Out of Towners Coming to MSU game November 8

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OhioJayhawk
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Out of Towners Coming to MSU game November 8

Post by OhioJayhawk » Wed Oct 08, 2025 1:10 pm

Hey all. I am a part of a group of 7 guys all in our early 30s who are coming to the Montana State vs. Weber State game on November 8. We are all out of towners and it is our annual "mystery" football trip where only one person plans the trip, and the rest of the group is surprised the day of the flight.

A couple questions in advance of our trip:

We purchased SRO seats with club access. We bought from the MSU ticket office. Is this a good way to watch the game?

How is the tailgate/bar scene near the stadium? Friendly to outsiders? We are looking to have a good time.

Good bars in general in Bozeman? Usually we plan a nice dinner the night before the game. Any recommendations on a good steakhouse or classic Montana spot?

Thanks all and looking forward to getting to campus!



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AFCAT
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Re: Out of Towners Coming to MSU game November 8

Post by AFCAT » Wed Oct 08, 2025 7:16 pm

OhioJayhawk wrote:
Wed Oct 08, 2025 1:10 pm
Hey all. I am a part of a group of 7 guys all in our early 30s who are coming to the Montana State vs. Weber State game on November 8. We are all out of towners and it is our annual "mystery" football trip where only one person plans the trip, and the rest of the group is surprised the day of the flight.

A couple questions in advance of our trip:

We purchased SRO seats with club access. We bought from the MSU ticket office. Is this a good way to watch the game?

How is the tailgate/bar scene near the stadium? Friendly to outsiders? We are looking to have a good time.

Good bars in general in Bozeman? Usually we plan a nice dinner the night before the game. Any recommendations on a good steakhouse or classic Montana spot?

Thanks all and looking forward to getting to campus!
With club access, you’ll be fine. I’ve never been in the SRO section, but I don’t believe there is bad seat in Bobcat stadium.

Any bar downtown is good. The Rocking R Bar is very popular. If you go to the R-bar, it’s a tradition to purchase a hat. :D Just walk up and down Main Street in downtown Bozeman and hit whatever bar you want to, there are plenty to choose from and it's a safe and walkable location.
Bridger Brewing and Spectators are the only real bars near the stadium that I know of. Both are good. I like Montana Ale Works in downtown Bozeman for food, but I'm sure others will chime in with their favorites.
Storm Castle Cafe is near the stadium and has fantastic breakfast. Very popular place though. Granny's donuts is also near the stadium and their donuts are great. Western Cafe in the Downtown area is also a great breakfast spot. Heck, you can even eat at the student Rendezvous dining facility on campus, if you want to. I believe the cost is $10 and you eat at any of food sections, great stuff. I don't think there is an unfriendly place in Bozeman.

Any tailgate will be welcoming, unless you wear gris (University of Montana) gear. 8)

The Museum of the Rockies is right next to the stadium and a great place to see dinosaur stuff, including the largest T-Rex skull in the world.

Get your cameras ready for the team run out. The rodeo team leads the players onto the field and it’s a cool sight.

This vid was taken last year and on a day with a lot of wildfire smoke.



This year. More wildfire smoke.


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Re: Out of Towners Coming to MSU game November 8

Post by Cataholic » Wed Oct 08, 2025 7:59 pm

OhioJayhawk wrote:
Wed Oct 08, 2025 1:10 pm
Hey all. I am a part of a group of 7 guys all in our early 30s who are coming to the Montana State vs. Weber State game on November 8. We are all out of towners and it is our annual "mystery" football trip where only one person plans the trip, and the rest of the group is surprised the day of the flight.

A couple questions in advance of our trip:

We purchased SRO seats with club access. We bought from the MSU ticket office. Is this a good way to watch the game?

How is the tailgate/bar scene near the stadium? Friendly to outsiders? We are looking to have a good time.

Good bars in general in Bozeman? Usually we plan a nice dinner the night before the game. Any recommendations on a good steakhouse or classic Montana spot?

