Bobcat Gameday Experience

Egg Salad · Post by **Egg Salad** » Mon Dec 04, 2006 9:05 pm

I think we should find a sponsor for T-shirts to get everyone wearing the same color. A sea of gold, or sea of blue, or whatever. If not the whole place, maybe just the student section.

As for selling beer inside, I don't know if that would help. I doubt most people would buy it anyways, because it would be overpriced, and you can get more beer for cheaper at the tailgate.

I wish there was more on campus advertising for the games. And more coordination among the students getting chants going, and finding clever ones. If someone were allowed in with a bullhorn at the front of the section, to get everyone on the same page, that would be cool.

Flares/smoke bombs? Just kidding.....maybe. Security would probably not be amused.

Hmmm....that's all I've got right now.

BobCatFan · Post by **BobCatFan** » Mon Dec 04, 2006 9:43 pm

tetoncat wrote:Better music selections that get the crowd into the game. I am still wondering why we had no music and cannon at our playoff game. The griz did, you could hear it on the TV broadcast. I think getting businesses to sell things right outside the stadium. Close off the endzone, if we can't get more bleachers now at least put up a fence that will keep some of the wind out and noise in. Set up package deals with motels, restaurants, and game tickets for out of town guests. Charge to get into the tailgate if need be but don't require a game ticket. Get the coaches show on some time other than 6:30 in the morning. FLYOVERS every game. More school incentive to be in the marching band or just make it a pep band that is louder. Nothing better than hearing a great Drum line.

Better Music
I was driving to the playoff game and Victim by AC/DC came on. I was thinking why have I never heard this song at a Cat game.

As for marketing, MSU really needs to make Billings their home base as well as Bozeman. After all, MSU-Billings does not have a football team and there are a lot of Cat fans in Billings. If MSU wants a 20,000 seat stadium, the fan base is to the east, just waiting for MSU to turn them onto Cat Football. I moved to Billings this past September, and I never seen any promotion for the Cats. When I would go to Spokane, WSU and U of W, I saw all kinds of marketing efforts by these schools. They had billboards, radio ads, and radio talk shows talking about each schools football programs. The AD should be attending Marketing 101 classes on campus and get a clue on how to bring in fans. If you spend $100k in marketing, it should bring back $500k in sales. Bozeman is not big enough to support a 20,000 seat stadium, but with in a 2 hour drive, there are a potenial 250,000 fans. This includes Billings, Helena, Butte, and all the small towns in between. If they can tap just 4%, that would be 10,000 fans. The students and the locals should be able to provide the other 10,000 fans. Heck, I know some guys at work who went to Missoula over the Cats for the first playoff game. They were not U of M grads. They went for the game day experience.

Here is another idea. I knew a gentlement that had a craft business. He would try to find shows that had a big draw into the town and at the same time a craft show would be held. The extra people in town meant more customers. He said one of his big shows each year was the football game for WSU. The craft show would be schedule the same day as a football game. The guys would go to the game while the wives went to the craft show. MSU just has not figure these things out. This is called marketing and it costs very little to do.

Post by **SonomaCat** » Mon Dec 04, 2006 9:50 pm

A couple billboards in cities across the state (Billings, Butte, Great Falls, etc.) with the marketing/poster photos and a big schedule might be a good draw ... and a way to put the idea in people's heads. Every time I drive by Stanford's campus and see their big billboard, I know it makes me say "You know, I really should see more of those games."

Of course, I never do ... so maybe it's not that great of an idea.

bcats · Post by **bcats** » Mon Dec 04, 2006 10:06 pm

I was thinking the other day that it would be cool to have some kind of bus system coming from major cities in the State. Maybe even running from as far as Glendive, Miles City, Billings, Lewistown, Havre, Great Falls, Helena, and Butte. The new Skyboxes should be cool but we must bowl in part of the stadium and create a bigger stadium atmosphere that draws fans in. It all takes money but I think it would bring in more than it takes. Also get some gear out there. It is getting better but I get tired of seeing Griz crap like they are the only team.

bobcatbob · Post by **bobcatbob** » Mon Dec 04, 2006 10:24 pm

I agree we need to do more around the State to get fans to the games. I agree there is a lot of opportunity in Billings. Run some charter buses from these outlying areas. Also, doing some advertising in these communities is great. More netwroking with the Alumni in these towns to get them to games. Also maybe set up a tailgate tent for the visitng team fans.

