The Gameday Experience

BelgradeBobcat · Post by **BelgradeBobcat** » Sat Sep 11, 2004 9:56 pm

How was everyone's day? Those that made it to the game, those that watched it on TV-etc.

They raised the fee to park in the tailgate lot behind the east stands from $5 to $10. That kind of bites!

Every year there seems to be more RV's-it's great to see people coming into town from ever increasing distances.

Tailgating seems to keep getting better (despite the 100% increase in parking fees). Folks seemed to be having a good time and everyone was behaving themselves.

Inside the stadium-the field has never looked better-nice job grounds crew!

As usual the crowd was a bit late arriving to their seats. Many seem more interested in tailgating than actually watching the game. I don't think that's a problem exclusive to MSU.

The F-16 flyover was way cool-but how about a 2nd pass guys? Or am I just greedy.

The day was sundrenched-on the hot side of comfortable with an annoying west wind. Enjoy the sun while it lasts.

The crowd started out pretty enthusiastic, but our offense got everyone pretty bored pretty fast. I hope those who traveled great distances weren't too disappointed.

After half-again folks were very late getting back. I can't blame them, the way the game was going.

Plenty stayed after to tailgate. A lot of the students were there having a great time.

All in all a nice day out-I think folks were a little disappointed in the team's performance-especially the offense, but hopefully they saw enough potential to want to come back.

Please post your impressions on our first Bobcat game of 2004.

Bleedinbluengold · Post by **Bleedinbluengold** » Sat Sep 11, 2004 10:49 pm

Looked like a classic fall game day in Bozeman. I couldn't make the game, and watched it on the tube in Mazola. Ironically, it was cloudy and a little rainy here.

As awful as the offense was, the game was enjoyable to watch and Omega gets better every year. Good job Omega guys.

Side Note: The friz had a tight game until the 4th quarter. I think the last 2 weeks show how well conditioned the friz are this year. Both Maine and Hofstra simply ran outta gas.

Cotten Eye Joe · Post by **Cotten Eye Joe** » Sun Sep 12, 2004 2:19 am

>I only tuned in at half-time to get an update. At the start of the 2nd half, I heard your P.A. system play some: Zombie Nation's "Kernkraft 400". I love that song, I think it's the ultimate arena song. I'm jealous and wish that the Griz would update their arena songs that they play to try and fire up the crowd.

>Congrats on getting the win. Sometimes, first games can not be pretty but as long as your getting a 'W' and escape w/out too many injuries ... thats all that matters.

BozoneCat · Post by **BozoneCat** » Sun Sep 12, 2004 9:11 am

I have to admit, I was pretty frustrated by the atmosphere yesterday. First, we spent a good amount of time getting a big tailgate planned and put together, we loaded up our flatbed trailer with couches, etc. and the security wouldn't let us bring them in. Apparently, you can't bring kegs (duh) or furniture into the tailgate area. The kegs, sure, I can understand that - it would just be asking for trouble. Can anyone explain the furniture thing, though? Kind of soured the start of our morning. Oh well...

Trust me, I too get really frustrated by the fans who come in late at the start of the game and the 2nd half. You would think that after being out tailgating and drinking for 4 hours, people would be excited to get in the game and watch the opening kickoff. There are a lot of people that just can't seem to pull themselves away from that 12th beer, though. I know that I start getting my group together about 20 minutes to kickoff because it usually takes me that long to round everyone up so we get in to the start of the game by the skin of our teeth. I also think they would be well-advised to put up a game clock outside the stadium, because a lot of time people are out having a good time and simply don't realize the game is about to start. I don't want to have a school where people aren't allowed back in if they leave at halftime, but I sure wish more people would go out, grab a quick beer or two, and head back in. I do like the fact that everyone is having a good time and there are certainly more people out there than in years past, hopefully the next step is to turn them all into diehards like most of us!

CelticCat · Post by **CelticCat** » Sun Sep 12, 2004 10:06 am

Yea we brought a couch from our house, and they wouldn't let us take it in. You know, cuz we are smuggling a detonation device in our couch. Yea I was also dissapointed that so many people just came to tailgate/party and not even watch the game. Tailgating is fun, but I came to watch football dammit, though I didn't really get to see any, if you catch my drift. We looked awful on offense, we better pull together.