Thanks all and looking forward to getting to campus!
Just an fyi, but club access is a little overrated. You will end up standing in the bar area because the adjacent box suites are all private. It is very limited view of the game from the bar area because they are behind the suites. They have a couple of TV’s to watch the game but obviously not the same. One major benefit to the club in November is you can warm up at halftime and grab a drink. Also, the club is open prior to kickoff but make sure you don’t miss the intro and horse runout. It is one of a kind! Travel safe and an advance welcome to our valley!!



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grizzh8r
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Re: Out of Towners Coming to MSU game November 8

Post by grizzh8r » Wed Oct 08, 2025 8:04 pm

OhioJayhawk wrote:
Wed Oct 08, 2025 1:10 pm
Hey all. I am a part of a group of 7 guys all in our early 30s who are coming to the Montana State vs. Weber State game on November 8. We are all out of towners and it is our annual "mystery" football trip where only one person plans the trip, and the rest of the group is surprised the day of the flight.

A couple questions in advance of our trip:

We purchased SRO seats with club access. We bought from the MSU ticket office. Is this a good way to watch the game?

How is the tailgate/bar scene near the stadium? Friendly to outsiders? We are looking to have a good time.

Good bars in general in Bozeman? Usually we plan a nice dinner the night before the game. Any recommendations on a good steakhouse or classic Montana spot?

Thanks all and looking forward to getting to campus!
Montana Rib and Chop House just over the hill in Livingston is a GREAT restaurant, I've never had a bad meal there. It's a bona-fide Montana steakhouse with a bit of Southern/Cajun comfort food sprinkled in. I've never really been to another steakhouse like it, and I've traveled all over for my job.plus, you'd be remiss to make it to Bozeman and not make the short drive over the pass to see the Yellowstone River and Paradise Valley.


Eric Curry STILL makes me sad.
94VegasCat wrote:Are you for real? That is just a plain ol dumb paragraph! You just nailed every note in the Full grizidiot - yep , that includes you GRIZFNZ - sing-a-long choir!!!
:rofl:

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catzz
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Re: Out of Towners Coming to MSU game November 8

Post by catzz » Wed Oct 08, 2025 8:08 pm

This is awesome and what a great friend tradition!
I’ll share some more ideas for your group tomorrow.

Uber everywhere.
Stacey’s Steak house for an early dinner before getting dropped off down town. R-bar before 11:00 is awesome. Stay till 2 am if you are single and want the college vibe. Plenty of bars and food to walk to down town as well.

Walk the tailgates and say hi, you will get plenty of food and beer. PM me if you want a tailgate to start at!



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Re: Out of Towners Coming to MSU game November 8

Post by AFCAT » Wed Oct 08, 2025 8:38 pm

Heck, I’m sure the game will be a sell out, but there are always some open seats around the stadium. By the second quarter, just look around for something.


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Re: Out of Towners Coming to MSU game November 8

Post by lutecat » Wed Oct 08, 2025 8:59 pm

grizzh8r wrote:
Wed Oct 08, 2025 8:04 pm
OhioJayhawk wrote:
Wed Oct 08, 2025 1:10 pm
Hey all. I am a part of a group of 7 guys all in our early 30s who are coming to the Montana State vs. Weber State game on November 8. We are all out of towners and it is our annual "mystery" football trip where only one person plans the trip, and the rest of the group is surprised the day of the flight.

A couple questions in advance of our trip:

We purchased SRO seats with club access. We bought from the MSU ticket office. Is this a good way to watch the game?

How is the tailgate/bar scene near the stadium? Friendly to outsiders? We are looking to have a good time.

Good bars in general in Bozeman? Usually we plan a nice dinner the night before the game. Any recommendations on a good steakhouse or classic Montana spot?

Thanks all and looking forward to getting to campus!
Montana Rib and Chop House just over the hill in Livingston is a GREAT restaurant, I've never had a bad meal there. It's a bona-fide Montana steakhouse with a bit of Southern/Cajun comfort food sprinkled in. I've never really been to another steakhouse like it, and I've traveled all over for my job.plus, you'd be remiss to make it to Bozeman and not make the short drive over the pass to see the Yellowstone River and Paradise Valley.
There's a Rib and Chop in Bozeman now. And the only two Rib And Chops I think are actually decent are Butte and Great Falls.

