Missoula considers name change

MISSOULA, Mont. -- The osprey nest located beyond the center field fence at Ogren Park Allegiance Field has been taken over by geese. This has prompted questions about a name change for the Missoula Osprey to the Missoula Geese.

Although a name change is not in the immediate future for the team, the geese have created quite a buzz of discussion around the water cooler this week. The nest in question has received national press as the annual home to local seasonal osprey. With osprey in the nest, it is believed to be the only pro sports team mascot living in its natural habitat at the home team's venue.

The geese have been spotted in the nest for the past two weeks. It appears the geese are nesting. It is expected that the geese will leave the nest once the nesting season is done, which could be as soon as two weeks from now.

The osprey have already arrived from their migration from the south and are looking to reclaim the popular nest site. However, the geese are in the way. It is hoped that the osprey will return to the nest once the geese leave later this month. The nest location has been very popular to the osprey as they have returned to the nest every year since the platform was installed.

Although the name change may not be in the cards for this season, the Osprey are considering some promotional ideas associated with the geese.

The Missoula Osprey baseball team is now only 70 days away from Opening Day. The Osprey will open the season and home schedule on June 20 against Helena. Season ticket packages are available now and individual game tickets will go on sale May 18.

All Osprey game tickets can be purchased at the MSO Hub Box Office, located at 140 North Higgins in Downtown Missoula, by phone at (406) 543-3300 and MissoulaOsprey.com online.