History
The stadium opened in 1973 as Reno H. Sales Stadium, built for about $500,000. Reno Sales was a member of the first Bobcat football team in 1897 and was the college's only graduate in 1898. Later in life he was an engineer and philanthropist. Originally from Salesville (now Gallatin Gateway), he was the chief geologist for Anaconda Copper for 41 years. During his 90 years, Mr. Sales was widely known as "Mr. Bobcat," and for his generosity and devotion to his alma mater.
Prior to the 1998 season, the stadium was renovated for about $12 million and renamed "Bobcat Stadium." The facility was designed to accommodate further expansion in the southeast end zone.
On October 6, 2010 Montana State University was granted approval by the State of Montana Board of Regents to proceed with the planning, design and eventual construction of new endzone seating and related enhancements to Bobcat Stadium. Some of the enhancements include new visiting team and referee locker rooms, restrooms, 18' x 37' LED video board in the north endzone, and a new scoreboard atop the new section. The new 7,200 seat endzone "bowl" connects the two sideline grand stands. The renovation was projected to cost between $8 million and $10 million. $4 million was required to be raised privately with the remaining amount to be financed and paid for through ticket and other athletics related revenue. No new student fees or other State money was to be used for the project. A day before the project was presented to the Board of Regents, it was an announced that an anonymous individual donated $1 million dollars to the project in honor of former Bobcat playing and coaching legend Sonny Holland.
Ground was broken for the expansion on January 28, 2011. Work was complete in time for the September 10, 2011 home opener against UC-Davis.
The upgraded stadium has 17,777 seats, but capacity is routinely expanded through the use of standing room only areas and temporary bleachers in the north endzone. A Bobcat Stadium attendance record of 20,767 was established during the 2012 season opener vs. Chadron State on August 30. The venue was further enhanced with floodlights through the use of donations obtained in the fall of 2011. By the 2012 football season, Montana State University will have the capability to host night games and meet television broadcasting lighting requirements.
Read more about this topic: Bobcat Stadium (Montana State University)
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