CARDIAC_CATS · Post by **CARDIAC_CATS** » Sun Sep 12, 2004 11:11 am

BozoneCat wrote:I have to admit, I was pretty frustrated by the atmosphere yesterday. First, we spent a good amount of time getting a big tailgate planned and put together, we loaded up our flatbed trailer with couches, etc. and the security wouldn't let us bring them in. Apparently, you can't bring kegs (duh) or furniture into the tailgate area. The kegs, sure, I can understand that - it would just be asking for trouble. Can anyone explain the furniture thing, though? Kind of soured the start of our morning. Oh well...

Trust me, I too get really frustrated by the fans who come in late at the start of the game and the 2nd half. You would think that after being out tailgating and drinking for 4 hours, people would be excited to get in the game and watch the opening kickoff. There are a lot of people that just can't seem to pull themselves away from that 12th beer, though. I know that I start getting my group together about 20 minutes to kickoff because it usually takes me that long to round everyone up so we get in to the start of the game by the skin of our teeth. I also think they would be well-advised to put up a game clock outside the stadium, because a lot of time people are out having a good time and simply don't realize the game is about to start. I don't want to have a school where people aren't allowed back in if they leave at halftime, but I sure wish more people would go out, grab a quick beer or two, and head back in. I do like the fact that everyone is having a good time and there are certainly more people out there than in years past, hopefully the next step is to turn them all into diehards like most of us!

I agree with putting game clock out there in the tailgate area where everyone can see. It is hard to tell when the kickoff is going to be starting for 2nd half etc. They do let off the cannon, but that is the actual kickoff of 2nd half. They need to do a practice cannon off with 7 minutes to go before 2nd half so people can file in.

PEOPLE JUST HAVE SO MUCH FUN AT MSU TAILGATORS THAT I THINK THE TIME JUST FLIES BY AND THEY DON"T REALIZE THE GAME HAS STARTED. I know I do

MSU TAILGATING ROCKS!

I also wonder why they won't allow furniture into the tailgating area? Afraid people aint gonna hall it out or something? Maybe someone has done that in the past? TIP: Bring an air compressor and blow up furniture .. that way you can hide it all in the car

Post by **rtb** » Sun Sep 12, 2004 2:18 pm

Well, I had a wonderful game day experience. I didn't think I was going to make it back to Bozeman for a game this year so getting to be there was really great!

The weather was awesome, the tailgating was great, and while the team struggled a little I didn't care, I was watching Bobcat football again! Plus who are we kidding, when was the last time the season started off on a super positive note! We are fans of the Cardiac Cats remember.

Overall game day was awesome! Couldn't have asked for better weather and no matter how it looked I will take the first win. Now the team has work to do!

The reason they won't let you bring couches is because people have left there furniture in the field after the game and it became a problem to clean up. I understand that it is a little annoying, but get some camp chairs.

BelgradeBobcat · Post by **BelgradeBobcat** » Sun Sep 12, 2004 3:46 pm

I can understand not allowing furniture-there's always someone that ruins it for everybody else. All tailgaters should keep that in mind.

It really struck me when I went to Auburn how fast the stadium filled once the gates opened-and it was full at kickoff. Of course there they've been tailgating for anywhere from 6 hours to 3 days and after staring at that huge stadium all that time-everyone is itching to get inside. In Bozeman most start tailgating 1 to 2 hours before the game so people are still getting warmed up.

I agree I hope the never lock us in and not allow reentry into the stadium at halftime. They did that at EWU at Joe Albi Stadium and it sucked.

What's everyone's thoughts on other gameday elements? The Chronicle, the band, the mascot, the PA announcer, the pre and in game music, Bobcat Blvd, the inflatables for the kids, the free burgers from Ferraros, etc.

BTW, the Sunday Chronicle's coverage of the game was the best I've ever seen from that publication. Several different pieces from several different authors, a page of color photos-it was very well done.

wbtfg · Post by **wbtfg** » Sun Sep 12, 2004 7:57 pm

Did anyone see champ at the game? I didn't. Do we have a mascot this year?

