Bobcat Gameday Experience

thetruth3 · Post by **thetruth3** » Mon Dec 06, 2004 6:30 pm

As much as i hate to admit it, if there is a montana kid who is being recruited by both of the montana schools, unless there is a significant reason to go to one or the other the friz have an advantage due to their facilities, stadium, game day atmosphere, etc... There is a huge difference between MSU gameday and UM gameday. If you are an oxygen breathing human and have attended the cat griz game this year you will notice how much better the game day experience is at the griz games. take away the stadium and the facilities, the difference between the cat games and the griz games is that at both there is a party outside the stadium, but at the griz games there is a the game is a party as well. The atmosphere in the stadium at cat games is disgusting compared to the griz. the music sucks, the promotions suck, everything that has to do with getting fans involved outside of the game action sucks. I'm not sure who is responsible for this but, whoever it is should be fired. the unfortunate thing is that it extends to all sports and in my opinion is almost like a cancer for our athletic programs. In my opinion this needs to change, quickly. Like it or not, this effects recruiting and cannot continue.

GavinDonos · Post by **GavinDonos** » Mon Dec 06, 2004 6:44 pm

Who is this guy? Brand new 'Cat fan are ya?

Why don't you spend some of your time coming up with some relevant suggestions rather than equating everything to: This sukz, that rulz!

Unless you've just started following the 'Cats or the Griz I'd think you'd be fairly aware that we've been making progress down this very path that you speak of.

Leave it to some "two-post johnnie" to lay out what our problems are as a program.

Thanks, pal.

BozoneCat · Post by **BozoneCat** » Mon Dec 06, 2004 6:50 pm

Totally agree with this post. The tailgate atmosphere has improved 1000% in the last 5 years, possibly to the detriment of the atmosphere inside the stadium, as way too many people (read: students) stay outside partying even during the game, which pisses me off to no end. I really don't think MSU does enough to get the crowd involved, either. Even more disturbing is that the basketball atmosphere is 100 times worse - the Brick is like a morgue, but with brighter lights.

I guess my positive thought for the day on this subject is that everything is still a work in progress, so hopefully we'll continue to see changes in the future. It was encouraging to hear how much more excited and loud the fans were at football games this season, so hopefully that excitement will just continue to grow.

My negative thoughts for the day on this subject involve two things: I personally abhor the decision to scrap the cheerleading squad, for reasons despite the obvious. We are a Division I school - not having a cheerleading squad is embarrassing. It is also embarrassing that MSU does not only NOT provide financial compensation for these individuals (we still have a dance squad), but they make them raise all the money to pay for everything. For the amount of time and energy these young women (and a few men, when there was a cheer squad) put into promoting and cheering on our fine university, it is a slap in the face to treat them like this. I hope all of you who have the chance join me in voicing your displeasure to Peter Fields if and when you get the chance. My second complaint is with our "band." They are tiny, and they are not very good. They also should be sitting in the endzone, where everyone would be able to hear them play. This year, I sat in the student section right on the 50-yard-line, and I was never able to hear them play - that isn't sitting very far away from them. The simple acoustics of moving them to the endzone would vastly improve their effectiveness. Something also needs to be done to attract more people into the band, I would like to see the band become about 3 times as large.

thetruth3 · Post by **thetruth3** » Mon Dec 06, 2004 6:51 pm

Matter of fact I've been a fan for a long time and although there has been some progress, it has been minimal at best. This is something that we can change and needs to be done. If you can't see that you're a little too dillusional for my taste.

BozoneCat · Post by **BozoneCat** » Mon Dec 06, 2004 6:54 pm

I'm not going to berate you for not being a frequent poster, but I do have to say that if you truly think that the progress has been "minimal at best," your credibility is questionable at best. We may have a long ways to go, but we have made light years of improvement from where we were only 5 short years ago, not to mention 10 and 15 years ago.

thetruth3 · Post by **thetruth3** » Mon Dec 06, 2004 6:59 pm

Your right. in some areas there have been great improvement such as tailgaiting and the stuff that goes on outside of the stadium. but take a look at the actual games. everything we do inside of the stadium/ fieldhouse is outdated and boring. I'm hoping that this will be improved so that people who may not be crazy football fans will come anyway to enjoy the atmosphere as well as the game.

