Parking

[kennethnoisewater]

I appreciate MSU doing all they can to raise more money and move the program forward but at what point do you push past the point where people get frustrated enough to leave? Probably not there yet. I think the marketing term is Elasticity. I have friends that go to the games and have lived in Bozeman most of their lives who have gotten tired of the constant price increases and calls to raise money. I love it enough to find a way no matter what but not everyone feels that way.

As long as the team keeps winning most season ticket holders' price point will keep rising.

Prices have gone up due to a combination of higher demand and higher costs. The home winning streak had just as much, if not more, to do with the price increases as general inflation. If the team starts losing more than one home game a year, and especially more than that, the prices will likely level out in the short term but ultimately keep rising to cover higher costs. That has to be somewhat of a factor in moving up. If we stay in the FCS forever we really shouldn't ever lose more than 2 home games in a season simply based on the quality of our competition. But if we move up we'll likely hover around .500 at home and some of the losses won't be close. That will start to thin out the stands at least a little at a time when the team will need money more than ever.

I'm curious what the influx of cash from these price hikes gets MSU. Have they been losing money on football and this gets them closer to the black? Does this put money in reserves? Does it go to pay coaches a little better? Does it pay for non-revenue sports? I'm OK with all of those I guess and I trust MSU, I just wonder what kind of shape this puts MSU in. I agree that demand is driving prices up as much as increased costs.

[Camo_Cat]

I appreciate MSU doing all they can to raise more money and move the program forward but at what point do you push past the point where people get frustrated enough to leave? Probably not there yet. I think the marketing term is Elasticity. I have friends that go to the games and have lived in Bozeman most of their lives who have gotten tired of the constant price increases and calls to raise money. I love it enough to find a way no matter what but not everyone feels that way.

I wonder the same thing, and I wonder what my number is. I get frustrated with the prices going up, but I know prices are going up on everything, driven in large part by trying to pay workers a reasonable wage. MSU might be paying 30% more on insurance, for all I know. Maybe it's costing more to actually put on a game and we're paying the same percentage of that cost year over year. I know I don't want to give up my spot in line, so to speak, over a few hundred bucks. There will be a number where I say I'm out, but we're not there yet. I hope they can at least keep it reasonable. Compared to 20 years ago, it's all very expensive. But compared to some other events, it's still reasonable IMO. If I went to 6 concerts or 6 pro games, I'd definitely be paying more. So maybe we're paying to move the program forward, maybe we're paying more just so MSU can keep up with expenses. Probably a combination of both. I think a little messaging around the reasons for increases could be helpful. If they tell me "hey, in 2000 it cost us $75k to put on a game. Now it costs us $375k", I'm probably going to understand that.

Understandable. Unfortunately for out-of-towners, it's not just the increased price of tickets, parking, and Bobcat Club membership. It's also the increased cost of gas, meals, and lodging. And those costs have skyrocketed, especially lodging. We have started driving back home after games, because the cost of hotels is outrageous in Bozeman. And they all know when the home games are, so they jack the prices up for those nights. Now, we are driving over a hundred miles to get home after the games, and that is usually done at night. I'm a fourth generation Montanan, so driving our state's highways is not a big deal, but I'm also getting older, and my eyes aren't what they use to be, and driving at night is getting a little trickier.

Our gameday routine use to be: get to the stadium a few hours prior to kick-off, park in the white lot (which once was covered in my BC membership but now costs me an additional $120/year), tailgate, watch the Cats kick ass, tailgate a little more, go have a nice dinner, crash hard for the night at the hotel, have a nice breakfast, and hit the road for home. Starting last year, we eliminated the post-game tailgating, dinner, hotel, and next-day breakfast because we're not willing to continue paying for all the increased costs associated with gameday.

I have been a season ticket holder for many, many years, and I thought I always would be. It's just hard to come to the realization that I may be teetering on the edge of no longer holding my season tickets. Now with every Bobcat game being televised, I can always watch them from the comfort of my media room, and especially on those late wintery days, that is becoming more appealing. There always the possibility of nabbing a ticket or two for games that I really want to attend. I'm not ready to bail just yet, but with the increases in everything, I have to eventually weight the pros and cons.

[coloradocat]

I appreciate MSU doing all they can to raise more money and move the program forward but at what point do you push past the point where people get frustrated enough to leave? Probably not there yet. I think the marketing term is Elasticity. I have friends that go to the games and have lived in Bozeman most of their lives who have gotten tired of the constant price increases and calls to raise money. I love it enough to find a way no matter what but not everyone feels that way.