I've heard really good things about the two new steakhouses in Bozeman. One is JW Heist. I have liked Open Range but havent been there since Gavin Degraw and his brother bought it. There's a ton of great places in Bozeman. Heard good things about Blackbord but have never been. MAP and Mountain's Walking are the two best breweries. Jason Momoa is a big fan of Mtns Walking. He posted on his Instagram when he was in Bozeman. No sponsorship, just loved the beer. If you want a more relaxed non-college atmosphere for a drink go to Copper. Its a Whiskey Bar.

As mentioned, your club access will get you in drinking but you'll be watching the game on TV. The student section will clear out a bunch after halftime so at the very least you'll be able to go sot there. Other than that pick some seats with Noone in them and then if Noone comes and kicks you out your golden. Or hang out in the beer garden until a couple minutes into the game and then go find unoccupied seats. Just stop at alot of tailgates and people will be more than happy to host you. Expect to tailgate at halftime too. But make sure you are inside for the runout. Getting into the game will be quicker from the west side but it can take a little bit of time.



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Re: Out of Towners Coming to MSU game November 8

Post by WetBreeches » Wed Oct 08, 2025 9:00 pm

If you want a "real" Montana steakhouse experience (although I'm a little hesitant to share)...go to the Land of Magic in Logan, Montana (if you have a rental car).



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Re: Out of Towners Coming to MSU game November 8

Post by lutecat » Wed Oct 08, 2025 9:04 pm

WetBreeches wrote:
Wed Oct 08, 2025 9:00 pm
If you want a "real" Montana steakhouse experience (although I'm a little hesitant to share)...go to the Land of Magic in Logan, Montana (if you have a rental car).
If you want a "supper club" steakhouse experience is what I would call it.



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Re: Out of Towners Coming to MSU game November 8

Post by kwcat » Wed Oct 08, 2025 9:05 pm

catzz wrote:
Wed Oct 08, 2025 8:08 pm
This is awesome and what a great friend tradition!
I’ll share some more ideas for your group tomorrow.

Uber everywhere.
Stacey’s Steak house for an early dinner before getting dropped off down town. R-bar before 11:00 is awesome. Stay till 2 am if you are single and want the college vibe. Plenty of bars and food to walk to down town as well.

Walk the tailgates and say hi, you will get plenty of food and beer. PM me if you want a tailgate to start at!
Lot of what you like depends on how old you are and what you expect

Stacey’s is in Gateway and good, less than what it used to be since it’s not locally owned, but the right staff it’s a good stop



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Re: Out of Towners Coming to MSU game November 8

Post by luckyirishguy25 » Wed Oct 08, 2025 11:09 pm

WetBreeches wrote:
Wed Oct 08, 2025 9:00 pm
If you want a "real" Montana steakhouse experience (although I'm a little hesitant to share)...go to the Land of Magic in Logan, Montana (if you have a rental car).
Land of magic is my favorite!



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Re: Out of Towners Coming to MSU game November 8

Post by grizzh8r » Wed Oct 08, 2025 11:13 pm

WetBreeches wrote:
Wed Oct 08, 2025 9:00 pm
If you want a "real" Montana steakhouse experience (although I'm a little hesitant to share)...go to the Land of Magic in Logan, Montana (if you have a rental car).
Dude... Not supposed to reveal these types of secrets. Why I recommended the Rib and Chop.


Eric Curry STILL makes me sad.
94VegasCat wrote:Are you for real? That is just a plain ol dumb paragraph! You just nailed every note in the Full grizidiot - yep , that includes you GRIZFNZ - sing-a-long choir!!!
:rofl:

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Re: Out of Towners Coming to MSU game November 8

Post by MSUBRONCO » Wed Oct 08, 2025 11:52 pm

Be friendly as long as don't wear Montana gear



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Re: Out of Towners Coming to MSU game November 8

Post by tagleason » Thu Oct 09, 2025 2:50 am

There are several excellent restaurants on mendenhal in BZN. Belgrade has the obligatory Mint restaurant but I can’t swear to their experience now. Livingston has an authentic Italian restaurant and a French place that are awesome.


