By Danny Waldo
Following a highly successful weekend in Great Falls at the Triangle Classic, the Montana State Bobcat football team will return home to conclude the 2016 version of spring ball with the playing of the annual Sonny Holland Spring Game under the lights at Bobcat Stadium on Friday, April 15th. Building on the excitement from the Electric City, the ‘Cats will look to up the entertainment in their final appearance of the spring by moving the kickoff time of the Sonny Holland game to 7:00 p.m.
The game was originally scheduled to kickoff at 5:00, but with the addition of more fan engagement activities, the kickoff has been pushed back two hours. It has been a successful spring for Choate and staff in their quest to ‘Win the State’ and the Triangle Classic was no exception. The Bobcat team and fans were treated to an inspiring speech from former NFL MVP Joe Theismann, in which he implored the Bobcats to be accountable, “If a coach says something that’s a little rough, take it like it’s supposed to be taken. Take it like a man, and it will make you a better football player and a better person.” An estimated 1,200 people turned out for Theismann’s speech on Friday night before being treated to a physical Blue/Gold scrimmage at Memorial Stadium last Saturday. The ‘Cats hope to bring that excitement home to the local faithful this Friday night when they don the pads under the lights for the first time in the Choate era.
The Rockin’ R Bar is handling the pregame festivities, hosting a Bobcat Fan Appreciation Tailgate Party at the Northeast corner of the stadium by the player’s entrance. The tailgate party will begin at 5 p.m. with complimentary hamburgers, hot dogs, Pepsi products and bottled water. A DJ will be providing music, and the R Bar will be giving away 1,500 koozies that can be brought downtown following the scrimmage for a free beverage. In addition, the Sonny Holland Spring Game will feature games and activities for fans, including kicking field goals for prizes. Fans can register at the tailgate area after 5 p.m. on the day of the scrimmage to participate. The MSU bookstore will also be on hand selling Bobcat merchandise. Fans are asked not to bring alcoholic beverages to the tailgate on Friday. •