As long as the team keeps winning most season ticket holders' price point will keep rising.

Prices have gone up due to a combination of higher demand and higher costs. The home winning streak had just as much, if not more, to do with the price increases as general inflation. If the team starts losing more than one home game a year, and especially more than that, the prices will likely level out in the short term but ultimately keep rising to cover higher costs. That has to be somewhat of a factor in moving up. If we stay in the FCS forever we really shouldn't ever lose more than 2 home games in a season simply based on the quality of our competition. But if we move up we'll likely hover around .500 at home and some of the losses won't be close. That will start to thin out the stands at least a little at a time when the team will need money more than ever.

I'm curious what the influx of cash from these price hikes gets MSU. Have they been losing money on football and this gets them closer to the black? Does this put money in reserves? Does it go to pay coaches a little better? Does it pay for non-revenue sports? I'm OK with all of those I guess and I trust MSU, I just wonder what kind of shape this puts MSU in. I agree that demand is driving prices up as much as increased costs.

Based on the fact that almost no teams make money in any sport outside of some of the P4 (and only due to the TV contracts over the last decade or so) MSU still probably doesn't make money, or not much, so this helps close the gap. If they are making money now it just goes to funding the other sports.

[coloradocat]

I appreciate MSU doing all they can to raise more money and move the program forward but at what point do you push past the point where people get frustrated enough to leave? Probably not there yet. I think the marketing term is Elasticity. I have friends that go to the games and have lived in Bozeman most of their lives who have gotten tired of the constant price increases and calls to raise money. I love it enough to find a way no matter what but not everyone feels that way.

I wonder the same thing, and I wonder what my number is. I get frustrated with the prices going up, but I know prices are going up on everything, driven in large part by trying to pay workers a reasonable wage. MSU might be paying 30% more on insurance, for all I know. Maybe it's costing more to actually put on a game and we're paying the same percentage of that cost year over year. I know I don't want to give up my spot in line, so to speak, over a few hundred bucks. There will be a number where I say I'm out, but we're not there yet. I hope they can at least keep it reasonable. Compared to 20 years ago, it's all very expensive. But compared to some other events, it's still reasonable IMO. If I went to 6 concerts or 6 pro games, I'd definitely be paying more. So maybe we're paying to move the program forward, maybe we're paying more just so MSU can keep up with expenses. Probably a combination of both. I think a little messaging around the reasons for increases could be helpful. If they tell me "hey, in 2000 it cost us $75k to put on a game. Now it costs us $375k", I'm probably going to understand that.

Understandable. Unfortunately for out-of-towners, it's not just the increased price of tickets, parking, and Bobcat Club membership. It's also the increased cost of gas, meals, and lodging. And those costs have skyrocketed, especially lodging. We have started driving back home after games, because the cost of hotels is outrageous in Bozeman. And they all know when the home games are, so they jack the prices up for those nights. Now, we are driving over a hundred miles to get home after the games, and that is usually done at night. I'm a fourth generation Montanan, so driving our state's highways is not a big deal, but I'm also getting older, and my eyes aren't what they use to be, and driving at night is getting a little trickier.

Our gameday routine use to be: get to the stadium a few hours prior to kick-off, park in the white lot (which once was covered in my BC membership but now costs me an additional $120/year), tailgate, watch the Cats kick ass, tailgate a little more, go have a nice dinner, crash hard for the night at the hotel, have a nice breakfast, and hit the road for home. Starting last year, we eliminated the post-game tailgating, dinner, hotel, and next-day breakfast because we're not willing to continue paying for all the increased costs associated with gameday.

I have been a season ticket holder for many, many years, and I thought I always would be. It's just hard to come to the realization that I may be teetering on the edge of no longer holding my season tickets. Now with every Bobcat game being televised, I can always watch them from the comfort of my media room, and especially on those late wintery days, that is becoming more appealing. There always the possibility of nabbing a ticket or two for games that I really want to attend. I'm not ready to bail just yet, but with the increases in everything, I have to eventually weight the pros and cons.

