MSU Bobcats Football Weekend

Where to Stay

Bozeman offers various lodging options, from locally owned boutique hotels to nationally known favorites. There are six hotels downtown (including a hostel on Main Street), and a wide array of choices just off I-90 at the 19th Ave and 7th Ave exits.

Here are several to check out:

• AC Hotel Downtown Bozeman

• Element by Westin

• Lewis and Clark Motel

• The Lark

• Kimpton Armory Hotel

• Residence Inn Bozeman Downtown

• The Sapphire

• RSVP Hotel

• Treasure State Hostel

A select group of accommodations is offering special pricing for Montana residents. Call participating hotels and motels directly to inquire about rates. You’ll find many more lodging options at visitbozeman.com.

What to Pack for an MSU Bobcats Football Weekend

Start with your blue and gold attire, of course. If it’s Gold Rush Days, the whole stadium is awash in gold.

Montana weather is fickle. It can quickly turn from hot and sunny to rain and cool temperatures. It’s also known to reach below freezing later in the season. Check the weather and be ready with raingear, fleece layers, and hats and gloves. (Hand warmers aren’t a bad idea, either.)

Clear bags are allowed in the stadium, along with small clutch bags no bigger than 4.5”x6.5”. You can also bring a seat cushion, but no large bags or backpacks. Blankets are allowed if they are draped over your arm or shoulder.

Day 1

Once you get settled into your hotel, you may want to explore MSU football fans’ favorite hot spots. Rockin’ R Bar has been a Bozeman icon since the 1940s. Today, they have twenty TVs and a 100-inch projection screen. Mountains Walking Brewery and Pub brews some exciting beer, along with hard seltzers, and some excellent pub food.

Near campus, Spectator’s Sports Bar and Grill is a favorite with the college crowd. In the same vicinity, you’ll find Bridger Brewing with incredible pizza and local beers.

For a dinner you won’t forget, Blacksmith Italian serves authentic dishes, handmade pasta, and even their own cheese. La Brasserie, on Willson Ave, is one of the newest restaurants in town, focusing on French cuisine with an urban twist.

Day 2

Game Day!

Bobcat Stadium hosts both afternoon and evening games, so be sure to check the schedule. Note that Kagy Blvd closes four hours prior to kick-off, and tailgating and the ticket office open three hours ahead of game time. Parking is available but can fill up quickly, so if you have an option to take a hotel shuttle, it may save you time.

Concessions and a beer garden are available at the stadium. Still, if you want a fast breakfast or lunch before game time, Freshie’s Café, located near the stadium, serves breakfast burritos, sandwiches, salads, soups, and baked goods.

Information on single-game tickets can be found here. Be sure to download the app and save your tickets before you get to the game!

Tailgating

Tailgating is a big part of the day. Local businesses and other groups rent spaces designated for tailgating, and the vibe is welcoming and social. Join in a friendly game of cornhole or frisbee and get geared up for the action! These spaces are reserved beforehand, but space is available for single-game group events if you have a reunion or large party.

Dinner and a Night Out

MacKenzie River Pizza has terrific pizza, salads, appetizers, pasta, sandwiches, and soups for a casual dinner to wrap up the day. Plus, they just remodeled, and if it’s nice outside, their garage doors open, creating a lovely indoor/outdoor feel.

If it’s an afternoon game, watch the schedule at the Rialto. This historic, remodeled theater hosts a variety of music, and the state-of-the-art sound system makes the shows even richer.

Day 3

Enjoy a Leisurely Breakfast

Breakfast is a big deal in Bozeman, so if you’re an early riser, you’ll likely not have to wait. Main Street Overeasy features classic items along with an array of benedicts and Mexican-influenced choices like huevos rancheros and breakfast burritos. The Western Café may well be Bozeman’s longest-running restaurant, and it’s well worth the experience with its rustic, classic feel. The Farmers Daughters Cafe, adjacent to the RSVP Hotel, has lighter fare, with offerings like smoothies and chia pudding bowls.

Take a Hike or a Scenic Drive

If you like a little movement after eating, a short hike up Drinking Horse Trail or the College ‘M’ Trail takes you to some beautiful views of the Gallatin Valley, and the trailheads are right outside city limits.

If hiking isn’t your cup of tea, a drive up the scenic Gallatin Canyon is gorgeous this time of year. You’ll pass sprawling ranches tucked under the majestic Bridger Mountain Range. You can loop through the Shield’s Valley to Wilsall and Clyde Park, then return to Bozeman via Livingston, or you can turn around at Bridger Bowl Ski Area and come back the same way.

Shop ‘Til You Drop

Bozeman has three different shopping areas: Downtown Bozeman, South 19th Ave, and Gallatin Valley Mall. The downtown area is full of boutique clothing stores, home decor stores, art galleries, and sporting goods. South 19th Ave is home to Costco, Target, Bob Ward’s, Ross, and Ulta, and the Gallatin Valley Mall is a mix of name brands like the J. Crew Outlet Store, Macy’s and locally owned specialty shops.

A Hearty Dinner

Montana’s agricultural heritage makes for some great steakhouses (and if you’re not a steak fan, they have plenty of options). The Rib and Chop House is a local favorite and is conveniently located near the hotels on S. 19th Ave. Or, if you are up for a little drive, Land of Magic Steakhouse in Manhattan is a classic steakhouse with all the courses: soup during the cold season, salad or shrimp cocktail, regular or twice baked potatoes, your choice of steak, and a scoop of Wilcoxin’s ice cream!