The rivalry between the University of Montana Grizzlies and the Montana State Bobcats can be traced back to November 26, 1897 in Bozeman. The fanbases of the two schools is split by the Continental Divide, which is a natural mountainous division of the state. Montana Griz fans on the west side and the Montana State Bobcats fans on the east side of the Divide. In 2001, the two schools formalized the rivalry and made the Great Divide Trophy one of the hardest fought rivalries in the FCS.
Montana State Bobcats Tailgate Guide
Atmosphere
Tailgating at a Bobcat game has become tradition for the fans over the years. It is a way that the community can come together to support one team. Since Montana doesn’t have a professional team, college sports are a big pastime and passion of the citizens. The fans, young and old, come and mingle before Bobcat games and get pumped up before going into the stadium.
Before every Montana State Bobcat game, fans can watch the football team be led by the marching band and Champ to the stadium from the fieldhouse. The walk pumps up the fans before they enter the Bobcat Stadium.
Fans of the Bobcats can be seen sporting head-to-toe gold for the home opener for a tradition that began in 2006. Each year fans can purchase a limited edition “Gold Rush” t-shirt at the Montana State bookstore or at various Universal Athletics stores across the state.
The Friday before the homecoming game, people can hike to the “M” on Mount Baldy. The first 100 hikers to get there receive a t-shirt that says “I hiked the M.” Later that night, the school lights up the “M”.
Also known as Brick Breeden Fieldhouse, Rollie’s Folly is a wooden arched roof indoor stadium. It is the second-largest building of its type while having the largest wooden roof in the world. This facility has been used for other events besides the university ones. It commonly hosts Montana High School Association athletic events. It has also hosted the world middleweight championship in 1960.
During Homecoming, Montana State holds a bonfire in Parking Lot F (between the fieldhouse and the stadium. It usually takes place on the Thursday before the game along with the “go Cats go” lighting. Residents on campus hang lights in the window to spell this phrase out.
Where to tailgate
Tailgate LotsThose of you who are looking to tailgate will want to set up shop in one of the designated tailgating lots. Tailgating is permitted in the South Fieldhouse Standard and Premium booster sections, west Bobcat Club Lot, Bobcat Boulevard, East Stadium Standard Tailgating Lot, and 7th and Kagy Practice Fields.
Montana State Bobcats Stadium Guide
In Game
The atmosphere of Bobcat Stadium is a mix of the passion of fans and the relaxed lifestyle of Montanans. The level of excitement in the stadium is related to the score of the game. When winning, the fans can get rowdy.
The rivalry between the University of Montana Grizzlies and the Montana State Bobcats can be traced back to November 26, 1897 in Bozeman. The fanbases of the two schools is split by the Continental Divide, which is a natural mountainous division of the state. Montana Griz fans on the west side and the Montana State Bobcats fans on the east side of the Divide. In 2001, the two schools formalized the rivalry and made the Great Divide Trophy one of the hardest fought rivalries in the FCS.
Named after the first live mascot, Spirit, the university had in 1916, the bronze statue sits at the center of the Alumni Plaza. The sculpture has been on campus since 2009. It has even been seen to wear a MSU Bobcat sweater in the winter.
Stand up and cheer,
Cheer long and loud for dear Montana State
For today we raise
The blue and gold to wave victorious
Our sturdy band now is fighting
And we are sure to win the fray
We’ve got the vim, We’re here to win
For this is dear Montana State!
Since 1982, Buffalo Wild Wings (or B-Dubs as our friends call us) has been the ultimate place to watch the game, have a cold beer and eat some great food.
We are an upscale sports bar with great food and fantastic drinks! We pride ourselves on our attention to quality and professional service. Our customers are like family!
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