One thing to consider, and I think this will become much more common, is to keep your season tickets and sell the games you don't feel like attending. That doesn't solve the tailgate pricing issue but at least that way you don't have to spend the money on our annual beatdown of an east coast or BSC bottom feeder. There will always be fans eager to buy tickets to an early season game and outside of BN you can make money on the secondary market if you want to. This way you keep your Cat-griz tickets and can go to any game you want. I bet this becomes more popular as long as the team is annually in the top 10.

[Camo_Cat]

I appreciate MSU doing all they can to raise more money and move the program forward but at what point do you push past the point where people get frustrated enough to leave? Probably not there yet. I think the marketing term is Elasticity. I have friends that go to the games and have lived in Bozeman most of their lives who have gotten tired of the constant price increases and calls to raise money. I love it enough to find a way no matter what but not everyone feels that way.

I wonder the same thing, and I wonder what my number is. I get frustrated with the prices going up, but I know prices are going up on everything, driven in large part by trying to pay workers a reasonable wage. MSU might be paying 30% more on insurance, for all I know. Maybe it's costing more to actually put on a game and we're paying the same percentage of that cost year over year. I know I don't want to give up my spot in line, so to speak, over a few hundred bucks. There will be a number where I say I'm out, but we're not there yet. I hope they can at least keep it reasonable. Compared to 20 years ago, it's all very expensive. But compared to some other events, it's still reasonable IMO. If I went to 6 concerts or 6 pro games, I'd definitely be paying more. So maybe we're paying to move the program forward, maybe we're paying more just so MSU can keep up with expenses. Probably a combination of both. I think a little messaging around the reasons for increases could be helpful. If they tell me "hey, in 2000 it cost us $75k to put on a game. Now it costs us $375k", I'm probably going to understand that.

Understandable. Unfortunately for out-of-towners, it's not just the increased price of tickets, parking, and Bobcat Club membership. It's also the increased cost of gas, meals, and lodging. And those costs have skyrocketed, especially lodging. We have started driving back home after games, because the cost of hotels is outrageous in Bozeman. And they all know when the home games are, so they jack the prices up for those nights. Now, we are driving over a hundred miles to get home after the games, and that is usually done at night. I'm a fourth generation Montanan, so driving our state's highways is not a big deal, but I'm also getting older, and my eyes aren't what they use to be, and driving at night is getting a little trickier.

Our gameday routine use to be: get to the stadium a few hours prior to kick-off, park in the white lot (which once was covered in my BC membership but now costs me an additional $120/year), tailgate, watch the Cats kick ass, tailgate a little more, go have a nice dinner, crash hard for the night at the hotel, have a nice breakfast, and hit the road for home. Starting last year, we eliminated the post-game tailgating, dinner, hotel, and next-day breakfast because we're not willing to continue paying for all the increased costs associated with gameday.

I have been a season ticket holder for many, many years, and I thought I always would be. It's just hard to come to the realization that I may be teetering on the edge of no longer holding my season tickets. Now with every Bobcat game being televised, I can always watch them from the comfort of my media room, and especially on those late wintery days, that is becoming more appealing. There always the possibility of nabbing a ticket or two for games that I really want to attend. I'm not ready to bail just yet, but with the increases in everything, I have to eventually weight the pros and cons.

One thing to consider, and I think this will become much more common, is to keep your season tickets and sell the games you don't feel like attending. That doesn't solve the tailgate pricing issue but at least that way you don't have to spend the money on our annual beatdown of an east coast or BSC bottom feeder. There will always be fans eager to buy tickets to an early season game and outside of BN you can make money on the secondary market if you want to. This way you keep your Cat-griz tickets and can go to any game you want. I bet this becomes more popular as long as the team is annually in the top 10.

That's an excellent thought @coloradocat!

[tetoncat]

I appreciate MSU doing all they can to raise more money and move the program forward but at what point do you push past the point where people get frustrated enough to leave? Probably not there yet. I think the marketing term is Elasticity. I have friends that go to the games and have lived in Bozeman most of their lives who have gotten tired of the constant price increases and calls to raise money. I love it enough to find a way no matter what but not everyone feels that way.

