Bozeman, Montana – As Montana State University prepares for the upcoming academic year and football season, the campus brought its school spirit to the heart of downtown. The 14th annual Cat Walk, a tradition that began fourteen years ago, marched through Main Street in a sea of blue and gold, highlighting the close ties between the university and the Bozeman community.
Community and business impact
Local business owners see the event as a vital boost to the local economy. “To the business it’s everything. It brings alumni, students, parents – all the Bobcat fans together,” said Tana Koelzer, owner of The Cannery Lounge. Koelzer added that the event helps create a “home away from home” for visitors, encouraging them to linger, shop and dine while supporting the university’s athletic programs.
Throughout the walk, participants stopped at several downtown establishments, giving patrons a chance to meet athletes, obtain autographs and enjoy the fight song playing from portable speakers. A brief twenty‑minute pause at Soroptimist Park allowed fans to mingle with players and university staff before the procession continued.
Growth of the tradition
Long‑time fan Patty Kicker reflected on how the Cat Walk has evolved. “It started with the band, a few team members and university officials. Now the whole town joins in, which is phenomenal,” she said. The event’s expansion mirrors the growing enthusiasm for MSU athletics and the desire of Bozeman residents to be part of the university’s culture.
Students returned to campus on Sunday to move into dorms, and the Cat Walk served as a celebratory bridge between campus life and the broader Gallatin Valley. Organizers hope the momentum will carry into the football season, fostering a stronger sense of community and shared identity.
Looking ahead
With classes and competition set to begin shortly, university officials and local leaders are optimistic that the Cat Walk will continue to strengthen ties between MSU and Bozeman. The event not only showcases school pride but also underscores the importance of local businesses in supporting the university’s mission.
For more details about the 2026 MSU Cat Walk, visit www.montana.edu.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