I noticed a big drop off in student tailgates whe nthe new "need a ticket policy" went into effect. I think that needs to be adjusted. We need to get more students to the games and let them tailgate. Yes, there were some incidents but it wasn't abnormal.

DaCats Forever · Post by **DaCats Forever** » Tue Dec 05, 2006 12:15 am

I still don't understand why somebody hasn't started running a bus from one of the local bars to the stadium on gamedays. It would take away from the tailgaiting experience some, but the rules with the tickets have already pretty much killed that experience anyway. I'd like to see them try and enforce that during Cat/Griz next year anyway. The atmosphere was unbelievable during the playoff game. Hopefully we can get some of that type around here all next year.

Another observation, why is everybody so obsessed with music for a sporting event. I can't even understand why people try and intertwine music and sports. Super Bowl halftime shows are stupid. If you can't have fun in a stadium filled with rabid fans without music blaring across the speakers, then I just don't get it. I wish the band played more during the game and we relied less on some "DJ". That's just my opinion.

bobcatbob · Post by **bobcatbob** » Tue Dec 05, 2006 9:21 am

We need to get every home game to be the same atmoshpere as the playoff game. That was awesome. Some people mentioned that the crowd nooise was better because there was no music. The music kind of drowned out the crowd noise during the season games. There is a place for music but I think it should be better planned.

FiveApples · Post by **FiveApples** » Tue Dec 05, 2006 10:50 am

#34 wrote:If you were hired on as the new Assistant to the Marketing Director (or whatever the title is), what sorts of things would you propose to better the game day experience for Bobcat Football? New tailgate rules, new game day traditions, new mascot on a skid steer loader, facility improvements, etc.

I think our team is ready to move up to the next level, what can we do as fans and administrators do to take our game day experience to the next level?

1. Better music played with better consideration of the game.

2. Bigger Scoreboard.

3. Rework the tailgate rules. Too many students getting their tickets only for the tailgate lot and not making the game. Kudos to those students that can do both, and cheer our team on.

4. Reword the north end zone, closing off the locker rooms into a single structure, and adding a roof-top deck/concession area for "standing room only" fans. It could be two-tiered up front for more fans.

5. Spend money on the east bleachers before finishing off the Pepsi end zone.

FiveApples · Post by **FiveApples** » Tue Dec 05, 2006 10:52 am

FiveApples wrote:
#34 wrote:4. Reword the north end zone, closing off the locker rooms into a single structure, and adding a roof-top deck/concession area for "standing room only" fans. It could be two-tiered up front for more fans.

Sry... "rework"

bobcatgrad2005 · Post by **bobcatgrad2005** » Tue Dec 05, 2006 11:11 am

Regarding the band, I wold love to see it expanded. And I think to do it they need better financial backing. As of right now they get lik $200 for the whole season. What about asking alumni to adopt a band member to pay them better for their participation? A sort of sponsorship? They definatley add to the atmosphere of the game.

And I'd like them to play more intereseting selections of music. That way we go away from the whole speaker system Rap vs. Country vs. Oldies debate.

Post by **kmax** » Tue Dec 05, 2006 11:11 am

FiveApples, you know you can edit your posts to fix things like typos right? Just click the "Edit" button in the upper right corner of any of your posts and you will be allowed to edit it.

Robcat · Post by **Robcat** » Tue Dec 05, 2006 11:55 am

Well, my 2c worth. We are moving in the right direction in regards to marketing MSU.