I wonder the same thing, and I wonder what my number is. I get frustrated with the prices going up, but I know prices are going up on everything, driven in large part by trying to pay workers a reasonable wage. MSU might be paying 30% more on insurance, for all I know. Maybe it's costing more to actually put on a game and we're paying the same percentage of that cost year over year. I know I don't want to give up my spot in line, so to speak, over a few hundred bucks. There will be a number where I say I'm out, but we're not there yet. I hope they can at least keep it reasonable. Compared to 20 years ago, it's all very expensive. But compared to some other events, it's still reasonable IMO. If I went to 6 concerts or 6 pro games, I'd definitely be paying more. So maybe we're paying to move the program forward, maybe we're paying more just so MSU can keep up with expenses. Probably a combination of both. I think a little messaging around the reasons for increases could be helpful. If they tell me "hey, in 2000 it cost us $75k to put on a game. Now it costs us $375k", I'm probably going to understand that.

Understandable. Unfortunately for out-of-towners, it's not just the increased price of tickets, parking, and Bobcat Club membership. It's also the increased cost of gas, meals, and lodging. And those costs have skyrocketed, especially lodging. We have started driving back home after games, because the cost of hotels is outrageous in Bozeman. And they all know when the home games are, so they jack the prices up for those nights. Now, we are driving over a hundred miles to get home after the games, and that is usually done at night. I'm a fourth generation Montanan, so driving our state's highways is not a big deal, but I'm also getting older, and my eyes aren't what they use to be, and driving at night is getting a little trickier.

Our gameday routine use to be: get to the stadium a few hours prior to kick-off, park in the white lot (which once was covered in my BC membership but now costs me an additional $120/year), tailgate, watch the Cats kick ass, tailgate a little more, go have a nice dinner, crash hard for the night at the hotel, have a nice breakfast, and hit the road for home. Starting last year, we eliminated the post-game tailgating, dinner, hotel, and next-day breakfast because we're not willing to continue paying for all the increased costs associated with gameday.

I have been a season ticket holder for many, many years, and I thought I always would be. It's just hard to come to the realization that I may be teetering on the edge of no longer holding my season tickets. Now with every Bobcat game being televised, I can always watch them from the comfort of my media room, and especially on those late wintery days, that is becoming more appealing. There always the possibility of nabbing a ticket or two for games that I really want to attend. I'm not ready to bail just yet, but with the increases in everything, I have to eventually weight the pros and cons.

One thing to consider, and I think this will become much more common, is to keep your season tickets and sell the games you don't feel like attending. That doesn't solve the tailgate pricing issue but at least that way you don't have to spend the money on our annual beatdown of an east coast or BSC bottom feeder. There will always be fans eager to buy tickets to an early season game and outside of BN you can make money on the secondary market if you want to. This way you keep your Cat-griz tickets and can go to any game you want. I bet this becomes more popular as long as the team is annually in the top 10.

That's an excellent thought @coloradocat!

I think this is already happening. Fans buying whole season to guarantee tickets for a few games. Also season tickets holders getting a couple more for friends or family and selling when they don’t need

[kmax]

I appreciate MSU doing all they can to raise more money and move the program forward but at what point do you push past the point where people get frustrated enough to leave? Probably not there yet. I think the marketing term is Elasticity. I have friends that go to the games and have lived in Bozeman most of their lives who have gotten tired of the constant price increases and calls to raise money. I love it enough to find a way no matter what but not everyone feels that way.

I wonder the same thing, and I wonder what my number is. I get frustrated with the prices going up, but I know prices are going up on everything, driven in large part by trying to pay workers a reasonable wage. MSU might be paying 30% more on insurance, for all I know. Maybe it's costing more to actually put on a game and we're paying the same percentage of that cost year over year. I know I don't want to give up my spot in line, so to speak, over a few hundred bucks. There will be a number where I say I'm out, but we're not there yet. I hope they can at least keep it reasonable. Compared to 20 years ago, it's all very expensive. But compared to some other events, it's still reasonable IMO. If I went to 6 concerts or 6 pro games, I'd definitely be paying more. So maybe we're paying to move the program forward, maybe we're paying more just so MSU can keep up with expenses. Probably a combination of both. I think a little messaging around the reasons for increases could be helpful. If they tell me "hey, in 2000 it cost us $75k to put on a game. Now it costs us $375k", I'm probably going to understand that.

Probably the most well reasoned and level headed comment I've seen here not only on this subject but most any. It has no place here, ban hammer incoming.

All kidding aside, I think more folks would do well to read this and come to this understanding. For most all of us there will be a number where it no longer makes sense unfortunately and hopefully that point is not yet there for too many.

