Bronze Bobcat "Spirit" makes tour through Montana Oct. 1-5

[rtb]

The Montana State University Alumni Association will be taking Spirit, a 6-foot-tall bronze bobcat, on tour to seven communities Oct. 1 through Oct. 5. before it finds it final home on MSU's campus. The bronze will be the centerpiece of an Alumni Plaza under construction on the MSU campus. The bronze and the plaza are gifts -- valued at $150,000 to $200,000 -- to the university from the Alumni Association. The "Spirit" bronze is named after MSU's first live bobcat mascot and was created by Bob Stayton, MSC Class of 1951 with bronzing by Jack Muir, Class of 1970.

Just north of MSU's main administrative building, Montana Hall, the circular Alumni Plaza will be surrounded by large stones, trees, benches, native grasses and flowers. Spirit will be mounted on top of a 36,000 pound boulder at the center of the plaza. "The plaza is intended to become a symbol of university pride and a gathering place on campus," said Jaynee Groseth, president of the MSU Alumni Association. "This is a wonderful gift from the alumni to the university that will be enjoyed for generations." The grand opening of the plaza is scheduled for Oct. 9 during MSU Homecoming.

Prior the grand opening, Spirit will make stops at the following cities. MSU alumni, friends and fans are invited to see the bronze. Each stop will be hosted by members of the MSU Alumni Association board. Snacks and refreshments will be served.

Thursday, Oct. 1 Spirit Tour send-off Reception in Bigfork at Buffalo Trails Gallery at 470 Electric Ave at 4pm
Friday, Oct. 2 Spirit Tour stop in Kalispell at First Interstate Bank at 2 Main St. from 11:30a-1p
Friday, Oct. 2 Spirit Tour stop in Polson at First Interstate Bank at 106 2nd Ave. E from 3-4:30pm
Sunday, Oct. 4 Spirit Tour stop in Choteau at Country Club on Airport Rd from 4-5:30pm
Monday, Oct. 5 Spirit Tour stop in Great Falls @ Chili's/Macaroni Grill at 1420 Market Place Dr. from 7:30-9am
Monday, Oct. 5 Spirit Tour stop in Helena at Great Northern Hotel complex at 835 Great Northern from 12-1:30pm
Monday, Oct. 5 Spirit Tour stop in Butte at Metals Bank Bar & Grill at 8 W. Park St. from 5-6:30pm

[longhorn_22]

Choteau?

Can't wait to see it here on campus. Excited to see the final product.

[Old Skool Cat]

Just stopped by and saw "Spirit" today on my lunch hour. Pretty darn cool and impressive! This will be a phenomenal addition to our campus; it's about time. I think everyone will be impressed. Tomorrow morning at 8:00am, they will be setting him up on his boulder podium in the Alumni Plaza. Captains from the football team will be helping with the heavy lifting to set him up. On Friday, there will be an official dedication at 2:00 pm. They are also selling limited edition bronzes in two different smaller sizes. I can't wait to see him in all his glory on Saturday!

[catamaran]

as of 8 this morning they are backing him into place in the new plaza