1. We now have a new Assistant Director of the Bobcat Club, f/k/a the Athelitic Scholarship Association. The name change to Bobcat Club and new blood is very positive. By the way his name is Hayward Lafferty and he draws his experience from the "Duke Club" at James Madison.

2. MSU has hired Learfield Sports (www.learfieldsprts.com) for all of its multimedia. Marketing will be under the brand of Bobcat Sports Properties. They market for more than 30 colleges including Army, Clemson and Miami.

3.Capital campaign is underway for stadium renovation and practice facility.

4. QB clubs are growing thru out the state and their finicial support to MSU football is enormous.

5.The Triangle Classic in Great Falls has brought NE Montana into total Bobcat country. Find the time this next spring to attend, it is a great experience.

6. Bobcat Club (ASA) since 2002 has doubled the amount given to MSU for student athletes, this year $684,000. Goal for 2007 $769,500. Ultimate goal for 2008 $1mil! Become a member of the Bobcat Club, or if you are a member please consider increasing your contribution.

Talk is cheap, but action speaks louder than words. Lets get off our collective butts and put a shoulder to the wheel.

Go Cats and keep the faith.

BobCatFan · Post by **BobCatFan** » Tue Dec 05, 2006 1:58 pm

Robcat wrote:Well, my 2c worth. We are moving in the right direction in regards to marketing MSU.

1. We now have a new Assistant Director of the Bobcat Club, f/k/a the Athelitic Scholarship Association. The name change to Bobcat Club and new blood is very positive. By the way his name is Hayward Lafferty and he draws his experience from the "Duke Club" at James Madison.

2. MSU has hired Learfield Sports (www.learfieldsprts.com) for all of its multimedia. Marketing will be under the brand of Bobcat Sports Properties. They market for more than 30 colleges including Army, Clemson and Miami.

3.Capital campaign is underway for stadium renovation and practice facility.

4. QB clubs are growing thru out the state and their finicial support to MSU football is enormous.

5.The Triangle Classic in Great Falls has brought NE Montana into total Bobcat country. Find the time this next spring to attend, it is a great experience.

6. Bobcat Club (ASA) since 2002 has doubled the amount given to MSU for student athletes, this year $684,000. Goal for 2007 $769,500. Ultimate goal for 2008 $1mil! Become a member of the Bobcat Club, or if you are a member please consider increasing your contribution.

Talk is cheap, but action speaks louder than words. Lets get off our collective butts and put a shoulder to the wheel.

Go Cats and keep the faith.

Thanks for info. It is nice that someone with inside knowledge is stepping up and explaining these things.

Platinumcat · Post by **Platinumcat** » Tue Dec 05, 2006 3:40 pm

I would love to see the tailgate areas spruced up. It seemed this summer we didn't water these areas at all and by Fall the grass was pretty much dead. This lends itself to muddy tailgate environments later on. If we committed to watering those areas during the summer, it would create a strong turf in which to tailgate on. Perhaps rows of trees for aesthetics?

The students need to become more involved with the gameday. Changes need to be made again to promote their attendance. As was mentioned, on campus promotions. In game promotions such as free books, credit at book store, on campus food court, etc. Prizes for craziest student fan, best dressed fan (catinthehat needs some competition).

I think we need to settle on our colors and promote ONLY them. I would love to see us get to the point where we were like Boise State and had one side that was totally blue and one that was totally yellow.

I'll keep thinking on some more

HelenaCat95 · Post by **HelenaCat95** » Tue Dec 05, 2006 3:42 pm

Another throwback jersey day. Except for the game's outcome, that was pretty cool.

This time, let's use the leather helmets.

1BadBobcat · Post by **1BadBobcat** » Tue Dec 05, 2006 4:01 pm

barechestcat wrote:I would love to see the tailgate areas spruced up. It seemed this summer we didn't water these areas at all and by Fall the grass was pretty much dead. This lends itself to muddy tailgate environments later on. If we committed to watering those areas during the summer, it would create a strong turf in which to tailgate on. Perhaps rows of trees for aesthetics?