[110010110]

I appreciate MSU doing all they can to raise more money and move the program forward but at what point do you push past the point where people get frustrated enough to leave? Probably not there yet. I think the marketing term is Elasticity. I have friends that go to the games and have lived in Bozeman most of their lives who have gotten tired of the constant price increases and calls to raise money. I love it enough to find a way no matter what but not everyone feels that way.

I wonder the same thing, and I wonder what my number is. I get frustrated with the prices going up, but I know prices are going up on everything, driven in large part by trying to pay workers a reasonable wage. MSU might be paying 30% more on insurance, for all I know. Maybe it's costing more to actually put on a game and we're paying the same percentage of that cost year over year. I know I don't want to give up my spot in line, so to speak, over a few hundred bucks. There will be a number where I say I'm out, but we're not there yet. I hope they can at least keep it reasonable. Compared to 20 years ago, it's all very expensive. But compared to some other events, it's still reasonable IMO. If I went to 6 concerts or 6 pro games, I'd definitely be paying more. So maybe we're paying to move the program forward, maybe we're paying more just so MSU can keep up with expenses. Probably a combination of both. I think a little messaging around the reasons for increases could be helpful. If they tell me "hey, in 2000 it cost us $75k to put on a game. Now it costs us $375k", I'm probably going to understand that.

I'm in a similar spot where it hasnt quite hit my number where I walk away, mostly because I also dont want to lose my spot in line, but it has caused me to back off other contributions to the program. Specifically, because of the increase in season tickets, Bobcat club, and parking/tailgate spot, I'm not planning on renewing my QB club membership this year.

[catscat]

While the Bobcat associated costs may deter some Bozeman fans, I think that out of town fans will further reduce the travel costs (I believe it's already started) by reducing hotel stays in Bozeman. For example, folks coming from the West may drive to Butte to stay after a game rather than staying in Bozeman. Billings fans will drive home after the games instead of staying overnight, etc. The hotels aren't helping themselves when the game weekend rates are 50 to 100 percent higher than non-game weekend rates. Eating/drinking establishments will suffer as well. I have no clue as to how many out of town fans are at the games, but would venture it's around 25 percent.

[TomCat88]

While the Bobcat associated costs may deter some Bozeman fans, I think that out of town fans will further reduce the travel costs (I believe it's already started) by reducing hotel stays in Bozeman. For example, folks coming from the West may drive to Butte to stay after a game rather than staying in Bozeman. Billings fans will drive home after the games instead of staying overnight, etc. The hotels aren't helping themselves when the game weekend rates are 50 to 100 percent higher than non-game weekend rates. Eating/drinking establishments will suffer as well. I have no clue as to how many out of town fans are at the games, but would venture it's around 25 percent.

This, in turn, will "help" lower (or at least maintain) hotel and other prices in Bozeman. However, I think the hotels/bar/restaurants are helping themselves, at least temporarily, by raising their rates.

[AFCAT]

While the Bobcat associated costs may deter some Bozeman fans, I think that out of town fans will further reduce the travel costs (I believe it's already started) by reducing hotel stays in Bozeman. For example, folks coming from the West may drive to Butte to stay after a game rather than staying in Bozeman. Billings fans will drive home after the games instead of staying overnight, etc. The hotels aren't helping themselves when the game weekend rates are 50 to 100 percent higher than non-game weekend rates. Eating/drinking establishments will suffer as well. I have no clue as to how many out of town fans are at the games, but would venture it's around 25 percent.

I'd like know that rate because all the people around my seats are from out of town and all my tailgate friends too.

[CodyCat]

We typically do day trips from Cody. Its easy, 3.5 hours each way. A lot of that is due to the high cost of spending a weekend in Bozeman. But, for games I anticipate being a night game or just a weekend we want to spend in Bozeman, I book our motels way in advance, 8-10 months. I usually pay around $110 a night. I've booked Gold Rush, Cat/Griz and three playoff weekends all for that price. Now, I did book a motel for the Idaho game after the news broke and cheapest I could find after fees was $246. So, I opted for Livingston at $116 a night. I say all this because I fit the narrative of the above posts; we drive to Boz and back or we normally get a motel in Livingston when I dont get booked early in Bozeman.

[Camo_Cat]

While the Bobcat associated costs may deter some Bozeman fans, I think that out of town fans will further reduce the travel costs (I believe it's already started) by reducing hotel stays in Bozeman. For example, folks coming from the West may drive to Butte to stay after a game rather than staying in Bozeman. Billings fans will drive home after the games instead of staying overnight, etc. The hotels aren't helping themselves when the game weekend rates are 50 to 100 percent higher than non-game weekend rates. Eating/drinking establishments will suffer as well. I have no clue as to how many out of town fans are at the games, but would venture it's around 25 percent.