Gordo · Post by **Gordo** » Mon Dec 06, 2004 7:10 pm

As a Cat fan, I think you have to put alot of faith into Kramer and his staff as the salesman for the MSU program to attract kids to our program versus another. I watched My Big Fat Obnoxious Boss wher they play jokes on these reality show people and they were making these poor people sell ridiculous products to consumers such as reusable toilet paper. If I had my pick of someone to be my reusable toilet paper salesman, I think I would prefer Kramer over Hauck any day of the week

For all his flaws, the guy does have charisma and enthusiasm.

Another thing we seem to forget is that just because we are second in our own state, it doesn't mean that our gameday experience is bad. We are far better than most of the programs in the BSC and arguably second only to UM in our conference, possibly the entire West. I think we are a little blinded by the Griz success since they are so geographically close. I attended the Sac St. game this year and it was pathetic. If the only criteria for landing a recruit was gameday experience I would guarantee that Sac St. would cut football due to lack of players.

catbooster · Post by **catbooster** » Mon Dec 06, 2004 7:14 pm

There's still room for improvement, no doubt. But the attendance was up this year. The crowd is better at making noise at the appropriate time. There are more and bigger tailgates. I think all these improvements feed on each other, and the momentum will continue next year.

I have to agree with Bozonecat - we should get the cheerleaders back, and they should get some support. Moving the band is a good idea, too.

So, truth, do you have any ideas for improvement, or do you just want to complain?

BozoneCat · Post by **BozoneCat** » Mon Dec 06, 2004 7:21 pm

Another thought: Comparing our every-game atmosphere to the atmosphere in Missoula during the Cat/griz game isn't exactly a fair comparison. Now, understand that Missoula's every-game atmosphere is still way better than MSU's, but if your only experience in Missoula was during Cat/griz, you aren't exactly getting a realistic example of what most of their games are like.

El_Gato · Post by **El_Gato** » Mon Dec 06, 2004 7:29 pm

I can agree & disagree with all of the above; yes, we've come a long way, baby, and yes, we have a long way to go.

I remember my era at MSU, early to mid 80's. The 84 season was amazing, but even the other seasons I remember having to show up AT LEAST an hour if not 2 to get decent seats on the 50 yard line in the East stands. What has happened to student support? We filled the East side in 83 & in 85, when we were a combined 3-19. This year we are coming off back-to-back BSC titles & I am ALWAYS disappointed with the student attendance when I come to Bozeman.

Could it be that cable TV, the internet, and video games are preferable to Bobcat Football? Are the demands of school greater now & require that Saturdays be used for studying? Is there some other form of entertainment in/around Bozeman that I'm not familiar with that is stealing support?

Game-weekends in the 80's: (Please note, this is STRICTLY an historical anecdote and is NOT meant to condone nor encourage ANY unlawful or unethical activity by the staff or students of MSU, nor any citizens of Bozeman... Also note that NONE of the following activities ever resulted in my incarceration; that should always be your goal.)

Party HARD Friday night. Get to bed NO LATER than 3 a.m. Saturday morning. Get up by 7:30, eat something, (throw it up), mix up a garbage can of jungle juice, and start "pre-functioning" by 9 a.m. Head to stadium ("armed" with your favorite beverage, of course) by 11 a.m. for a 1 p.m. kickoff (adjust accordingly). Yell, scream, and drink UNTIL THE FINAL GUN, regardless of the outcome or score. Make your way home, rest for an hour or 2, then head out to your favorite watering hole to either celebrate the win or drown your sorrows.

If any of you citizens of The Nation are current or recent students, please tell me what game-weekends look like now. I'm curious what's changed...