Also, apparently it is true that we got rid of our cheer squad...we have a dance team, but no cheer squad.

CARDIAC_CATS · Post by **CARDIAC_CATS** » Sun Sep 12, 2004 8:45 pm

wbtfg wrote:Did anyone see champ at the game? I didn't. Do we have a mascot this year?

Also, apparently it is true that we got rid of our cheer squad...we have a dance team, but no cheer squad.

Yep, saw Champ a lot in the stands. He was going around fan to fan and high fiving/hugging the little tikes/kissing all the hot chicks

Post by **rtb** » Mon Sep 13, 2004 9:52 am

They did cut the cheer squad, only a dance team. I guess this is a good way to save some money!!!

I didn't see Champ, but I did see him at the volleyball game, and the new Champ is impressive!

BobcatBlood · Post by **BobcatBlood** » Mon Sep 13, 2004 10:04 am

I was pretty impressed at the crowd for this game. Even though they filtered in after the game began, the students stood for the entire time - at least a lot of them. For being as anemic as it was for the first half I didn't expect them to come back at all, but they eventually did. It wasn't long ago that we wouldn't have had half that many people there.

We've had a couple of parents call our office to thank Lisa Hunter and Brad Fuster for the work they have done with their kids in the marching band. Apparently they did a ton of "recruiting" in the off season and have backed up their promises with some excellent student focused workouts and attention. It is great to hear and I look to see some real improvement in the band throughout the year.

The kids stuff is great to do before a game and well worth the effort. We have a five year old son and a ten year old daughter and they are all about Saturday's at Bobcat field. They are already almost as devoted as me. Trust me, this will pay off. My daughter refused to let us even stop in Missoula on the way to Spokane because she didn't want to be seen in Grizzly town. Pretty funny really. I enforce rules of good sportsmanship - honest. I think the more we can do to show how much fun Bobcat football is, the better our recruiting will be - for years. ANd not just for sports -just to come to school here.

All in all, I think last saturday set us up for a really great experience in Bobcat stadium. I think the Cats showed enough promise that people will come back.

jd

theblackgecko · Post by **theblackgecko** » Mon Sep 13, 2004 1:14 pm

Band played to empty south stands at halftime.
Now, this annoys the hell out of me. At Oregon, the band would actually play to both sides of the stadium. At Montana, it was less done, but there was at least a bit of performance to both sides. Last Saturday, there were probably 1,000 people in those south chairback seats, whereas a decent amount of people in the north stayed. Just another example of how a university does way too much to support people who don't care about the game. I'm not knocking the band members, just the people responsible for this travesty.
Crowd needs to get way more loud. I went to games at Montana, Oregon State, and Oregon last year. In all of those games, it was loud whenever the home team was on defense. Montana State fans need to get up and make some noise for the team.

BobcatBlood wrote:I was pretty impressed at the crowd for this game. Even though they filtered in after the game began, the students stood for the entire time - at least a lot of them. For being as anemic as it was for the first half I didn't expect them to come back at all, but they eventually did. It wasn't long ago that we wouldn't have had half that many people there.

Yeah, but the students are morons, and stand on the bench, as opposed to in front of it. Makes for some wobbly situations. Same thing they did at Oregon/OSU. Why they don't prefer the solid concrete of a bleacher, as opposed to flimsy metal, I will never understand.

CARDIAC_CATS · Post by **CARDIAC_CATS** » Mon Sep 13, 2004 1:19 pm

theblackgecko wrote:Band played to empty south stands at halftime.
Now, this annoys the hell out of me. At Oregon, the band would actually play to both sides of the stadium. At Montana, it was less done, but there was at least a bit of performance to both sides. Last Saturday, there were probably 1,000 people in those south chairback seats, whereas a decent amount of people in the north stayed. Just another example of how a university does way too much to support people who don't care about the game. I'm not knocking the band members, just the people responsible for this travesty.
Crowd needs to get way more loud. I went to games at Montana, Oregon State, and Oregon last year. In all of those games, it was loud whenever the home team was on defense. Montana State fans need to get up and make some noise for the team.
BobcatBlood wrote:I was pretty impressed at the crowd for this game. Even though they filtered in after the game began, the students stood for the entire time - at least a lot of them. For being as anemic as it was for the first half I didn't expect them to come back at all, but they eventually did. It wasn't long ago that we wouldn't have had half that many people there.
Yeah, but the students are morons, and stand on the bench, as opposed to in front of it. Makes for some wobbly situations. Same thing they did at Oregon/OSU. Why they don't prefer the solid concrete of a bleacher, as opposed to flimsy metal, I will never understand.

