U.S. Senator Steve Daines, along with Senator Tim Sheehy and Representatives Ryan Zinke (MT-01) and Troy Downing (MT-02), has called on major airlines to increase flight options from Montana to Nashville, Tennessee, ahead of the FCS National Championship Game. The letter was addressed to the CEOs of Delta, American, Southwest, and United Airlines.
The request comes as the University of Montana Grizzlies and the Montana State University Bobcats prepare to face each other in Bozeman for a postseason game. The winner will secure a spot in the NCAA Division I Football Championship scheduled for January 5, 2026, in Nashville.
In their letter, the lawmakers wrote: “History will be made this Saturday in Bozeman, Montana. For the first time, the University of Montana Grizzlies and the Montana State University Bobcats football teams will meet in the postseason with the winner earning themselves a spot in the NCAA Division I Football Championship in Nashville, Tennessee on January 5, 2026…
“…though the game has yet to be played, we do know a Montana school will be heading to Nashville for the championship game regardless of the outcome. And although Montana will be a state divided this weekend, both Cats and Griz fans can agree that there’s nothing like watching and cheering on your team in-person. Unfortunately, current air service options to Nashville from Montana in the days leading up to the game are limited and liable to sell out quickly. That is why we are asking that your airlines work to increase service to and from Montana for the big game.
“By increasing access to affordable air service, you will be giving Montana fans of all ages the chance to witness history. As proud Montanans, we hope all fans will be able to take part in this special moment with their team.
“Thank you for your consideration and may the best team win!”
Senator Daines represents Montana in the U.S. Senate according to his official website. He grew up in Bozeman as a fifth-generation Montanan and attended public schools there. Before entering politics, he worked at Procter & Gamble and later as an executive at a software company based in Bozeman according to his biography. Daines earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Montana State University as noted on his website.
Daines has served as U.S. Senator since 2015 and participates on several Senate committees such as finance, foreign relations, energy and natural resources, and Indian affairs. His offices are located across various cities in Montana including Bozeman, Great Falls, Helena, Billings, Missoula, Kalispell and Sidney as well as Washington D.C., providing constituent services throughout these locations according to official information.
The full letter sent by Daines and colleagues can be read online.