PDXKat · Post by **PDXKat** » Mon Dec 06, 2004 7:38 pm

I go to our games, and maybe I'm just too into the actual football game, but I don't notice what I'm missing. I truely enjoy the whole MSU football game day experience. Perhaps I'm dillusional. I've been to W/G, and yes it's nice. It's all relative though. The last time at W/G I overheard a visiting fan from some Big 10 team that he frequently saw play and had a stadium that held over 80,000. He described W/G as "quant". Not quite how you'd hear a ummm fan describe their own facility. I'd say we're good and getting better. Lets win the nc next year and see what happens.

LongTimeCatFan · Post by **LongTimeCatFan** » Mon Dec 06, 2004 8:31 pm

Most students in Bozeman have a job and to handle the extra traffic the game causes, it makes it tough to get game days off. I wasn't able to watch more than 2 games a season until I graduated. Would have liked to be there more, but I guess that's the way it goes. However El Gato, I do agree with your game day scenario as it usually happened that way for the two games I did get to attend, but if I wasn't able to attend, I was still at the watering hole after work. Now I only miss 1 or two.

Cats15 · Post by **Cats15** » Mon Dec 06, 2004 8:31 pm

well, as a current student at msu and big supporter of bobcat athletics, here is how me and my buddys go about the weekend of a home game. Friday, get out of class at 5.(ugh)

then start partien around 8 or 9 and try to make it home by 2 or 3. Then set alarm for 8 30. wake up. I am the one in charge of calling all my friends and waking them up. Make my way to a pre game party at some house and have some kegs and eggs. Leave for the stadium at about 10 30-11. Set up our spot and keep on drinkin. Throw some dogs on the grill and then head in to the stadium with like 10 minutes before kick off.Cheer load and hard for the entire game,come back out and then go rest till 8. head down town and start the drinkin again

I have lived in bozeman all my life and have gone to all football games since i can remember. Now that i am in college i am glad that things are changing. i remember going to the tailgates with my parents and having alomost the entire lot to play a football game with my friends. Now, during the most part, the talgates were pretty full and i enjoyed them. MSU is doing a better job. ie. closing of the street, having a live band, and having the inflatable things for the little kids. (i wish those were around a few years ago). Even though we didnt make the playoffs or win the confrence i believe that more people are getting into football in bozeman. I think that they do need to do a better job inside the stadium with getting the crowd involved. especially the music. Does anyone know who does the music. I would be very interested in doing it myself. I have "DJed" many parties and know what gets the people pumped. I heard a couple years ago that it is some student that is getting his college paid for for doing it. GIVE ME THE JOB! but anyways ,even though we are not close to the atmosphere at UM, we are doin better.

BozoneCat · Post by **BozoneCat** » Mon Dec 06, 2004 8:39 pm

The music sucks, but it isn't the "DJ's" fault. Every single thing he plays has to be approved by the administration, and directly by Angela Baumann, the Assistant Athletic Director of Corporate Relations & Marketing. I have a feeling she gets her input from Peter Fields. Whoever is responsible needs to lighten up and let us have a little fun. I'm not talking about playing Snoop Dogg and Eminem, but give the guy a little creative room, and try to make it so that every game isn't the EXACT same.

CelticCat · Post by **CelticCat** » Mon Dec 06, 2004 9:40 pm

As long as they play "We Like to Party" constantly, I'll be happy. Everyone dances to that stupid song, myself included.

MSU football program, support, and excitement have all gone up over the years. You are blind if you don't see that. I'm not saying we are anywhere near where I want us to be, but we have made iprovement.

JUST STOP MAKING OUR WINS SO FRUSTRATING CATS! I've never hated winning as much as when I see the Cats win.

BelgradeBobcat · Post by **BelgradeBobcat** » Mon Dec 06, 2004 10:28 pm

Don't compare a Cat-griz gameday at either venue to any other Bobcat game. It's almost apples and oranges.

Go to a game at another Big Sky venue that's not um. You'll be really glad for what we do have at MSU. ISU for example had very limited tailgating (on ashpalt which I don't think works as well) and pretty limited atmosphere in their dome. EWU also has a pretty tame gameday atmosphere.