I'd like know that rate because all the people around my seats are from out of town and all my tailgate friends too.

I would guess that the percentage of out-of-towners is higher than 25%. I might imagine it being closer to 60/40, with 40% from out of town. But I'm just spitballing.....

[MSU01]

While the Bobcat associated costs may deter some Bozeman fans, I think that out of town fans will further reduce the travel costs (I believe it's already started) by reducing hotel stays in Bozeman. For example, folks coming from the West may drive to Butte to stay after a game rather than staying in Bozeman. Billings fans will drive home after the games instead of staying overnight, etc. The hotels aren't helping themselves when the game weekend rates are 50 to 100 percent higher than non-game weekend rates. Eating/drinking establishments will suffer as well. I have no clue as to how many out of town fans are at the games, but would venture it's around 25 percent.

I'd like know that rate because all the people around my seats are from out of town and all my tailgate friends too.

I would guess that the percentage of out-of-towners is higher than 25%. I might imagine it being closer to 60/40, with 40% from out of town. But I'm just spitballing.....

Having seen the pre-game traffic at the intersection of 19th and the I-90 exit ramp backed up all the way onto the highway itself as we continued right on past to take the Main Street exit and get to the stadium that way, I'd guess you're correct.

[TomCat88]

While the Bobcat associated costs may deter some Bozeman fans, I think that out of town fans will further reduce the travel costs (I believe it's already started) by reducing hotel stays in Bozeman. For example, folks coming from the West may drive to Butte to stay after a game rather than staying in Bozeman. Billings fans will drive home after the games instead of staying overnight, etc. The hotels aren't helping themselves when the game weekend rates are 50 to 100 percent higher than non-game weekend rates. Eating/drinking establishments will suffer as well. I have no clue as to how many out of town fans are at the games, but would venture it's around 25 percent.

I'd like know that rate because all the people around my seats are from out of town and all my tailgate friends too.

I would guess that the percentage of out-of-towners is higher than 25%. I might imagine it being closer to 60/40, with 40% from out of town. But I'm just spitballing.....

Having seen the pre-game traffic at the intersection of 19th and the I-90 exit ramp backed up all the way onto the highway itself as we continued right on past to take the Main Street exit and get to the stadium that way, I'd guess you're correct.

It’d be interesting to see what a non-football Saturday traffic volume is vs a typical Saturday on I-90 EB west of the 19th interchange.

[BobcatDel]

While the Bobcat associated costs may deter some Bozeman fans, I think that out of town fans will further reduce the travel costs (I believe it's already started) by reducing hotel stays in Bozeman. For example, folks coming from the West may drive to Butte to stay after a game rather than staying in Bozeman. Billings fans will drive home after the games instead of staying overnight, etc. The hotels aren't helping themselves when the game weekend rates are 50 to 100 percent higher than non-game weekend rates. Eating/drinking establishments will suffer as well. I have no clue as to how many out of town fans are at the games, but would venture it's around 25 percent.

This, in turn, will "help" lower (or at least maintain) hotel and other prices in Bozeman. However, I think the hotels/bar/restaurants are helping themselves, at least temporarily, by raising their rates.

I’m not sure how much this might help on the hotel prices but there are 3 new hotels under construction in Bozeman right now.

A new hotel on Valley Center not too far from the Billings Clinic, a new hotel just south of Huffine and just west of Rosauers and a new hotel immediately north of Lowes and just east of Hilton Garden Inn. The structures are up but not sure how far down the road we will see them ready for occupancy.

Then it has already been announced that a new hotel is planned on campus at MSU.
I still have heard nothing on what the plan is for the old Holiday Inn on whether someone will remodel or rebuild on that location. Guess the point is that folks are recognizing the hotel issue and the lack of competitive price space available and some movement is noted. I feel for the folks…traveling back 4 hours in the dark after games….it would not be my ideal post game activity.

