Article by Jamie Blotske | Photos courtesy of Brittany Hoiness

For Brittani Hoiness, husband Devan, and their two kids, Bobcat football is more than just a game; it’s a way of life. It’s full of tradition, spanning several generations. It’s a culture of community, shared with friends and family. It’s making memories that will last a lifetime.

It all started with Brittani’s dad, Dick, a 1972 graduate of Montana State University. He also served as President of the Alumni Association in the early 90s. “I’ve been going to games since I was weeks old.” Brittani shared. “We’ve had season tickets since I was a baby. I just don’t know life any differently.” she went on to say. She has proudly maintained that tradition by bringing her daughter to a game at just 3 weeks old, while her son attended his first game mere days after birth. Her husband, Devan, is a 2009 graduate. Brittani jokingly said, “He only married me for my tickets.” She laughed as she revisited their early days of dating. “We had barely started dating, and I remember thinking there was no way I was going to introduce him to my dad just yet. My dad was way too crazy and intense about Bobcat football.” But as fate would have it, Devan found out sooner rather than later. As Britanni and her dad approached their stadium seats one fateful game day, Devan was already situated in the stands, directly behind them. Turns out, Devan’s best friend’s family has season tickets in the row right behind Brittani’s dad. It was truly meant to be.

They’ve come a long way since the early days. Married with two children, they now happily share their love and passion for Bobcat football with them. Their son is “super into football and is obsessed with Taco Dowler,” she said. “He’s finding his heroes.” Their daughter loves cheerleading, specifically the Bobcat cheer squad. “She’s gotten to stunt with them on the field.” Brittani excitedly shared.

If anyone knows how to plan a weekend trip to Bozeman, with kids, for a Bobcat football game, it’s Brittani. If you want to catch a game like a seasoned fan, follow this itinerary.

Brittani's Bozeman Itinerary

 FRIDAY AFTERNOON

◯ Depart for Bozeman

◯ Check in at Springhill Suites – great pool for kids.

◯ Eat dinner at Burger Bob’s on Main – kids always get a milkshake

SATURDAY MORNING

◯ Breakfast at The Western Café on Main – while this wouldn’t be her first choice for breakfast, tradition trumps taste buds on this one. It’s where her dad has gone for years.

◯ Directly to the field to catch the prowl. It’s like a mini parade, getting to watch the players walk into the stadium with their gear. She noted that it could be different this year, as the lockers are now located at the football field.

◯ Tailgating around noon – a great time for friends and family to congregate.

◯ Saturday afternoon games start at 1 or 2pm – get in before the national anthem. If her son is with them, it’s roughly 90 minutes before game time, to watch the players warm up.

◯ Post game at Rocking R Bar on Main in Bozeman – it’s where all the fans go to celebrate.

SUNDAY

◯ Breakfast at Main Street Overeasy – kids have to get the hot chocolate.

Whether you’re a Montana State University alumnus or not, taking in a Bobcat football game should be a part of your game plan this fall. It’s more than a game; it’s an experience that will create lasting memories for you and your family.

Originally printed in the September 2025 issue of Simply Local Magazine

Check this article out in the digital issue of Simply Local here!

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