The game was never in doubt and I think the crowd just wasn't getting into the game. Come to the game this weekend and you will hear some noise. And yes, the students stand for the entire game and support the team. You have that right. True fans stand!

jagur1 · Post by **jagur1** » Mon Sep 13, 2004 1:22 pm

So Wildrat according to theBlackGecko the only true fans at Bozo are the students? Since they are the only ones standing?

Post by **SonomaCat** » Mon Sep 13, 2004 1:28 pm

theblackgecko wrote:Band played to empty south stands at halftime.
Now, this annoys the hell out of me. At Oregon, the band would actually play to both sides of the stadium. At Montana, it was less done, but there was at least a bit of performance to both sides. Last Saturday, there were probably 1,000 people in those south chairback seats, whereas a decent amount of people in the north stayed. Just another example of how a university does way too much to support people who don't care about the game. I'm not knocking the band members, just the people responsible for this travesty.
Crowd needs to get way more loud. I went to games at Montana, Oregon State, and Oregon last year. In all of those games, it was loud whenever the home team was on defense. Montana State fans need to get up and make some noise for the team.
BobcatBlood wrote:I was pretty impressed at the crowd for this game. Even though they filtered in after the game began, the students stood for the entire time - at least a lot of them. For being as anemic as it was for the first half I didn't expect them to come back at all, but they eventually did. It wasn't long ago that we wouldn't have had half that many people there.
Yeah, but the students are morons, and stand on the bench, as opposed to in front of it. Makes for some wobbly situations. Same thing they did at Oregon/OSU. Why they don't prefer the solid concrete of a bleacher, as opposed to flimsy metal, I will never understand.

Theory -- because it is higher and provides a better view of the field. Hmmm. Maybe the students at Oregon, Oregon State and Montana State aren't morons after all.

CARDIAC_CATS · Post by **CARDIAC_CATS** » Mon Sep 13, 2004 1:34 pm

Bay Area Cat wrote:
theblackgecko wrote:Band played to empty south stands at halftime.
Now, this annoys the hell out of me. At Oregon, the band would actually play to both sides of the stadium. At Montana, it was less done, but there was at least a bit of performance to both sides. Last Saturday, there were probably 1,000 people in those south chairback seats, whereas a decent amount of people in the north stayed. Just another example of how a university does way too much to support people who don't care about the game. I'm not knocking the band members, just the people responsible for this travesty.
Crowd needs to get way more loud. I went to games at Montana, Oregon State, and Oregon last year. In all of those games, it was loud whenever the home team was on defense. Montana State fans need to get up and make some noise for the team.
BobcatBlood wrote:I was pretty impressed at the crowd for this game. Even though they filtered in after the game began, the students stood for the entire time - at least a lot of them. For being as anemic as it was for the first half I didn't expect them to come back at all, but they eventually did. It wasn't long ago that we wouldn't have had half that many people there.
Yeah, but the students are morons, and stand on the bench, as opposed to in front of it. Makes for some wobbly situations. Same thing they did at Oregon/OSU. Why they don't prefer the solid concrete of a bleacher, as opposed to flimsy metal, I will never understand.
Theory -- because it is higher and provides a better view of the field. Hmmm. Maybe the students at Oregon, Oregon State and Montana State aren't morons after all.

According to some Griz fans, isn't the solid concrete at Washington Bobcat Stadium already cracking? Or did it crack 2 years ago when first bandwagon wheel came off the Griz chuckwagon?

The Gameday Experience

The Gameday Experience

Game Day

Cheer/Champ