[TomCat88]

While the Bobcat associated costs may deter some Bozeman fans, I think that out of town fans will further reduce the travel costs (I believe it's already started) by reducing hotel stays in Bozeman. For example, folks coming from the West may drive to Butte to stay after a game rather than staying in Bozeman. Billings fans will drive home after the games instead of staying overnight, etc. The hotels aren't helping themselves when the game weekend rates are 50 to 100 percent higher than non-game weekend rates. Eating/drinking establishments will suffer as well. I have no clue as to how many out of town fans are at the games, but would venture it's around 25 percent.

This, in turn, will "help" lower (or at least maintain) hotel and other prices in Bozeman. However, I think the hotels/bar/restaurants are helping themselves, at least temporarily, by raising their rates.

I’m not sure how much this might help on the hotel prices but there are 3 new hotels under construction in Bozeman right now.

A new hotel on Valley Center not too far from the Billings Clinic, a new hotel just south of Huffine and just west of Rosauers and a new hotel immediately north of Lowes and just east of Hilton Garden Inn. The structures are up but not sure how far down the road we will see them ready for occupancy.

Then it has already been announced that a new hotel is planned on campus at MSU.
I still have heard nothing on what the plan is for the old Holiday Inn on whether someone will remodel or rebuild on that location. Guess the point is that folks are recognizing the hotel issue and the lack of competitive price space available and some movement is noted. I feel for the folks…traveling back 4 hours in the dark after games….it would not be my ideal post game activity.

You’d think supply would catch up with demand at some point.

[kennethnoisewater]

While the Bobcat associated costs may deter some Bozeman fans, I think that out of town fans will further reduce the travel costs (I believe it's already started) by reducing hotel stays in Bozeman. For example, folks coming from the West may drive to Butte to stay after a game rather than staying in Bozeman. Billings fans will drive home after the games instead of staying overnight, etc. The hotels aren't helping themselves when the game weekend rates are 50 to 100 percent higher than non-game weekend rates. Eating/drinking establishments will suffer as well. I have no clue as to how many out of town fans are at the games, but would venture it's around 25 percent.

This, in turn, will "help" lower (or at least maintain) hotel and other prices in Bozeman. However, I think the hotels/bar/restaurants are helping themselves, at least temporarily, by raising their rates.

I’m not sure how much this might help on the hotel prices but there are 3 new hotels under construction in Bozeman right now.

A new hotel on Valley Center not too far from the Billings Clinic, a new hotel just south of Huffine and just west of Rosauers and a new hotel immediately north of Lowes and just east of Hilton Garden Inn. The structures are up but not sure how far down the road we will see them ready for occupancy.

Then it has already been announced that a new hotel is planned on campus at MSU.
I still have heard nothing on what the plan is for the old Holiday Inn on whether someone will remodel or rebuild on that location. Guess the point is that folks are recognizing the hotel issue and the lack of competitive price space available and some movement is noted. I feel for the folks…traveling back 4 hours in the dark after games….it would not be my ideal post game activity.

You’d think supply would catch up with demand at some point.

You'd think so...and it seems like it already should have. Obviously Bozeman has grown, and there are more fans at games now, so we need more hotel rooms. But it seems to me there are at least 3-4 times more hotels in town than there were 20 years ago. Sometimes I wonder if hotels are operating on a little different model. Let's say you have 100 rooms in your hotel and you're charging $100 a night. You're grossing $10k a night. But you could also charge $250 a night and only fill 40 rooms to get to $10k. At some point you could just charge more knowing you don't HAVE to have the volume you used to have.

Having said that, I don't think there are a ton of empty rooms on a game weekend, so maybe that's not happening.

[Cataholic]

I think there is also a new hotel going up at the airport exit by Belgrade.

And I think there has already been decent relief on hotel rates. Quite honestly, it is hard to go anywhere without paying at least $175 to $225.

[TomCat88]

I think there is also a new hotel going up at the airport exit by Belgrade.

And I think there has already been decent relief on hotel rates. Quite honestly, it is hard to go anywhere without paying at least $175 to $225.

I agree. I've been traveling a lot relative to the previous years and that's my experience as well. However, ...

My lodging costs have been nearly $0 over the past two years. This includes trips to San Diego, Flagstaff, Ogden, Sacramento, multiple work trips to Kalispell and Bozeman. The Kalispell and Bozeman work trips have been money makers for lodging (per diem). I've spent about $1,500 in lodging during that timeframe, but I've gotten all of it back. I would guess I've spent 50 nights out of town during that stretch. If you figure $200/night, that's $10,000 ($5,000/year) I realize it's not for everyone, and impossible for some, but there are ways around hotels.