The Montana State University Bobcats are well-known throughout the beautiful state of Montana as well as the entire western region. The football rivalry between the MSU Bobcats and the University of Missoula’s Grizzlies is one of fame and fanatical proportions, especially to those who hold Bozeman or Missoula close to heart. For Bozeman and the surrounding Gallatin Valley area, the roar of autumn games and the community spirit that is experienced at the football stadium brings families, friends and colleagues together in camaraderie at its finest.
For years, the Bobcat Stadium has been bursting at its seams in an attempt to house all the cheers and energy the Bozeman fans exude. In May of 2008, in reaction to the obvious need for expansion, MSU’s Athletic Department revealed plans to enlarge the stadium over the next twenty years, a master plan totaling around $100 million. The “design team is comprised of a lot of MSU graduates,” stated Jim Bos, owner of the project’s creative company A & E Architects and a Montana State University alumnus. That the stadium expansion was designed by MSU alumni gives the whole football project a sense of passion. Everyone involved truly cares about the project and its success.
Now in 2011, the project has been underway for around three years, with the End Zone Expansion on track. The construction team broke ground in January of this year, with over one hundred people and fans attending the End Zone Ceremony. MSU President Waded Cruzado spoke, while other honorary players and fans stood close by, including legendary player Sonny Holland. The End Zone Expansion is clearly a community-induced effort to expand both the stadium and the hearts of the fans within the community. Those present took up the gold-painted shovels, complete with blue and white bows, and dug into a new beginning for Montana State University’s Bobcat Football.
With the expansion of the end zone, due to be completed by the first home game on September 10, 2011, around 5,000 additional seats will be available, as well as an entirely new scoreboard. The effort is representative of not only more seats for fans, but the way this Bozeman community can come together in order to reach a shared vision. The End Zone Expansion project itself is set to cost around $10 million, all of which was donated and raised by those in the community that care about its completion. In no other way can it be described but that Bozeman is passionate about its community spirit and has pride for its hometown Bobcats.
To learn more about the stadium expansion and purchase season tickets, visit: http://www.msubobcatstadium.com
Posted by:Carla Dingman
Broker, CRS, GRI, ABR
2001 Stadium Drive, Ste. ABozeman, MT 59715
Phone:(406) 556-2258
Cell:(406) 570-9199
