Chants, cheering, and football: thousands of people gather together at Bobcat Stadium to watch the Montana State Bobcats football team each fall! Many Park High students go over to Bozeman to take part in all of the fun. Last year the Bobcats were undefeated and this year they are successful again. But football isn’t the only attraction of the event. Tailgating and wandering around the stadium with friends are also part of the fun. Senior Lliam Edwards, who goes to three to four Cats games a year, says that his favorite part of cats games is walking around with his friends and interacting with other fans. He also enjoys going to tailgates and to find “tasty snacks”. His favorite gameday food is the Huckleberry Smoothies that are sold at the game.
The environment of cats games make it a unique experience. People from all ages, children, college students, and adults gather all in one place. The Bobcats arch rivals are the Grizzlies, this is The University Of Montana’s team. The Cat vs Griz game known as “The Brawl of The Wild” is a huge rivalry game that is known nationwide in the sports world. Every year the game draws packed stands and immense excitement. It is undoubtedly the most important game of the year. This year’s game was in Missoula, at the Washington Grizzly Stadium on November 22nd. Despite being the away team the Cats won. They also won last year in Bozeman. Attendance Secretary, Catie Leininger goes to almost every bobcats game and tailgates with her family. She has been a season ticket holder for 14 years and attended MSU for her Freshman year of college. She went to the Brawl of The Wild last time it was in Bozeman and says, “Everyone wants to be a part of it (the rivalry) and we get to be a part of it. I love it!” Leininger’s favorite song that they play at the game is “Freaks” by Timmy Trumpet.
Being a football fan is hungry work and food is a staple to every good gameday. Whether it’s grilling burgers at the tailgates, buying food from concession stands, or going out to a restaurant after the game, going to a bobcats game means eating. Senior Isaac Ramirez says that his favorite gameday food is chicken strips and he enjoys going to Buffalo Wild Wings with his friends after the game. Ramirez claims to be a Griz fan yet he still goes to Bobcat games.
Overall Bobcat football games are a fun event and something that brings many Park High students joy. Hanging out with friends, watching a good game, tailgating, eating good food, chanting and singing, all of these things contribute to the entertainment that is Bobcat football.