The students need to become more involved with the gameday. Changes need to be made again to promote their attendance. As was mentioned, on campus promotions. In game promotions such as free books, credit at book store, on campus food court, etc. Prizes for craziest student fan, best dressed fan (catinthehat needs some competition).

I think we need to settle on our colors and promote ONLY them. I would love to see us get to the point where we were like Boise State and had one side that was totally blue and one that was totally yellow.

I'll keep thinking on some more

I couldn't agree more, barechest. I don't know how many umpteen different shades of blue I have seen and colors ranging from gold to yellow to something that looks like a burnt orange. I know because my home office is filled with Bobcat hats, shirts, memorabilia, etc. We need a uniform set of colors and that is what we market. I would think the contract we just signed with Learfield will help this. It is one area I am envious of the Griz (:yuck: - did I just say that?). If you look at all the Griz gear in various shops, it is one shade of maroon, one shade of gray, and one shade only.

By the way barechest, met your aunt in Helena Friday afternoon. Great lady - she was all decked out in the Bobcat gear and was showing me the family tree poster with all the Bobcat bloodlines and connections!!!

Au Blue · Post by **Au Blue** » Tue Dec 05, 2006 5:52 pm

Bay Area Cat wrote:
lyons5 wrote:Don't include the cat/griz game in the endzone season passes. On the years the game is in Bozeman all the GRiz fans buy the season passes because it's a cheap way to be guaranteed a ticket to the cat/griz game, and the rest of the season the seats sit nearly empty. I liked it this year when lots of people filled the end zone every game to up the noise level and the support for the team.
Urban ... myth.

I don't know how big of an "urban" myth it is BAC. I know 5 griz fans who buy those season tickets. Why? It's generally cheaper than trying to purchase one ticket during the week of Cat/Griz.

Post by **SonomaCat** » Tue Dec 05, 2006 5:57 pm

Au Blue wrote:
Bay Area Cat wrote:
lyons5 wrote:Don't include the cat/griz game in the endzone season passes. On the years the game is in Bozeman all the GRiz fans buy the season passes because it's a cheap way to be guaranteed a ticket to the cat/griz game, and the rest of the season the seats sit nearly empty. I liked it this year when lots of people filled the end zone every game to up the noise level and the support for the team.
Urban ... myth.
I don't know how big of an "urban" myth it is BAC. I know 5 griz fans who buy those season tickets. Why? It's generally cheaper than trying to purchase one ticket during the week of Cat/Griz.

Then they need to buy them every year, as season tickets are selling out, and those who had them the previous year have the option to renew.

And if we have Griz fans buying season tickets every year in order to get tickets for one game every two years, then that's brilliant marketing on the part of MSU.

Edit: And yeah, I used the term "urban myth" with some degree of irony.

Au Blue · Post by **Au Blue** » Tue Dec 05, 2006 8:39 pm

Bay Area Cat wrote: And if we have Griz fans buying season tickets every year in order to get tickets for one game every two years, then that's brilliant marketing on the part of MSU.

maybe as far as $ are concerned... but I'd rather see those stands full for every home game. They were closer to capacity this year then they were the previous year when Cat/griz was in Bozo. The endzone seats are very easy to get season tickets in, the griz fans don't need to worry about purchasing them in off years.

theblackgecko · Post by **theblackgecko** » Tue Dec 05, 2006 9:07 pm

From what I understand, the band has a lot of problems (mainly with the people in charge). I knew quite a few music majors at MSU who did the band only because their major required it and hated every minute. In contrast, I know non-music majors at Montana who do the band because they want to do it. So, a lot of the problems with the band are internal problems of the music department.

That being said, I heard that the band isn't allowed to play as much as they'd like due to the athletic department's wishes. I'd much rather hear any college band play than that stupid stadium music. 'Less canned, more band.' Anyone who doubts should hear Oregon's 300 strong band in the endzone. It's incredible.

Bobcat Gameday Experience

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