University of Montana Shrouded in Darkness, But the Show Must Go On!
Update: The University of Montana has emerged from a power outage, but the journey back to normalcy was a captivating one.
Original Story: On December 10, 2025, the University of Montana campus and parts of downtown Missoula were plunged into darkness. The culprit? A power outage that left students, faculty, and residents in the dark, quite literally. UM's Director of Strategic Communication, Dave Kuntz, confirmed the campus-wide power loss, leaving many wondering when the lights would return.
But here's where it gets interesting: the Montana men's basketball game against Salish Kootenai College was still a go! Despite the power outage, the game was only delayed, not canceled. The teams and fans were eagerly awaiting the restoration of power so the game could commence. And this is the part most people miss—the dedication to ensuring the show goes on, even in the face of adversity.
The Missoula Fire Department was quick to respond, with firefighters dispatched to multiple locations due to weather-related power outages. The City of Missoula urged drivers to exercise caution on the roads. Meanwhile, the Missoula Electric Cooperative reported 46 outages affecting 105 customers east of Missoula, impacting areas like Clinton and Rock Creek. Even the Missoula Public Library had to be evacuated due to the lack of power.
Controversial Delay: The highly anticipated Montana vs. Salish Kootenai men's basketball game at Dahlberg Arena faced a delayed start. The teams patiently waited, and once the power returned, they were given a mere 20 minutes to warm up before tip-off. This quick turnaround time could spark debate among sports enthusiasts and officials alike. Was it enough time for the players to prepare adequately? You decide.
As the power slowly returned to the University of Montana, the community breathed a collective sigh of relief. This incident serves as a reminder of our reliance on electricity and the resilience of those who adapt to unexpected challenges.
What do you think? Was it the right call to delay the game and proceed with a quick warm-up? Share your thoughts below, and let's discuss the fine line between safety precautions and the determination to keep the ball rolling, even in the dark.
