Wear the Bear on Fridays

Griz Nation, a new tradition starts now.

Fans and followers of Grizzly Athletics and all things UM are asked to show their spirit by wearing UM apparel to work, school or anywhere else on Fridays.

The first official Wear the Bear – Paint Montana Maroon Friday will be Sept. 4, which coincides with College Colors Day, an annual celebration dedicated to promoting the spirit and traditions that make the college experience great.

UM officials hope that Wear the Bear Fridays will become a custom that marches on long after College Colors Day.

“Friday spirit days have existed as a staple for many universities and their fans around the country,” UM President George Dennison said. “The passion of Griz fandom remains unmatched, and with excitement brewing around the kickoff of football and other fall sports, we think the time perfect to launch a new Griz tradition.”

A proclamation from Missoula Mayor John Engen will be read announcing the new Wear the Bear – Paint Montana Maroon Fridays during the Great Griz Encounter on Thursday, Aug. 27, at Caras Park, when fans get to mingle with the 2009 football team. The event will be held at 6 p.m. in conjunction with Downtown Tonight.

The Wear the Bear idea came from Erika Beede, UM’s trademark and licensing director.

“We hope that offices and businesses will get excited about this and encourage their employees to wear their maroon and silver Griz Gear on Fridays,” Beede said. “If businesses and alumni get on board, it could really take off.”

Businesses statewide can sign up to officially be part of the Wear the Bear – Paint Montana Maroon campaign by e-mailing grizzlymarketing@mso.umt.edu. Businesses that register will receive a “spirit pack” containing decorations such as posters, pennants and pom-poms. They also will be eligible for prizes and drawings.

Paint Montana Maroon is this year’s marketing campaign for Grizzly Athletics. Christie Anderson, UM assistant athletic director for marketing and promotions, said the tagline is a consistent message on UM sports posters and other promotional material.

“We started doing annual branding campaigns in athletics in 2004,” Anderson said. “But I think Paint Montana Maroon is a strong message that we could use for years to come. This is a great way to promote Griz pride and school spirit, not only on a local level, but statewide as well.”