The Bobcat Nation

OK, seeing as how there will be a decent number of NDSU fans showing up to Bozeman that will be tailgating, how about some info for us?

1)What time do the lots open and close?

2)Any regulations/rules, such as drinks in cups, no charcoal, etc.?

3)Where is tailgating allowed, and are there any lots where the visitors tailgate (and/or would it just be easier to park on the side where the visitors section is, and if so, what side is the visitors section on?)

Any and all other information that Bobcat fans could provide pertaining to tailgating would be greatly appreciated!!

So, nobody knows how to tailgate in Bozeman?

Or are you just not hospitable?

Easy there bisonguy, I think your thread just got buried yesterday in the deluge of posts following the Cal Poly game.

To answer your questions:

1. The lots open at 8:00 am I believe for tailgating, though for an extra fee you can camp there Friday night if you are bringing an RV.

2. Lots of rules, but the biggest are no kegs, no open fires(I think charcoal BBQ would be fine though), no furniture(i.e. couches, bars, etc. -- lawn chairs, tables, etc are fine). Other than that it is pretty open.

3. There are essentially two tailgate lots, one on the west side of the field is for boosters only, so that will be out for Bison fans. Unfortunately for you that is the one that is right by the visitor section. The other is on the East side of the lot and is open to all. The cost is $10 or $25 if you stay Friday night. My guess from past games is that the NDSU alumni tent will be on the practice fields directly north of this lot, but I don't know that for sure.

If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.

kmax, don't worry, I'm not riled up, just anxious for a big roadtrip coming up.


Your answers were exactly what I was looking for.

Thanks!!!!

kmax wrote:Easy there bisonguy, I think your thread just got buried yesterday in the deluge of posts following the Cal Poly game.

To answer your questions:

1. The lots open at 8:00 am I believe for tailgating, though for an extra fee you can camp there Friday night if you are bringing an RV.

2. Lots of rules, but the biggest are no kegs, no open fires(I think charcoal BBQ would be fine though), no furniture(i.e. couches, bars, etc. -- lawn chairs, tables, etc are fine). Other than that it is pretty open.

3. There are essentially two tailgate lots, one on the west side of the field is for boosters only, so that will be out for Bison fans. Unfortunately for you that is the one that is right by the visitor section. The other is on the East side of the lot and is open to all. The cost is $10 or $25 if you stay Friday night. My guess from past games is that the NDSU alumni tent will be on the practice fields directly north of this lot, but I don't know that for sure.

If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.

At the SFA game, wasn't there a couple of RVs for SFA in the gravel lot closest to the gym (north of the stadium)?

BobcatLionFan wrote:

kmax wrote:Easy there bisonguy, I think your thread just got buried yesterday in the deluge of posts following the Cal Poly game.

To answer your questions:

1. The lots open at 8:00 am I believe for tailgating, though for an extra fee you can camp there Friday night if you are bringing an RV.

2. Lots of rules, but the biggest are no kegs, no open fires(I think charcoal BBQ would be fine though), no furniture(i.e. couches, bars, etc. -- lawn chairs, tables, etc are fine). Other than that it is pretty open.

3. There are essentially two tailgate lots, one on the west side of the field is for boosters only, so that will be out for Bison fans. Unfortunately for you that is the one that is right by the visitor section. The other is on the East side of the lot and is open to all. The cost is $10 or $25 if you stay Friday night. My guess from past games is that the NDSU alumni tent will be on the practice fields directly north of this lot, but I don't know that for sure.

If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.

At the SFA game, wasn't there a couple of RVs for SFA in the gravel lot closest to the gym (north of the stadium)?

Could be, didn't make it over there. I had thought in years past they discouraged tailgating in that lot but maybe that has changed.

Students tailgait on the north side, usually far to the right (if you are looking at the stadium). Stay away from them as they will not be friendly!! Otherwise have a good time and we will see you at the game

Bisonguy.......you gonna have some of those famous ribs if I come a moochin'??

orsalak, or anyone, it appears the north lot you are talking about is NE of the stadium? I am looking at a map here. It seems like thats about the only place for us out of towners to be. So would you suggest the SW corner of that lot then? Looking forward to a great game Saturday, best of luck. Stop by the Bison Battle Wagon and say hi.

The stadium sits at an angle so some call it the east side, some the north side. NE is probably more geographically correct. It's the lot between the Museum of the Rockies and the stadium. $10 gets your vehicle in, and if you get there 2 hours before kickoff or sooner there should be plenty of room (Bozemanites arrive late to everything).

They managed to build the stadium on the most windy spot in the Gallatin Valley so you North Dakotans should feel right at home

I'd say tailgating in Bozeman is still somewhat in the Jurrasic stage (to borrow a term from the Museum next door). Some are starting to elevate it to the art form that it is in other parts of the country, but many (mostly students and younger folks still think of tailgating as a 12 pack and a bag of chips.

If you set up on the exterior of the lot-in any direction except under the stands you'll be fine. I'd aviod the center of the lot as that's where the students will congregate. Before the game they'll be fine, nice and friendly, and probably offer you a beer and whatever they're eating. Being students, they'll forget most everything they need so don't be surprised if they ask for things like a knife, paper plates, matches, ketchup etc. But again they'll be nice and friendly and well behaved.

By halftime they'll be using your vehicle as a diving board into the mosh pit!

So stick to the perimeter of the lot. We usually setup near the handicapped parking at the southwest corner of the lot, and have never had any problems.

Enjoy the day, and have safe trip out here. I've been looking forward to seeing NDSU on schedule again since...1981 I guess.

I agree with Belgrade on the outer edges of the lot being better for visitors. We always set up on the north edge of the lot along the road and have never had any problems either. Either spot should work well for Bison fans.

WYOBISONMAN wrote:Bisonguy.......you gonna have some of those famous ribs if I come a moochin'??

No, my nutritional needs will be taken care of by my tailgating mentor, Bisonfan1.




Lots of great info- Thanks Bobcat fans!!!

Yes the north west part of the lot would be best bison guy.. have fun

Some of us will be serving ground Bison burgers in the west side taligate area in honor of our guests from the East :

strategycat,
I ordered mine yesterday as well. MMMGood!!