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.

Traditions

Cat Walk

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.

Gold Rush

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.

M on the Mountain

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”.

Rollie’s Folly

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.

“Party at the Pit” and “Go Cats Go” lighting

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 Lots

Those 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.

Things to check out

Brawl of the Wild

Bobcat Sculpture

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.

Champ

The bobcat mascot can be found during the game on the sidelines and in the stands. He also hangs outside the stadium before the game.

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