I agree with the comments about the cheerleaders-we need them back. We also need a better mascot-better costume and a real character in the suit. I'm not sure, but it seems like some games Champ is short and some he is tall-do we have one guy (or gal) or is it by committee? I also agree that the band needs to be bigger, but I think they belong in the student section with the rest of the students. Our band-though small-does a lot of cheering-at the Utah Valley basketball game they were working pretty hard while the rest of the students sat on their hands (or studied). It's appalling to me that they let the opposing coach scream and yell, and step on to the court and not get on him. The students really show up for Cat-griz and maybe Weber, but otherwise they're way too docile at b-ball games.

But we have come along way for football. This season, the homecoming gameday was about the best I had ever seen for a non-griz game. It fell off a bit as the weather cooled and hunting season started, but it was still far better than most places I've been. In stadium I thought the EWU crowd was really into to it-it's just a huge shame we lost.

The most important factor in improving the gameday is winning. I think it's really that simple. Going 4-2 at home isn't going to cut it.

CARDIAC_CATS · Post by **CARDIAC_CATS** » Tue Dec 07, 2004 9:27 am

If your talking nonstop movies/ads/monte then I say no way. I am there to watch the football game/yell/hang with friends. I don't come to watch gay 'monte' ads on the Big Screen that disctract me from the game. If its so lame, then bring up some ideas that you think will make it better? And yes, the MUSIC has been light years ahead of 2-3 years ago. I think you must be a new MSU bandwagon fan eh? Did you switch from the Griz the last 2 years? Sure sounds like it.

Even the Griz fans (who get into the game) get sick of all the stupid Ads/waves going on when offense is on the field. If you can't get excited by watching the team 'play' then why do you even go? I mean do we not go to watch the team play football? If I want entertainment on the side, I'll hit a movie or take in a circus. Prett lame if you think sitting in beautiful football stadium/setting such as the one in Bozeman and you think you need to be entertained non-stop by side stuff. There would be people back East that would just be MARVELED at Bozemans game day experience/setting it offers and the weather (usually).

Here's a hint: Bring your gameboy next time!

velochat · Post by **velochat** » Tue Dec 07, 2004 9:30 am

This season, the quality of the football in the first half was generally horrible. We eventually learned that there would be a second half comeback, but being behind almost the entire game definitely reduces enthusiasm. A person might as well come for the last 5 minutes. Considering all, the crowds were very good this season. If Lulay and company score in the first half of games next season, we could see a major increase in enthusiasm.

When the students used to jockey for seats in the arenas, they had to buy their season tickets. The tickets were actually hard to get. Now they pay activity fees and get free tickets. This may be purely coincidence, but when the tickets became free, fewer students came to games. Anyway, I understand the need for the steady revenue stream, but it was interesting to observe.

One difference that makes it harder to improve game enthusiasm and crowds is that Bozeman has huge competition for the entertainment dollar these days. It's hard to find time for all of the activities available today, which was not always the case in Bozeman.

suckitgriz · Post by **suckitgriz** » Tue Dec 07, 2004 9:30 am

HOW ABOUT A NEW MASCOT AS WELL. WORST IN THE NATION- I WOULD RATHER NOT HAVE ONE AT ALL THEN ONE THAT GOES AROUND AND SCARES THE LIVING PISS OUT OF CHILDREN AND MYSELF. WE NEED SOMEONE WITH A LITTLE SKILL AND AN ENTIRELY NEW COSTUME.

CARDIAC_CATS · Post by **CARDIAC_CATS** » Tue Dec 07, 2004 9:40 am

suckitgriz wrote:HOW ABOUT A NEW MASCOT AS WELL. WORST IN THE NATION- I WOULD RATHER NOT HAVE ONE AT ALL THEN ONE THAT GOES AROUND AND SCARES THE LIVING PISS OUT OF CHILDREN AND MYSELF. WE NEED SOMEONE WITH A LITTLE SKILL AND AN ENTIRELY NEW COSTUME.

Speaking of Champ ... anyone see the new person in that costume at the MSU/WYOMING border war? Whoever is in there is HUGE! Now he really scares everyone