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Re: Out of Towners Coming to MSU game November 8

Post by CodyCat » Thu Oct 09, 2025 7:20 am

Be sure to check out The Prowl. The players walk from the Fieldhouse to the Football Facility in the north endzone. The band leads them.

You will absolutely be welcomed at any tailgate. I think most tailgates will enjoy hearing about your tradition and where all you’ve been.

Bars and restaurants have been covered already.

Definitely echo everyone that says get to where you can see early for the run out.

Weber is an old conference rival. They were really good in the mid to late 2010’s. Their coach left for a coordinator position at BYU and they’ve struggled since.

I’d call the ticket office and see if there is any parking left for purchase.

Everyone will leave at halftime and slowly trickle back into the stadium if it’s not a blowout.


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Re: Out of Towners Coming to MSU game November 8

Post by BobcatDel » Thu Oct 09, 2025 9:12 am

Get up early and climb the trail to the “M” Gameday morning. Get a beautiful view of Bozeman and Gallatin valley waking up as the sun crests the top of the Bridgers. Assuming it’s not snowing by then.

You asked about near stadium venue….Spectators is popular and full. Get there early. Bridger Brewing is close by.

If crew wants to try buffalo go to Ted’s downtown (yes owned by Ted Turner who raises Buffalo nearby).

At one time I read there are over 20 breweries and distilleries in Bozeman and surrounding communities. So if crew is into ale and IPA or non-traditional bourbon, vodka, gin…well you can pick and choose. Ale Works is a brew pub that also serves a half decent meal…some others have nearby food trucks.



Now for breakfast do the Western Cafe in downtown….small, rustic, no frills, great service, big plates with food running over the edges…but can be long lines. My second is Storm Castle near the campus. Again great food but can be long lines early in morning. A couple nice ones downtown too.

As long as spending time here….take in some of the nearby scenery. Drive over the Bear Tooth highway if still open, maybe Yellowstone Park will be fully operational by then, Lewis snd Clark Cavern if you are tourist quality spelunkers.

Bozeman has a pretty good music scene. Check out whats playing if that’s your wish.

Buy a Christmas present at Montana Silversmith in downtown. They make all the belt buckles for the NFR rodeo. And have a nice selection of ear rings, pendants, necklaces etc for lady friends or other guy things too.



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Re: Out of Towners Coming to MSU game November 8

Post by cat22[2010] » Thu Oct 09, 2025 10:00 am

You asked about bars near the stadium and I don't think that had been addressed yet from my quick scan...

Most of the bars in Bozeman are nowhere near the campus. Spectators is a cool bar right on campus and just a quick walk to the stadium. On gameday, might be a little busy but its a cool spot. Another cool spot on the way up to the stadium from the parking area is Bridger Brewing ( if you like craft beer). Pizza there is EXCELLENT.

Hope you enjoy!


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Re: Out of Towners Coming to MSU game November 8

Post by wbtfg » Thu Oct 09, 2025 11:49 am

Side note: I didn't realize you could get SRO with club access. Has that always been a thing?



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Re: Out of Towners Coming to MSU game November 8

Post by CelticCat » Thu Oct 09, 2025 12:03 pm

wbtfg wrote:
Thu Oct 09, 2025 11:49 am
Side note: I didn't realize you could get SRO with club access. Has that always been a thing?
Yea I was like, huh? Cool if true.


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Re: Out of Towners Coming to MSU game November 8

Post by WetBreeches » Thu Oct 09, 2025 3:19 pm

lutecat wrote:
Wed Oct 08, 2025 9:04 pm
WetBreeches wrote:
Wed Oct 08, 2025 9:00 pm
If you want a "real" Montana steakhouse experience (although I'm a little hesitant to share)...go to the Land of Magic in Logan, Montana (if you have a rental car).
If you want a "supper club" steakhouse experience is what I would call it.
Yeah...I've eaten at a lot of "supper" clubs with brands on the walls.... :roll: ...whatever you want to label it...it's a great place to get a steak.



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