bookstore, The M Store, Scheels and a variety of other local outlets. A portion of the proceeds will support UM's Kyiyo Pow Wow, one of the oldest student-run powwows in the nation.

In addition to the two N7 games – the Lady Griz will host Portland State on Saturday, Jan. 28 and the men will host Northern Arizona on Saturday, Feb. 4 – there will be a showing of The House That Rob Built on Friday, Jan. 27 at 7 p.m. inside Dahlberg Arena. The event is free to the public.

While the movie, directed by UM alumnae and former Lady Griz player Megan Harrington, tells the story of Montana's historic women's basketball coach, it also dives into the history of Native American basketball in the state of Montana. At least five former Lady Griz players who are Native American will be on hand that weekend, and will be recognized during the women's N7 game on Jan. 28.

Additional in-game elements will also celebrate Native American history in the state of Montana.

Robin Selvig Weekend – Feb. 10-11
The winningest coach in any sport in Montana history will get his proper respect in February, as the Dahlberg Arena court is named in Robin Selvig's honor.

The first game to be played on the newly named Robin Selvig Court will be Saturday, Feb. 11, as the Lady Griz host Weber State. Through the month of January, fans can take advantage of discounted $8.65 tickets, honoring Selvig's 865 career wins. In addition to decals that will be displayed on the court, fans will be able to hear from Selvig during halftime, as well as take home a commemorative poster.

The night before, on Friday, Feb. 10, fans are invited to get a first glimpse at the court, during a free event that will run from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The event will feature speeches from Selvig and others, a tribute video and the first unveiling of the logo on the court. It is free to the public.

University of Montana Athletics

Griz Athletics set to host various free celebrations, inaugural N7 games

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